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SUNBEAM TIGER MK IA - $Auction

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Dare to Dream Collection event, 31 May - 1 June 2024.
Offered Without Reserve | $90,000 - $125,000 USD

  • Carroll Shelby’s “other” British-American hybrid; a must-have for the dedicated Shelby collector
  • Previously restored and listed in The Book of Norman registry
  • Stunning in triple-black livery with numerous authentic details


Please note, this lot is registered in Canada and import duty will be applicable to all countries outside of Canada, including the United States.


You don’t just start the Tiger… you unleash it!” —Carroll Shelby

After the success of the Shelby Cobra, British manufacturers looked for other sports cars that could handle a V-8 transplant. The Rootes Group, with some urging by Formula One World Champion Jack Brabham, reached out to Carroll Shelby about developing a Cobra-esque take on their handsome Sunbeam Alpine.

In the same spirit as the Cobra, Shelby and his team took a base Alpine, yanked out the mild-mannered four-cylinder engine, and shoehorned in Ford's 260-cubic-inch small-block V-8. The chassis and brakes were suitably updated, and the car given an appropriately flashy new name: Tiger. The Sunbeam Tiger offered junior-Cobra performance in a more modern, civilized, and user-friendly package. Amenities like comfortable seats, a proper ventilation system, and roll-up glass side windows made it feel generally more contemporary, while its price point was within the reach of the average enthusiast, spurring a cult-like following that continues to this day.

Listed in the The Book of Norman registry, this Tiger was manufactured in February 1966 as a “Mark IA” model. Never an official Rootes Group designation, the term “Mark IA” has arisen to describe these later Tigers built upon the Sunbeam Alpine Series V body with noticeably sharper panel lines and a vinyl top boot in place of the earlier metal cover.

Prior to coming under Dare to Dream Collection’s curation in 2013, this Tiger reportedly received a full restoration using materials sourced from Sunbeam Specialties of Campbell, California. Finished in a triple-black livery, the car features many authentic details including pebble-grain vinyl seat and door card upholstery, wood-rimmed two-spoke wheel, and wood dash with correct Jaeger instrumentation. Ford's potent 260-cubic-inch V-8 engine is well-detailed, with the proper oval air cleaner and fluted aluminum “Tiger” valve covers. Tools and a spare wheel are stowed in the trunk.

Light, compact, and immensely enjoyable to drive, Sunbeam Tigers make for a choice entry in any number of tours, rallies, and club events. Referred to by enthusiasts as a “Cobra for the masses,” this well-sorted, triple-black example offers a premier opportunity to unleash your own Tiger.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/dd24.

  • 0 Miles
  • Transmission 69197354786223e29b85070a0695cc247a4c2b215c743673c2d02e864b4cd687 N/A
  • Steering ca68a9643bbb915d30839040f432af59e679db8cf98e23a4378cbef2ed805059 RHD
  • RefCode: 83500D49-553A-6142-B625-137F1D775021