Sunbeam promoted the Tiger as the fastest car in the world priced under $3,700, offering an affordable way to experience speed and precision handling without the high price tag of a Cobra or Corvette.
According to Tigers United, the roots of the Sunbeam brand date back to 1859 when Alderman John Marston, a 23-year-old British entrepreneur, laid the foundation for what would eventually become Sunbeam.
Initially, Marston’s business focused on tin-plating, but his passion for cycling led him to enter the bicycle manufacturing industry.
In 1877, he established the Sunbeamland Cycle Factory, producing high-quality, upscale bicycles.
Sunbeam bicycles quickly gained a reputation for their craftsmanship and exclusivity. By 1899, Marston ventured into automobile production, creating vehicles not for mass production but for a select group of affluent buyers.
The first Sunbeam automobiles were designed by Maxwell Maberly-Smith, although Sunbeam misspelled his name, dubbing their initial model the Sunbeam-Mabley.
As with many early automobile manufacturers, Sunbeam experienced significant evolution in the years that followed.
By 1911, the company was producing around 630 cars annually. By 1925, Sunbeam had become a regular participant in the prestigious Le Mans races.
Over the decades, the brand expanded its expertise beyond automobiles, venturing into airship and airplane manufacturing as well.
The Sunbeam Tiger, while often overshadowed by its Cobra counterparts, remains a unique and formidable sports car.
These Ford-powered British vehicles deliver Cobra-level performance combined with exceptional handling, making them an exhilarating ride.
Although they lack the widespread recognition of the Shelby Cobra, the Tiger’s history and capabilities are equally impressive.
This connection to Carroll Shelby is no coincidence—Shelby himself prototyped the first Sunbeam Tiger, infusing it with the DNA of his legendary two-seaters.
These finned Sunbeams stand as a testament to innovation, offering a driving experience that’s both thrilling and historically significant.
Listing
This 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I is for sale on cars.com for $79,995 located in Saint Charles, City in Missouri.
The 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I is a remarkable example of British engineering combined with American power. This convertible is equipped with a modified 4.3L V8 Ford engine, delivering the performance expected from the legendary Tiger name.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a manual transmission, staying true to the car’s enthusiast-focused design. With a left-hand drive configuration and a sleek two-door body style, the Tiger captures the essence of a classic open-top sports car.
The exterior of this Tiger is finished in an elegant green, while the interior complements it with a refined beige/tan color scheme. This harmonious combination highlights the car’s timeless appeal.
The vehicle’s originality is noted as modified, adding to its unique character and enhancing its already impressive performance capabilities.
Having a recorded mileage of 88,697 miles (TMU), this Sunbeam Tiger carries its history with pride. The VIN, B9472678, identifies this automobile as a piece of motoring history that enthusiasts cherish.
Whether for spirited drives or display purposes, this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I offers a blend of classic style and exhilarating performance.