The West Coast Sales Manager of Rootes American Motors Inc., Ian Garrad, realized that the Alpine's image was that of a touring car rather than a sports car, and he set about changing its image, using the recent success of the Shelby Cobra as a guide. Sunbeam asked Carroll Shelby to produce one functional prototype on a budget of $10,000. Shelby's prototype was fabricated by Shelby employee George Boskoff, and the result was judged to be good enough to send to England for production evaluation. Seeking reassurance everything would fit, a second Series 2 Alpine was handed to Ken Miles. A talented racer and fabricator in his own right, Miles had just been employed by Shelby American. After doing extensive engineering studies, Rootes Group subcontracted development and pre-production testing to Jensen, located in West Bromwich. Jensen went on to assemble the Sunbeam Tiger. Production reached 7,085 cars over three distinct series (the factory only ever designated two, the Mk. I and Mk. II; however, since the official Mk. I production spanned the changeover in body style from the Series IV Alpine panels to the Series V panels, the later cars are generally designated Mk. IA by current Sunbeam Tiger enthusiasts). Mk. II production totalled just 536 cars, these Tigers, with the 200bhp, 4.7 litre engine, are rare today. Both the Miles and the Shelby prototypes have survived, along with a number of other historically significant Tigers. Offered for sale today is a Sunbeam Tiger owned by the current vendor since 1992. Lovingly used and much cherished, this Tiger is being sold sadly due to the ill health of the vendor. Having benefitted from a full engine rebuild in 2007 and having covered some 2,000 miles since, the coachwork could benefit from some attention. Supplied with a V5 document and a full years MoT test certificate, together with previous certificates dating back to 1980 and a number of invoices for work carried out, including the fitment of a new wiring loom, starter motor and flywheel. Finished in Old English White and complimented by red leather trim, this classic sports car will provide many years of enjoyable open air motoring to its new custodian.
The West Coast Sales Manager of Rootes American Motors Inc., Ian Garrad, realized that the Alpine's image was that of a touring car rather than a sports car, and he set about changing its image, using the recent success of the Shelby Cobra as a guide. Sunbeam asked Carroll Shelby to produce one functional prototype on a budget of $10,000. Shelby's prototype was fabricated by Shelby employee George Boskoff, and the result was judged to be good enough to send to England for production evaluation. Seeking reassurance everything would fit, a second Series 2 Alpine was handed to Ken Miles. A talented racer and fabricator in his own right, Miles had just been employed by Shelby American. After doing extensive engineering studies, Rootes Group subcontracted development and pre-production testing to Jensen, located in West Bromwich. Jensen went on to assemble the Sunbeam Tiger. Production reached 7,085 cars over three distinct series (the factory only ever designated two, the Mk. I and Mk. II; however, since the official Mk. I production spanned the changeover in body style from the Series IV Alpine panels to the Series V panels, the later cars are generally designated Mk. IA by current Sunbeam Tiger enthusiasts). Mk. II production totalled just 536 cars, these Tigers, with the 200bhp, 4.7 litre engine, are rare today. Both the Miles and the Shelby prototypes have survived, along with a number of other historically significant Tigers. Offered for sale today is a Sunbeam Tiger owned by the current vendor since 1992. Lovingly used and much cherished, this Tiger is being sold sadly due to the ill health of the vendor. Having benefitted from a full engine rebuild in 2007 and having covered some 2,000 miles since, the coachwork could benefit from some attention. Supplied with a V5 document and a full years MoT test certificate, together with previous certificates dating back to 1980 and a number of invoices for work carried out, including the fitment of a new wiring loom, starter motor and flywheel. Finished in Old English White and complimented by red leather trim, this classic sports car will provide many years of enjoyable open air motoring to its new custodian.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
