1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster: Blending Power and Elegance

The 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster is a timeless classic that effortlessly blends power, style, and sophistication. With its meticulously crafted details and robust performance enhancements, this car is a testament to an era when automobiles were more than just modes of transportation; they were symbols of freedom and adventure.

Heart of the Beast

At the core of this magnificent roadster lies a powerful 260 cubic inch V-8 engine. But what makes it truly remarkable are the carefully chosen upgrades. An Edelbrock Performer intake and Holley carburetor breathe life into the engine, providing it with the perfect mix of air and fuel for exceptional performance. The dual exhaust system not only enhances power but also fills the air with a symphony of throaty growls, turning every drive into a thrilling experience.

A Symphony of Control

Connected to this formidable engine is a 4-speed transmission, allowing the driver to harness the power of the V-8 with precision. It's a reminder of a time when driving was an art form, a dance between man and machine.

Elegance in Monochrome

The exterior of this Sunbeam Tiger is bathed in classic white, a color that symbolizes purity and sophistication. The black interior and convertible top create a striking contrast, enhancing the car's visual appeal and exuding an air of understated luxury.

Distinctive Accents

Stepping inside, you're greeted by a Lecarra wood-rimmed steering wheel, a touch of warmth and refinement that complements the car's character. Jaeger instruments provide vital information with a timeless aesthetic. Bumper guards, a driver's mirror, and unique LAT 70 wheels with LAT 75 spinners add to the car's distinctive charm.

A Legacy of Authenticity

This Sunbeam Tiger comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, a testament to its heritage and originality. It's a piece of automotive history, a reminder of the era when cars were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for excellence. The California Black plate further underscores its historical significance, connecting it to the golden age of motoring.

The 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster is more than just a car; it's a work of art on wheels. It represents an era when driving was an experience to be savored, a journey to be relished. Today, it continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors, reminding us of the enduring allure of classic automobiles.

THE STORY

This first-year 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I Roadster is a well-kept example of this popular Anglo-American hybrid finished in white with a black interior and top and featuring the 260 CI version of the Ford small-block V-8. Founded in 1905 by John Marston and business partner Maxwell Maberly-Smith, the Sunbeam Motor Car Company initially produced cars based on a Peugeot design. The company won worldwide acclaim in the ‘20s and ‘30s with a series of racing and speed-record machines, but for years after being absorbed by Rootes, few enthusiasts associated the Sunbeam brand with anything resembling a performance vehicle. That changed—albeit only barely—when Rootes approved production of the Sunbeam Alpine roadster in 1959, a sporting 4-cylinder two-seater with a refined ride and interior and such amenities as roll-up side windows. By then, American manufacturers were actively appealing to the performance market, a fact noticed by West Coast Rootes Group sales manager Ian Garrad. After discussing a V-8-powered Alpine with famed Rodder and racer Doane Spencer, in 1962 Garrad turned to Carroll Shelby, whose Ford-engined Cobra was already attracting attention. Shelby’s resulting prototype was fitted with the same 260 CI Galaxie engine that powered the first 75 Cobras—limited to 141 HP versus the Cobra’s 260—backed by a T-10 4-speed and a shortened Galaxie rear axle. Garrad also approached Shelby’s chief engineer and driver Ken Miles to build a prototype, but the Shelby-prepared car proved the better of the two, its engine set back enough to allow room for the proper Ford cooling system and its steering box replaced with an MGA rack-and-pinion assembly. The Ford 260-powered Sunbeam Tiger debuted in 1964, another Shelby creation that has become highly collectible. Upgraded with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock Performer intake and dual exhaust, this 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I features a Lecarra wood-rimmed steering wheel, Jaeger instruments, bumper guards, a driver’s mirror and LAT 70 aluminum wheels with LAT 75 spinners.

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Topics: classic car vintage classiccar 1964 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster