1966 Sunbeam Tiger

1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk1a

The Cobra is the most famous English sports car with an American V8 up front, but at the same time Shelby was building them, there was another V8-powered roadster that was co-developed with Carroll Shelby. The Sunbeam Tiger took one of the smallest British sports cars of the time - the Sunbeam Alpine - and shoehorned Fords 260ci V8 where the 1.5-liter inline-4 used to sit, making for a thrilling drive behind the wheel.

This 1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk1a is from the second-to-last year of Tiger production and is finished in red over a black vinyl interior. Believed to be a three owner car from new, this Tiger benefits from a restoration that was carried out by all three owners, and recently completed by the consignor. The red exterior on this example is complimented by a black removable hardtop, which gives the car far greater practicality, and is paired with a black vinyl folding soft top that sits beneath a zip-up tonneau. The car rests on a set of the Tigers legendary 13-inch 8-hole polished wheels with 4-lugs and decorative 3-ear spinners.

The interior is simplistic - as you would expect from a British roadster of the era, but finished to a high standard. Up front, two black vinyl wrapped bucket seats, with a carpeted luggage area behind them. Slide in behind the wheel and you are met by a 3-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel, that frames a white-on-black Smiths 140-mph speedometer and tachometer. Inset within the wood-dash is also a volt-meter, water temperature gauge and a fuel level gauge. To the right of the driver sits a Hurst shifter with a cue-ball shift knob.

The original Ford 260ci V8 has been replaced by a more powerful Ford 302ci unit that retains the classic Tiger branded finned valve covers and horizontal air cleaner which sits atop a Holley carburetor. Power is then routed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Front disc brakes help the 2,560 lb car slow down very well, and a solid rear axle with a Panhard bar helps the car handle predictably.

With less than 6,500 Tigers produced between 1964 and 1967, they remain quite rare, and have a dedicated following surrounding them. With a thrilling combination of light weight, a potent and great sounding V8, and classic good looks, the Tiger is a hugely fun car to own and gives you lots of Shelby Cobra vibes, for a small fraction of the price.

Key Features

Recently Completed Restoration
302ci V8

Holley Carburetor

4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Black Removable Hardtop

New Vinyl Convertible Top

Black Vinyl Interior
Wood Dashboard

Smiths Instrumentation

13-Inch 8-Hole Wheels
Solid Rear Axle w/Panhard Bar


Additional Information

Restoration Information


For more information on this 1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk1a or any of our 150+ High-Performance, Exotic, Luxury, and Special Interest Cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. With 200+ Always On Site, Nobody Has What We Have!