In 1962 Carroll Shelby was enlisted to engineer a V-8 powered prototype for the Rootes Group's Sunbeam Alpine. The Alpine was modified to fit a Ford 260 cid V-8 and manual four speed, and the Sunbeam Tiger was born, making its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show in April 1964.

This car, completed in August 1964, is one of 15 Tiger GT's ever made, and is one of 11 believed to still exist. The limited and very rare GT models were equipped with removable hardtops, upgraded wood dashboards and other improvements. This GT was found in a garage in Palo Alto in the late '90s and was subject to an extensive restoration by a noted Tiger collector. It retains its believed original 260 cubic inch V-8 engine mated to a later Tiger close ratio top loader manual four-speed.

It is finished in gorgeous black paint with a matching removable hardtop. The interior is finished in black Connolly leather and Wilton wool carpets. It also sports four-wheel disc brakes, stainless steel exhaust and QA-1 adjustable shocks. After his purchase in 2015, the consigner commissioned a further restoration by Dale’s Restoration in San Bernadino, CA, , returning the car largely to its stock configuration. Period correct Halibrand wheels and a LAT hood scoop remain, adding a striking touch. The seller reports that Norman Miller of the International Registry of Sunbeam Tigers has certified that this is the only GT verified under the “TAC” program. A Tiger tool kit signed by Carroll Shelby is included in the sale.