In August of 1964, Jensen Motors manufactured fifteen unique GT Tigers for the Rootes Group. The Rootes Group manufactured British automobiles, and was a parent company to many well-known marques, including Sunbeam. No one has an immediate answer for why no more than fifteen were built. There is a possible explanation for this though. “The ‘Gran Turismo model’, to give it it’s proper name was introduced with the SIII Alpine in 1963 and in SIV form was distinguished from its Sports Tourer brother by a slightly detuned engine, several interior fitting enhancements and the absence of a soft-top. The interior was fitted as standard with several ‘optional extras’ including: a walnut veneered facia to the dashboard, a matching wood-rimmed steering wheel, clock, ammeter, cigarette lighter and glove compartment courtesy light.

At almost the end of August in 1964, Jensen recorded a new batch ordering system, Rota, as a result of Rootes ordering 15 GT Tigers. All of these were to be North American specification. With little interest stirred up from the introduction of this car to the North American car market, the GT Tigers amounted to market research. Amazingly these cars slipped into obscurity until information from Jensen Motors reemerged over 20 years ago.

The Sunbeam Tiger GT offered here is finished in a gorgeous black paint, with a matching removable hardtop. Under the bonnet of this car is the reported original engine, a highly modified 260 cubic inch V-8 engine that is married to a smooth shifting four-speed manual transmission. The engine bay exhibits many of its mechanical components being polished or chromed, plus they convey the detail applied to this car. To assist with driving the Tiger, a rack-and-pinion steering system and four-wheel power disc brakes are also present. The interior is handsomely finished in black leather with matching wool carpet and a removable chrome rollbar. Adorning the inside is a modern radio, tuner, glovebox, woodgrain dash and the stunning original wood steering wheel. The custom made wheels on the car have also been updated to a Halibrand-style with blackwall tires. With its custom stainless steel exhaust, the car let's its presence be known like a Tiger's roar. No expense was spared in this fine restoration.

Norman Miller of the International Registry of Sunbeam Tigers has certified this car and knows of no other certified GT. Records show that there may be only eleven known survivors in the United States.