The 1964 Sunbeam Tiger was a significant collaboration between Carroll Shelby and the British carmaker Sunbeam. It was essentially a Ford V8-powered version of the Sunbeam Alpine, a small two-seater roadster. Shelby, known for his work with performance cars, helped develop the Tiger by fitting it with a 260ci (4.3L) Ford V8 engine, replacing the Alpine’s original 1.6L inline-four engine. This transformation turned the relatively tame Alpine into a much more powerful and exciting sports car.
The Tiger's success came mainly in the United States, where over 7,000 units were sold between 1964 and 1967. The V8 engine allowed the Tiger to deliver impressive performance, making it an attractive option for American drivers looking for a small, affordable roadster with a powerful engine.
However, after only three years of production, the partnership between Sunbeam and Shelby ended. Despite its relatively short production run, the Sunbeam Tiger remains a classic sports car with a dedicated following, admired for its unique blend of British design and American muscle.



