1965 Sunbeam Tiger for sale $59,950

This Tiger has a very interesting history and has lived in 5 different countries. It started its life in England as a RHD home market car and was owned by a diplomat who took it to mainland Europe where he was stationed. Pat Vail acquired the Tiger from the diplomat in Vienna, Austria in 1975 when Pat was assigned to work for the European Atomic Energy Commission. The car stayed in Austria until Pat came home to California in 1978 and the car came with him. After having the car repainted in 1979, he started showing it in various Concours d Elegances throughout California. Pat died in 2004 and the car sat in his widows garage until I acquired it this past summer.

This Tiger has several interesting period modifications such as LAT options that were available dealer installed items created by Carroll Shelby. LAToption 1- Induction kit with Edelbrock F4B intake manifold and Holley 4 barrel carb. LAT option 2 - aluminum Tiger valve covers and chrome air cleaner housing. LAT option 73 - steel tube headers. The car is also sporting period correct J.A.Pearce (JAP) mag racing wheels dated 1968. This Tiger is authentic and is Norm Millers book(see photo)and website and has a written appraisal performed by Norm Miller himself in 1992.

This is a 260 V8 Tiger, but in the early 1990s, it was converted to a period correct 289 producing 240 hp. At that time, the 4 speed transmission was also rebuilt.

Overall, the car is in very good condition. This last September I entered it in the Valley British Annual Car Show. There were over 100 British cars in attendance and the Tiger was able to win its class. Although the paint is over 35 years old, it is still very glossy and shows little wear. There are several small chips that have been touched up over the years and a couple of spots where the hardtop has rubbed on the body, but they do not detract from the overallappearance of the car. The interior is also very good with only a couple of small tears on the center console lid (less that 1 centimeter). The carpet has been replaced. The exterior bright work is original and in good condition, but the front bumper has been rechromed.

When I purchased the car, it had been sitting for over a decade. I have restored several cars in my life and I knew what needed to be done to get it back on the road. The gas tanks were removed, cleaned and sealed. I installed a new fuel pump, hoses and filter. I also added all new fluids including coolant and brake fluid, new valve cover gaskets, new Kandamp;N style air filter, Pertronix electronic ignition, new urethane front suspension bushings and new tires.

Pat was very good about keeping the history of the car and I have 5 boxes of documentation and parts. Included are import papers from the original owner and shipping papers to the USA. It comes with various Concours brochures that the car participated in and much more. The Tiger drives great. Its acceleration is startling, but the car is still very tractable. It doesnt smoke, knock or overheat. It has great oil pressure (60 lbs) and handles and stops well.

I will consider a trade for a modern exotic or interesting sports car I have never owned. Feel free to call me or email me with any questions. Any intersted parties are welcome to see it in person or have it inspected.