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1966 Sunbeam 260ci Tiger Mk IA
1962 when Jack Brabham, suggested a V8-powered Alpine to Rootes’ competition manager Norman Garrad, who in turn mentioned it to his US West Coast Sales Manager and son, Ian. The logical choice for such a project was chicken farmer come Le Mans winner, Carroll Shelby, father of the AC Cobra. A second prototype, built by former Shelby race engineer, Ken Miles, was completed first at his Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood workshop.
The Mark I Tiger morphed into the Mark IA, based on the Mark V Alpine body, until 1967, when the last of the model in Mark II, 289ci-powered guise left the line.
The interior has been refinished in quality leather to the original seats, door panels and dash cover, a lush tan to the seats and doors, a matching blue to the paint for the dash. The carpet also matches the exterior in color as well as quality, along with the cloth soft top. The dash panel was remade by a Rolls-Royce specialist in the finest Walnut and a Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel completes the interior package.
The Ford V8 engine was health-checked and refinished and installed in the car. A recent compression check results were 6 cylinders at 150, 2 at 155. The original, refurbished 4-speed top-loader gearbox and new clutch were fitted. The rear-end was rebuilt to complete the restored powertrain. All ancillaries were rebuilt, restored or replaced and a brand new Holley 4-barrel carb sits atop. Brakes and steering were overhauled and all suspension parts, with innumerable other parts were powder-coated at local experts, Safeway. A new wiring harness was installed. Gauges were rebuilt and restored, and all ancillary systems work as they should.
The result: the car drives as well as the looks would imply. Taut and responsive, the car has great power with smooth delivery. It starts easily, idles well and does not overheat. Clutch action is also smooth. Brakes work very well, and the steering feels tight, while the suspension gives plenty of “feel” with good handling manners. And it sounds fantastic.