Sunbeam Tiger
The 'Baby Cobra' that combined British style with American Ford V8 muscle.
- Power
- 164 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.6 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Est. value
- $40k–$115k
About the Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger was conceived by Ian Garrad and developed by Carroll Shelby, who had previously created the AC Cobra using a similar formula. By shoehorning a Ford 260 cubic-inch V8 into the Sunbeam Alpine's engine bay, the Rootes Group transformed a modest cruiser into a genuine performance car. The Series I Tiger is noted for its rack-and-pinion steering and stiff suspension, though the heavy engine necessitated a front-heavy weight bias. It remains a highly sought-after classic for its relative rarity and the visceral soundtrack of its small-block V8.
Sunbeam Tiger specs
The Sunbeam Tiger produces 164 bhp (122 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).
| Make | Sunbeam |
|---|---|
| Model | Tiger |
| Trim | 260 |
| Years | 1964–1967 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 7,085 built |
| Original price | About $3,500 when new |
| Engine | 4.3-litre Ford Windsor V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,261 cc (4.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 164 bhp (122 kW) at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.6 s |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,159 kg (2,555 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 142 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Sunbeam Tiger worth?
A typical Sunbeam Tiger is estimated to be worth $40,000 – $115,000 (about £30,000 – £86,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,500.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Sunbeam Tiger rarity in CarSpot
The Sunbeam Tiger is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 64 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Sunbeam Tiger fun facts
- Carroll Shelby was paid a royalty for every Tiger produced after he successfully proved the V8 conversion was possible using a hand-built prototype.
- The engine bay was so tight that a hole had to be cut in the firewall to access the rear spark plugs, and the battery was moved to the boot for weight distribution.
- The Sunbeam Tiger gained pop-culture fame as the car driven by Maxwell Smart in the opening credits of the 1960s TV series 'Get Smart'.
