I have recieved several requests about my info pages, and several people
have spoken to me about what they would like. I am going to produce another
version of the page with a breif history of the Tiger story. This will be in
A3 portrait format with text and several images of key Tigers (miles, shelby
prototypes, LM tigers, rally tigers, SCCA and NHRA cars and MI/II production
cars prhaps some other images depending how it looks - i dont wantit to
crowded)
anyway.. here is the text.. I appreciate any feedback or corrections:
In 1962 Rootes Groups west coast manager Ian Garrad, conceived the idea of
squeezing the small block ford Windsor V8 into its Sunbeam Alpine sports
car. Ken Miles was commissioned to produce a quick prototype. Over the next
6 weeks Miles installed a 260CuIn V8 and 2 speed auto into a 1600cc SII
Alpine. Mounting the engine very forward to allow for the stock steering the
Candy Apple Red prototype proved very quick, but with dubious handling.
Encouraged by the results Garrad approached Carroll Shelby to develop a more
refined prototype that could be presented to the Rootes board in the UK.
Shelby American adapted another SII Alpine, Geoeoge Boskoff fitting a 260
V8, 4 speed transmission, rack and pinion steering and Studebaker final
drive. After further development by Doane Spencer and Ken Miles the white
prototype was given some interior detailing and proved the concept was ready
to be sent to the UK.
Presented to the board in July 1963 Lord Rootes personally drove the car,
rumoured with the handbrake on, and was so impressed with the performance
ordered that it go into production. Henry Ford was contacted and an order
for 400 engines and transmissions was placed. The final specification of the
SIV Alpine based car was finalised over the next 11 months and the car was
in production at Jensen motors by June of 1964.
The Sunbeam Tiger would make a name for itself in its short production run.
The press praised the cars sporting and touring abilities, editors of
Autorcar and Motor both owning MKI and MKII Tigers. In 1965 and 66 Car &
Driver awarded the Tiger best grand touring car $2500-$3500.
The Tiger would also distinguish itself in competition. It competed in the
1964 Lemans 24 hours, was successful in international rallying and proved
competitive in SCCA racing and NHRA and AHRA drag racing in America.
With Chryslers purchase of a controlling share of the Rootes group in 1967
the Tigers days were numbered. Just 533 examples of the MKII development of
the Tiger were produced before the plug was pulled and the Tiger past into
history with only 7085 examples being made.
Today the Tigers understated looks and well finished interior combined with
its muscle car potential have endowed it with a loyal following. Its
continued success in historic racing and rallying and increasing
collectability ensure that the Sunbeam still has a Tiger in its tank.
--
Regards
Michael King
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