1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE TRANSMISSION EXTERIOR COLOR INTERIOR COLOR

260CI 4-Speed Manual Blue Black

MAKE MODEL BODY STYLE AUCTION

Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster Kissimmee 2020

HIGHLIGHTS

The 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster stands as a remarkable classic car that marries British elegance with American muscle. This was the first year for the Sunbeam Tiger, and it introduced a new era of sports cars with its blend of performance, style, and heritage. Here are some highlights that make this car truly exceptional:

1. Powerhouse V8 Engine: At the heart of this Tiger roars a 260 cubic-inch V-8 engine. This small but mighty powerplant is known for delivering a thrilling driving experience, perfectly marrying British sports car charm with American V8 muscle.

2. Performance Upgrades: The car is equipped with performance-enhancing features like an Offenhauser intake manifold and a Carter 4-barrel carburetor. These upgrades increase the engine's breathing capacity and output, resulting in improved performance.

3. Sonorous Exhaust Note: The car features a header-fed dual exhaust system that not only enhances the engine's performance but also produces an intoxicating and iconic exhaust note, making every drive a symphony of sound.

4. Engaging Manual Transmission: A 4-speed manual transmission ensures that the driver remains fully engaged in the driving experience, allowing for precise control and shifts.

5. Modern Stopping Power: Unlike many of its contemporaries, this Tiger is equipped with front disc brakes. This enhances the car's safety and provides responsive and reliable stopping power.

6. Classic Color Scheme: The exterior is finished in a classic Blue Metallic, and it's paired with an elegant Black interior. This combination adds to the car's timeless appeal.

7. Comfort and Style: Inside, you'll find bucket seats and a center console, further emphasizing the sporty character of this classic roadster. The wood steering wheel and dash add a touch of sophistication to the cabin. For entertainment, there's an AM radio, and for comfort during cooler drives, there's a heater.

8. Classic Instrumentation: The dashboard features Smiths instruments that maintain the car's classic aesthetic while providing essential data to the driver.

9. Unique Wheels: The car rides on stylish Minilite wheels, adding an extra dose of character to its appearance.

10. High-Quality Tires: Ensuring a smooth ride and good grip on the road, the car is fitted with Yokohama tires.

In summary, the 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster is a classic in the truest sense. It's a perfect embodiment of the transition from the British sports car scene to the high-performance American V8 era. With its combination of style, power, and distinctive sound, this Sunbeam Tiger continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether you're cruising on the open road or showcasing it at a classic car event, this Tiger is a timeless icon of automotive history.

PHOTOS

THE STORY

It’s no surprise that the Sunbeam Tiger has always been better appreciated and understood in America because that’s where this feisty sports car was conceived. When Formula 1 world champion Jack Brabham piloted a 4-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine to second overall in the production car class of the 1962 Los Angeles Times Grand Prix, he had a classic eureka moment: drop in a V-8 and you’ve got a real weapon. Sunbeam’s competition department agreed it was only natural that the task fell to Carroll Shelby, who’d earlier transformed the pretty AC Ace into the awesome Cobra. Though Sunbeam parent company Rootes already had close links with Chrysler, Shelby opted for a Ford V-8—the Chrysler mill wouldn't fit. To cope with the 164 HP of the Ford 260 CI V-8, the chassis, suspension and rear axle were beefed up, and, thus, late in 1964, the pretty but tame 4-cylinder Alpine was transformed into the fearsome Tiger. Only 20% heavier than the Alpine, it was twice as powerful and capable of 117 MPH with 0-60 MPH coming up in 9 seconds. The front-disc, rear-drum brake setup remained the same as on the Alpine, although steering was changed to rack-and-pinion to cope with space restrictions. A wood-rim steering wheel, slim body-line chrome and badging provided the garnish. The British magazine “Motor Sport” was one of many that approved, commenting, “No combination of an American V-8 and a British chassis could be happier.” Though pleasingly standard in appearance, this first-year MkI Tiger is a little more tiger-ish than others, thanks to discrete underhood upgrades including Offenhauser intake manifold, Carter 4-barrel carburetor and header-fed dual exhaust. The Minilite wheels are a popular option among Tiger enthusiasts. Relatively rare, with a production run of just 3,763, the MkI is also eminently easy to own, with a ready source of common parts shared with the much more prolific Alpine. That makes it more affordable to own and run on road and track than many so-called exotics costing many times more.

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Topics: classic car vintage classiccar 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster