After the success of the Shelby Cobra, British manufacturers looked for other sports cars that could handle a V-8 transplant. The Sunbeam Alpine seemed like a good candidate. It had been launched by the Rootes Group in 1959 to compete with the MGA, Austin-Healey, and Triumph TR3. Norman Garrad, who headed the Rootes Competition Department, had been urged by Formula One World Champion Jack Brabham to develop a Sunbeam Cobra. His son, Ian, an executive with the company in California, tasked Carroll Shelby with converting an Alpine.

The new car was initially tagged “Thunderbolt” but was soon renamed the Tiger after a famous 1920s Sunbeam racer. When Lord Rootes drove Shelby’s prototype in England, he ordered the car into production in time for the 1964 New York Auto Show. The Tiger’s 7.9 second 0–60 mph time was twice as fast as the Alpine, and its top speed was an impressive 120 mph.

Rootes built 6,498 Tigers in both left- and right-hand drive from 1965 to 1966, with many of them featuring the Alpine’s excellent hardtop. After Lord Rootes died, Chrysler bought into the Rootes Group, and not surprisingly, they didn’t want to sell a car with a Ford engine. As a result, the Mark II was created. It was fast, with 210 horsepower from the 289-cubic inch Ford engine, but it proved short-lived. Chrysler ceased the program in 1967, after only 536 Mark IIs (including two prototypes) were ultimately built, of which, none were sold in England.

According to the original sales contract, this Sunbeam Tiger was originally sold new by Larry Reed Sports Cars in Los Angeles, but the buyer opted for European delivery. The first owner, a WWII veteran, decided to pick up the car in London, as it was going to be his first time back since serving overseas. The only options ordered at the time were a factory hardtop and a cigarette lighter. Although slated for the U.S., the Tiger was delivered with a speedometer reading in kilometers and European three-point safety belts, which are both very rare features. Also included with the car is the original Rootes of London key fob, which was handed to the buyer when he took delivery, as well as the original owner’s manual, service record book, service workbook, and the UK license plate it was originally issued.

This Tiger was acquired by the current and only second owner in 2008, and then it became the subject of a comprehensive six-year restoration. During that time, the car was completely rebuilt and refinished in its original Carnival Red (Code 39) over a black interior and fitted with its original black factory hardtop. The Tiger also retains its original engine, transmission, and rear differential. OEM fasteners, parts, and materials were used where possible, and the result, described by the owner as a “labor of love,” is absolutely stunning, making this surely one of the finest examples available. Most recently, it was certified by the Sunbeam Tigers Owners Association as an original Tiger, further attesting to its authenticity.

At about one-tenth the price of a 289 Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers represent tremendous value for the money. The handling and performance of these cars match anything from the period, and the best examples, such as this one, are absolute bargains.