The Sunbeam Tiger was a British sports car that combined the Sunbeam Alpine’s body with a Ford V8. Launched in 1964, it was assembled by Jensen Motors and offered in two principal factory versions: the 4.2-litre Mark I and the 4.7-litre Mark II, introduced in 1967. Production figures and the way intermediate cars are classified vary by source, so use model labels and chassis references as research clues—not proof of an individual car’s identity.
What was the Sunbeam Tiger?
The Tiger took the Sunbeam Alpine body and paired it with a Ford V8, creating a more powerful sports car. The Sunbeam Club of Australia’s marque history says the Tiger was launched in 1964 and developed from two Alpine V8 prototypes. It identifies Jensen Motors’ West Bromwich works as the production assembly site. A separate history and a museum collection entry describe Carroll Shelby’s involvement under contract with Rootes in the development process. That supports describing Shelby as involved in the V8 development story, not as the sole designer or builder of the production cars. Sunbeam Club of Australia history; Rootes Archive
How did the Mark I and Mark II differ?
The figures below are those reported in the Sunbeam Club of Australia’s history; they should be read as that source’s account rather than as independently verified specifications.
| Version | Introduced | Engine and stated output | Production reported by Sunbeam Club of Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark I | 1964 | 4.2-litre Ford V8; 164 bhp at 4,400 rpm | 6,546 |
| Mark II | 1967 | 4.7-litre Ford V8; 200 bhp at 4,400 rpm | 536 |
These production totals do not use the same breakdown as every specialist source. Sunbeam Specialties’ 2025 catalog divides production into 3,762 Mark I, 2,706 Mark IA and 536 Mark II cars. Its Mark IA category is a specialist catalog classification; do not assume that every history uses the same label or division. Sunbeam Club of Australia history; Sunbeam Specialties catalog, 2025
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How can you identify or research a Tiger?
Start with the series and chassis information
For parts research, Sunbeam Specialties advises using the car’s series number to select correct parts. Its catalog lists chassis ranges for its Tiger series groups, which can help narrow a parts search. A catalog range is a starting point, not conclusive authentication of a particular car; do not treat a model badge, seller description or range lookup alone as proof of provenance.
Ask the Rootes Archive about vehicle records
The Rootes Archive lists Sunbeam Tiger records for 1964–1967. Depending on what survives for a specific vehicle, a heritage certificate may include chassis and engine numbers, vehicle type, color, build and despatch dates, dealer, factory-fitted extras and original registration details. Check directly with the archive about the records available for the car before relying on a certificate. Rootes Archive records
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which reference books are listed for owners?
The Rootes Archive lists a reprint of the Sunbeam Tiger 260 and 289 V8 Official Workshop Manual (ISBN 978-1783181681) and a Parts List Supplement (ISBN 978-1783182114). Its listing identifies Amazon as a route to the workshop manual. Confirm the edition and applicability before buying: a general manual or parts supplement cannot establish the history or modifications of an individual car. Rootes Archive publications
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