We are pleased to present this 1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk1A Roadster finished in Embassy Black over a black leather interior. The Sunbeam Tiger was the V8-powered high-performance version of the Sunbeam Alpine roadster and was designed in collaboration with Carroll Shelby. This very special 1966 example underwent a custom full restoration in 2005 and is certified by the Sunbeam Tiger Owner's Association. It was built to resemble the Sunbeam Tiger that was raced in the 1960s by English hot-rod legend Doane Spencer, and features an upgraded Ford Racing V8 crate motor paired with an original 4-speed manual gearbox. With just over 1,300 miles traveled since the completion of the restoration, this one-of-a-kind Sunbeam Tiger is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Washington.
The brainchild of David Ley of Dave’s Auto Restorations in Pennsylvania, this Tiger was finished in Embassy Black with double white racing stripes and is fitted with a custom aluminum trunk lid, deck panel, shaved exterior door handles, fender flares, and a hood scoop. The windshield is constructed from aircraft-grade Lexan, which has also been lowered and rolled back. Other custom features include a Le Mans-style fuel filler, a functional side-exit exhaust, and a chrome roll hoop installed as a nod to Shelby and the famous AC Cobra. 15” Hallibrand knock-off wheels have also been equipped and mounted with Yokohama AVS tires.
The cabin features black leather Cobra seats, a three-spoke Cobra steering wheel, and a custom engine-turned aluminum dashboard. Aluminum also lines the trunk area and inner door panels. The Stewart Warner instrumentation includes a 160-MPH speedometer, an 8k-RPM, and gauges for oil temperature/pressure, water temperature, battery voltage, and fuel level. There is also a modern fuse box to handle the electric system as well as a remote battery cutoff switch fitted towards the rear. All gauges and accessories are reported to be fully functional.
Under the hood, this Sunbeam Tiger is equipped with a Ford Racing 302ci GT40 V8 crate motor upgraded with AFR 1402 aluminum heads, custom headers, a Holly four-barrel carburetor, front-mounted oil cooler, MSD ignition, and a LAT Tiger embossed aluminum valve cover and oil pan. An estimated output of over 340 HP is delivered to the rear wheels through an original top-loader 4-speed manual transmission and a Dana 44 rear end. Stopping power is handled by a custom Wilwood big brake system with separate front and rear reservoirs. The suspension has been lowered with custom springs and Koni Classic shock absorbers. A new Griffin aluminum radiator has also been installed since the completion of the restoration and personal signatures from Carroll and Cleo Shelby as well as Lewis Spencer (driver of the #45 B-production Shelby Racing Tiger) can be seen in the engine compartment. Images of the underside are provided in the photo gallery.
This sale will include a clean title, Certificate of Authenticity, some featured publications and publicity photos, and a photo of Carroll Shelby signing the car. An outstanding build true to its inspiration, this custom restored Sunbeam Tiger is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.
Comments (19)
Thank you to all bidders, it is going to take a bit more to bring this special Tiger home.
Bid in the amount of $75,500
Bid in the amount of $75,000
Bid in the amount of $73,000
Bid in the amount of $72,500
Bid in the amount of $67,000
Bid in the amount of $65,000
Bid in the amount of $60,000
A new video has been added to the listing page.
An -on the road- driving video can be seen here:
https://vimeo.com/557789185
I will be available all day tomorrow for questions, thank you everyone.
The motor in the car is a Ford Racing 5.0L (306 ci) 340hp GT-40 aluminum V8. The details can be found in this link:
https://www.fordracingbyspeedshopdirect.com/5_0L_302_306CI_340HP_LONG_BLOCK_ASSEMBLY_p/m-6007-x302.htm
There are also AFR 1402 20 degree Aluminum street heads for better flow, increasing torque and horsepower.
Does it have the 289 cu in (4.7 L) engine.
Can you give a little more details on Ford racing aluminum V8 that was put in ..... size .... any other specs you can share on the engine
Bid in the amount of $35,000
This car is beautiful. Can the Tiger aficionados help me understand if the upgrades to this car help or hurt the value of the car (besides looking great) ?
Bid in the amount of $30,000
A short walk around video can be seen here. https://vimeo.com/521655736
We will be uploading a ride along driving video on Tuesday.
Hello everyone, thank you for viewing our Sunbeam Tiger.
This car is amazing in person to anyone that has seen it, the attention to detail, fit and finish, paint, and quality of parts is first class all around. The car drives very well, sounds wicked cool, no squeaks or heavy vibrations, shifts easily, and the Willwood brakes are reassuring. Why buy a new fiberglass replica Cobra when you could have a one off / true metal Sunbeam Tiger with a Ford racing aluminum V8? I hope you all have a fun upcoming weekend, I will be away from my store, back on Tuesday, but will check my email often throughout the holiday 3 day weekend. Feel free to reach out for questions.
Bid in the amount of $25,000