After the success Carroll Shelby found in shoehorning an American V-8 into a small British sports car, many automakers across the Commonwealth set out hoping to copy his achievement. Looking for their own Cobra, the Rootes Group had long felt their Sunbeam Alpine convertible would have far more appeal with improved performance.

After approaching Ferrari to help tune their existing, four-cylinder engine, Formula One champion Jack Brabham suggested Rootes approach Shelby himself with the hopes of fitting a Ford V-8 into the Alpine. After Rootes executives made rough measurements of the Alpine’s engine compartment with a wooden yard stick, Shelby deemed it feasible and agreed to build a prototype. The Sunbeam Tiger was born.

Rootes produced 6,498 Tigers in both left- and right-hand drive configuration from 1965 to 1966. Built Thursday, 27 May 1965, this Tiger is one of 580 said to have been factory-finished in striking Carnival Red. Build records further verify this car was destined for delivery to Anaheim, California and came equipped with Ford’s 260-cid V-8 engine mated a close ratio, four-speed top-loader transmission.

In 2012, this striking Tiger was completely restored by H.D. Rogers Import Motors Co. in Shreveport, Louisiana and Mastercraft Body Works of Ovilla, Texas. This task saw the car refinished in its factory-correct Carnival Red; this is complemented by a black interior with red piping, a walnut dash, and period Moto-Lita sport steering wheel. Chromed, 15-inch center-lock wire wheels with triple-ear knock-offs, presently wrapped in period-look Spring Classic tires, complete its sporting appearance.

An icon of American-British ingenuity, this 1966 Sunbeam Tiger MK I stands ready to impress its next caretaker. Its provenance is bolstered by a Sunbeam Tiger Ownership Group Certificate of Authenticity, Certificate of Disclosure, and Rootes Archive documents.