Thanks to those who have asked questions and provided clarification on some
points, I have revised the text, i am still trying to keep this short so as
to leave room on the page for images, and so its not an essay.. but want the
important facts in there.. and hopefully mo errors! I still mneed some
things clarified as i am getting conflicting information.
In 1962 Rootes Groups west coast manager Ian Garrad conceived the idea of
squeezing a higher performance engine into its Sunbeam Alpine sports car.
Garrad approached Carroll Shelby of Cobra fame to develop a prototype that
could be presented to the Rootes board in the UK. Shelby American was
provided a white SII Alpine as the base. Gorge Boskoff removed the stock
1600cc 4 cylinder and began modifying it to accommodate a 260 Ford V8, 4
speed transmission, rack and pinion steering and Studebaker final drive.
Impatient to see his idea realised Ken Miles was commissioned to produce a
quick prototype. Over the next 6 weeks *(can someone confirm this I have
people sayin 1 week and books saying 6)* Miles installed a 260 V8 and 2
speed auto into another 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 Garrard waited
as the Shelby prototype was developed by Doane Spencer and Ken Miles. After
some mechanical refinements 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 *(can someone confirm numbers?) *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 passed 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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