1966 Sunbeam Tiger

Everyone knows of my predilection for modifying to improve and when I found a car with all the mods I would have made if I had my druthers, I couldn’t resist. So now I’m the proud or should that be the rather apprehensive owner of a 1966 Sunbeam Tiger.

What attracted me was the fact that the previous owner had acquired the car almost forty years ago and seems to have treated her as a much-loved member of his family.

It’s commonly known that the original 260 (4.2 litre) Ford Fairlane engine was something of a lazy old slogger. For the Mustang, Ford wanted something with a bit more pep and the 289 (4.7) for its few more ccs, produces a harder punch. Frankly, I’m too old to bother about going faster and zero to sixty times but when you have the option of a Hi Po 289 that has been given Edelbrock alloy heads plus MSD electronic fuel injection and ignition, it’s hard not to be impressed.

The problem with so many cars with improved performance is that other crucial areas don’t receive the same level of attention but, I’m happy to say, not in this case, where all four corners have been shod with discs, Brembos up front. There’s also a Panhard rod and uprated springs, shocks and poly bushes. The gearbox is a T5 five-speeder and a recent edition is electric power steering.

It started off with a few problems but with very little attention she now seems pretty near perfect. I’m writing this as spring has just started but the weather’s pretty foul, roll on warmer days and the chance to stretch her legs.

She seems in excellent shape with a lustrous paint job.

Left: The roll over bar was a bit racy for my taste, now gone and I think the better for it. Let’s hope I don’t ironically turn her over. Right: Tidy interior.

A Final Acquisition ??

Now you’ll all think I’ve finally totally lost my marbles; the scariest thing is that I suspect you’re right. Having made the move to new quarters and bedded down the old girls in their new home, I found I had space for one more (since acquisition, I’ve crowed in the Daimler). Some kind soul offered me a Tiger, Sunbeam that is, and after a cursory flirt I ended up with another of similar ilk.

A crowded engine bay; but I’m told with her electric fans, alloy rad and expansion tank ,

overheating shouldn’t be a problem.

I think the Tiger is a particularly handsome car, the dark metallic blue suits it well.