In 1964 Ian Garrad, Rootes West Coast USA Manager, came up with the idea of fitting a Ford V8 into the Series V Alpine to create a car that could finally take on the Jaguar E Type and Austin Healey 3000. On its public debut on October 31, in 1964 at the Turin Motor Show, the Tiger was well received in road tests on both sides of the Atlantic, and it drew significant praise.
Of all the cars on auction, this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger was our favorite. It is an original Tiger with matching engine and chassis numbers, which has been restored to perfection. We were very surprised that it sold below estimate at $30,000, but it is a left hand drive in a right hand drive country.