Sunbeam Tiger

Based on the Sunbeam Alpine sports car, the Sunbeam Tiger was developed to compete against British and American rivals such as the new MGs and Triumphs and the AC Cobra. In this revealing book, Sunbeam expert Graham Vickery shows how leading British Formula 1 racing drivers such as Jack Brabham persuaded the management of Rootes to develop the new car. Fitted with an American 4.2 litre V8 engine, the Sunbeam Tiger was launched at the NYC World Trade Fair in 1964 and was soon competing in the SCA National Race Series. Capable of 120 mph with acceleration to match, the Sunbeam Tiger not so much competed with as vanquished the opposition. Racing success led to sales success in the United States and the Tiger was launched in Britain in 1965. The book covers the development of the car with insights into the engineers and key personalities in racing and rallying who got behind it. Based on extensive research in the Rootes Group archive records and other museums, this is a revealing and readable account of one of Britain’s most powerful 1960s sports cars.