LOT 326
1966 Sunbeam Tiger MK1A Registration no. LJU 683E Chassis no. B382002233HR0FE
1966 Sunbeam Tiger MK1A Registration no. LJU 683E Chassis no. B382002233HR0FE
1966 Sunbeam Tiger MK1A
Registration no. LJU 683E
Chassis no. B382002233HR0FE
Registration no. LJU 683E
Chassis no. B382002233HR0FE
MoT expiry date: 11/11/2021
*Iconic Anglo-American sports car
*Rare home-market Mk1A
*Replacement 260ci engine (original included in the sale)
From a total Tiger production of 7100 only 17 Mk1A examples were sold to UK private buyers and approximately 10 survive. This car carries the very last "Jensen date" before production commenced of the 4.7 litre Mk2. Unusually, LJU remains unmodified, complete with original steering wheel and under-bonnet components. Restoration during the 1990s is documented, the original Midnight Blue being changed to red. The owner reports that the installed replacement 260ci engine runs well and quietly, albeit with some sign of wear. Twin stainless steel exhaust systems are fitted. The original gearbox and rear axle are reportedly in excellent condition with the brakes working effectively after recent overhaul. A fresh MOT shows LJU is a chance to acquire a rare car ready for enjoyment, whilst offering potential for some improvement.
To Schedule a video condition report for this lot please click here
Footnotes
Vendor Score Total: 67/100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 17/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Glass: 4
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
INTERIOR TOTAL: 10/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 2
ENGINE TOTAL: 14/20
Mechanical components: 3
Running: 4
Starting: 4
Under Bonnet: 3
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 14/20
Axles: 4
Brakes: 4
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10
Ancillary components: 4
Main components: 4
Car History File: 4/5
Saleroom notices
Please note the vendor kindly provided the following write up for this lot: The Sunbeam Tiger was principally developed in the US by Carroll Shelby and his chief engineer Ken Miles after discussion with Ian Garrad, the Rootes Competitions manager, who realised that the 4-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine was losing sales, especially in the US, to more powerful machinery. Initially conceived without full management sanction, the Tiger's future was assured when a prototype was shipped to the UK for evaluation and taken for a spin by Chairman Lord "Billy" Rootes who rapidly overcame his initial reservations to declare himself hugely impressed despite, according to legend, leaving the handbrake on. Tigers were produced by Jensen Motors in West Bromwich, who received fully-trimmed Sunbeam Alpine bodyshells and modified them before squeezing in the Tiger running gear, the heart of which was the Ford 260 CI V8 engine and gearbox, plus rack and pinion steering. The result was dramatic: even in its "cooking" 164 bhp form 0-60 mph is achieved in 9.5 secs, matching the Austin Healey 3000, with substantially more power readily available with off-the-shelf tuning kits. The quality of Rootes products through the 1960s was well recognised and, when allied to the silky smoothness of its V8, the Tiger was and remains today a hugely impressive, effortless and comfortable sports car. Just over 7,000 Tigers were built, of which some 800 were supplied to the UK market. Only 17 Mk1a examples, featuring improved ventilation, steering wheel location and hood stowage, were sold to private buyers in the UK. Approximately 10 of these survive today and LJU 683E is believed to carry the very last HROFE (UK market) "Jensen date" prior to production of a handful of Police vehicles and Mk2 prototypes. Purchased new by the vendor's father from Castles of Leicester and originally registered FP 7236, the Tiger was used for commercial travelling and soon racked up over 100k miles. Following re-registration, the car was sold in the early 1970s and the family lost track of the car until in the mid 1990s when, via the Sunbeam Tiger Club, it was traced to Shrewsbury. In 2001 the car was advertised in the Club magazine and was repurchased, having covered fewer than 5,000 miles during the intervening 28 years. Documentation shows extensive restoration work was carried out during the 1990s, albeit to a less exacting standard than that warranted today by these rare cars. The new owner may choose to continue driving and enjoying LJU as it is, perhaps making gradual improvements, or to undertake more extensive work and return the car to its factory condition. Many Tigers have been modified but this one remains standard and totally complete. A replacement 260 engine is currently fitted which the owner reports to run well and quietly, albeit with some signs of wear. The original engine is also available with the car whilst the original gearbox and axle remain fitted and are said to be in excellent condition. The brakes received recent overhaul and work effectively. Despite its rarity, spares for the Tiger are widely available thanks to its Alpine origins and the global ubiquity of the Ford small-block V8. There are several well-known marque specialists in the UK whilst the extremely active and helpful Tiger Owners Club serves a band of enthusiastic owners who regularly enjoy their cars for touring, classic rallying or racing. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here
Additional information
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