(first posted 4/9/2013) The legend of how Carroll Shelby was inspired to create the Cobra–his idea was to stuff Ford’s new and very compact V8 into an elderly and underpowered little British roadster–is already well known. However, the fact that there was a copycat vehicle is not quite so legendary–and it probably has everything to do with the other car chosen as the beneficiary of a Ford V8 transplant.
The AC Ace had a tube-frame chassis, four wheel-independent suspension–all draped within a racy, Italianesque aluminum body that inspired Shelby to inquire about a V8 version.
As for the Sunbeam Alpine, it was Rootes’ attempt to compete with the MGA and MGB, and was even more pedestrian than the Austin-based MGs of its origin. Sitting on a modified Hillman Husky station wagon platform, it was blessed with the finest kit that could be stolen from the Rootes parts bin: a 1,600 cc, 80-hp pushrod four engine, a live rear axle, and a body that even with its exaggerated fins (seen here in this version driven by Sean Connery in one of the early James Bond movies) was an obvious rip-off of the ’55-’57 Thunderbird. The resemblance wasn’t an accident; Rootes designer Ken Howe had previously worked at Ford.
Like so many sports cars of its era, the Alpine’s primary target was the U.S., where it was hoped that 80% of the total production would be sold. Like the T-Bird it imitated, the Alpine’s lack of power and hardly-stellar steering and handling relegated it more to the role of tourer than genuine sports car. Having seen what the little Ford V8 could do in the Ace, Rootes’ U.S. West Coast Sales Manager Ian Garrad contracted with Shelby to stuff the 164 hp, 260 cid engine into the Alpine. In his usual. rapacious way Shelby agreed, in exchange for $10k ($70k adjusted). The result was deemed to be good–still, just for good measure, Ken Miles was asked to build a second prototype at his shop–which he did in just a few days, and for a total of $600.
After the newly- and duly-named Tiger was green-lighted, Rootes gave the production job to Jensen, which built about 7,000 of the little bombs. Fortunately, by the time the Tiger got rolling, Rootes had modified the pointy fins to bring them closer to earth. Production started in 1964, but was ended prematurely in 1967, when Chrysler (ever so wisely) bought Rootes and pulled the plug on selling a Ford-engined car. Chrysler’s 273 cid LA engine wasn’t nearly as compact as the Ford mill, and its distributor was at the rear. The Tiger’s short prowl was over.
This particular example, which was being groomed for sale, has a 271-hp HiPo 289 that its previous owner inserted in place of the two-barrel 260. I was told by the knowledgeable folks at the Sports Car Shop, who are also active in vintage racing, that utilizing the full power of the hi-po 289 is can have unintended consequences, including damaging the spring shackle mountings and other aspects of an undercarriage intended for a 50-hp Hillman wagon. The original 260 goes along with the sale, and may well be re-installed, both for authenticity’s sake and the fact that 164 hp is about as much as a stock Tiger can handle.
Keep in mind that the AC Ace needed some front- and rear-end modifications in its 289 incarnation, and was completely redesigned (with major help from Ford) with a totally new frame and suspension to handle the 427 and 428 engines (yes, contrary to myth, many of the “427″ Cobras were actually built with the 428 FE engine).
The Tiger has an undeniable charm and a lovely exhaust burble. But it never quite escaped its origins, and it always had a somewhat mixed image: Was it a poor man’s Cobra, or simply a shrunken T-Bird? And of course, the fact that Maxwell Smart drove one didn’t exactly help matters.
The last time I saw a Tiger that nice was on my air force base…umm…40+ years ago. Man, I must be gettin’ old! Same color, too.
I always wanted to drive one of these, just to see how much a kick in the pants it would have. I imagine it would fall somewhere in between my first room mate’s 1958 MGA and one of my co-workers at the time 440 1969 Charger…probably faster than my avatar, though.
Cool car. There was a tatty-looking Tiger at Georgia Tech when I was there in the early ’80s. Never got a chance to see or hear it run, but I bet it was a hoot to drive.
I dig the removable hardtop.
Wish I could fit in these little Brit cars. Hell, wish I could fit comfortably in a Miata. Not built for 6 footers!
Just for fun I squeezed into the cockpit of a Miata at a car show once. I had to crawl out in order to extricate my legs from behind the steering wheel.
I can forget it too I’m 6′ 1″ and like to put my hair up
Not true, 6’2″ and 220lbs and fit fine in my Miata. 32 inch inseam, if you care. I also fit into a MG Midget just fine, too. Seems that you have never tried to sit in one. I even had a 6’4″ mechanic friend drive the Miata, and while his head was above the windshield, he “fit” and drove it fine. Smae with my Fiat 500, which amazed him in its roominess. Now, quite possibly it is more an issue that I enjoy the car and it fits me fine as I enjoy driving it, but more likely, those who claim a car does not fit them either didn’t like the car. Just sayin’…..
I am 6′ 2″ and fit just fine in my Tiger. Much more room than it looks.
And now the Get Smart theme song will be running through my head all afternoon, dangit.
It was in my head as soon as I saw the opening photo!
“But I’ve been told that utilizing the full power of the 289 is dangerous in more ways than one, including damaging the spring shackle mountings and other aspects of the car’s undercarriage that started life as a 50hp Hillman wagon.The original 260 goes along with the sale, and may well be put back for authenticity’s sake and the fact that 164 hp is about as much as the Tiger can handle.”
I have a LOT of questions from that statement!
1) WHO told you that?
2) If so “dangerous” why are so many modified…….and raced?
http://bringatrailer.com/2009/06/21/sorted-vintage-racer-1965-sunbeam-tiger/
http://www.britishracecar.com/GeoffreyByrd-Sunbeam-Tiger.htm
3) That’s like saying a car that started out with 90 HP and evolved into 400+ HP would need some modifications. OF course it does, my example is the 60 Falcon and the BOSS 429 Mustang.
4) SRA with Shackes/leaf springs is the same set up as Mustangs and many other cars. They can be made to handle HP and the track.
http://www.tigersunited.com/
Is it a AC Cobra? No not even with the same 260 or a 289. The Tiger is more pedestrian. But your previous statements were off the mark, are unfounded and unsubstantiated.
The professional restorer, who has some knowledge of what he said. They are renowned restorers/experts and also racers of vintage sports cars.
I suspect the ones that raced are likely modified/strengthened, eh? You say so yourself. So what’s your beef?
The issue specifically is regarding originality. Of course the Tiger can be strengthened; it’s a question of whether the next owner would want to keep it original or not. That choice is being left to the next owner, but with the caveat that they realize that the 271 hp engine was neither original and that it may exceed the limits of some aspects of an unmodified Tiger.
My statements are not unfounded or unsubstantiated. I am reporting what I was told by a knowledgeable source. You yourself implied that the ones being raced are “modified”. Why are you so accusatory and coming on so strong? You want to take this on with the original source? I can refer you to the restorer: http://www.sportscarshop.com/
Thanks for the link.
They may be right, it’s their business and liability. Or I just think whatever is “dangerous” just sounds like fun! lol Ralph Nader be damned 😉
(hey, I bought a modified Demon 340 what would go sideways, I liked that).
apology to follow?
My 66 Tiger has a 454 HP Ford 347 in it. I have done the spring mount mods and other things to include wilwood brakes up front and disk brakes in back. It is only as dangerous as an inexperienced driver that applies too much power at the wrong time is.
http://youtu.be/liZy3H7A2Xk
I had a model of one as a tomboy who loved cars,it was gold with a black removable top.The V8 Ford also found it’s way into the Blackpool built TVR round the same time,the only 289 Tigers I’ve seen were all left hookers.A shame Chrysler pulled the plug on the Tiger but they weren’t going to put the oppositions engines in.
I heard another problem with the Sunbeam Tiger was that enough people were killing themselves in these cars that insurance companies didn’t want to cover them.
The pictured car does not have a hood scoop, but it looks like the top of that Holley is almost level with the hood. How do they fit an air cleaner on top?!
Those cast aluminum valvecovers with “Tiger Powered by Ford” have got to be even rarer that the Jensen Interceptor valvecovers for Mopar big blocks.
I found an underhood pic with the air cleaner installed, thanks to the link that Paul provided above. It is a VERY low-profile air cleaner.
http://www.sportscarshop.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_4210.jpg
The original 4 banger can be hotted up with a Holbay head, cam and twin carbs to produce something quicker than stock, and less nose heavy than Tiger. A setup analogous to a TR7 with Sprint head versus a TR8.
I guess the memory went with the hair. I do remember that they started out with the 260 but embedded in my memory banks is that they continued with the chrysler engines. I thought 318.
Knew a sailor that owned one but he didn’t keep it long enough to get any good impressions. He never kept anything else either. A string of several cars while awaiting orders to vietnam. Guess he had an automotive bucket list and didn’t know how long he had.
Chrysler bought Sunbeam and the Tiger ceased production. The Chrysler LA engines didn’t fit, sadly.
There was a Sunbeam Alpine series IV with a 1,725 cc engine in my local classifieds for months, if not years in the ’80s. The asking price was $400. I called the number many times, but there was never any answer. The ad just ran and ran, for what purpose I’ll never know.
Carroll Shelby cleaned the prototype up for production he did not build the first V8 tiger and as above the original Hillman engine can be tuned for nearly the same power the Ford put out, There is currently a 150hp Humber 80 being raced in the pre 65 category here and it uses an original block. Handling is a problem with the V8 motor something a regular Hillman doesnt suffer from, 1960 saw the first saloon car championship in NZ and against Jags,Zephyrs, old V8 coupe’s it was won by Harold Heasley in a Humber80, why? Coz they corner well and are completely controllable going sideways.
It’s pretty easy to get 300+ hp from the Ford V8.
I know that but 300hp isnt useable, with the extra weight over the front axle and with such a short wheelbase cornering is compromised there are several V8 Minxs about, me Id go with a Rover motor if doing a V8 into Hillman swap now.
The Ford small block no doubt weighs more than the 4 cylinder, but is a pretty light engine as V8’s go. I seem to remember Carroll Shelby winning some races with them (no not in a Sunbeam), so the weight distribution couldn’t have been that bad.
Weight distro with a iron heads and intake 260 is 51/49. With aluminum heads and intake….the Tiger is about 50/50.
http://youtu.be/A13lFqRls-U
When I was in high school Cobras were of course way out of anyone’s price range, but Tigers were much more affordable and not that rare …. I remember one kid had one. In those days there were far more 5-10 year old cars available that needed work and were cheap. Two comments: I think the Tiger was updated from the 260 to the 289, just before Chrysler pulled the plug; and Maxwell Smart drove an Alpine, not a Tiger … at least in the original TV show which is what counts 🙂
I suspect Agent 86 used low-priced import sports cars like this as a parody of 007’s big-budget Astons.
How would the ex-Buick/Rover V8 fit? MG managed to pull this off in the MGB-GT (using tricky manifolding), which likely because of BL brain-damage at the time, was N/A in the NA market. It wouldn’t be cricket, you know, showing up Triumph like this.
As an example of the truth of dman’s post, my H.S. friend had a Brit-racing-green Tiger for awhile (he changed cars like others change women). Great V8 rumble & poke, so long as it didn’t overheat. L.A. County has a few entertaining mountain roads to drive these on.
Correct, Neil. The Sunbeam Tiger was the rowdiest of the bunch. Smart also drove an Opel GT and Karmann Ghia. Not exactly Aston Martin company and part of the gag. Coming from Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, I’d expect nothing less!
What a great find and write up. I’d keep the 289 in her and just have fun with it. Just a beautiful little car,especially with the hard top and Mini-Lites. That thing must sound GREAT!
The joke could be from another perspective: American spy agencies like Control are careful with their budget, as opposed to Her Majesty’s Extravagant Secret Service. Yeah, right!
“I suspect Agent 86 used low-priced import sports cars like this as a parody of 007′s big-budget Astons.”
I suspect you’re right. IMCDb on “Get Smart” shows he switched to a Karmann-Ghia in ’67.
PS: Ya beat me Michael 😉
Would You Believe “product insertion”? No? OK, so how about change for the sake of change? No?? Sorry About That, Chief.
At least car fans got some variety. BTW, my kids really enjoyed the DVD collection. Don’t Miss It – By That Much!
And only in the pilot episode, a Ferrari 250 PF. http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_186796-Ferrari-250-PF-Cabriolet-1961.html
“extra weight over the front axle”
Tiger owner here, for 22 years. Weight distribution is 51/49, no cause for complaint there. Certainly other flaws abound.
Nice looking Tiger (they always look good in red) except that horrid steering wheel cover.
Tiger’s definitely out of reach for me, but I’d love to have an Alpine. Series 1 cars are a bit cartoony with the big fins, but the later cars are quite handsome. I prefer BRGreen or other dark color for these, and I really dislike the steering wheel but that’s easy to fix.
Nice curbside find Paul!
One of my all time favorite cars as it combines two of my favorite things automotive, British roadsters and Ford V8s.
A guy who worked for me had a Tiger, in a bright metallic green. It was a neat little car, and the one time I rode in it I was impressed. I seem to recall it had a 289 4 barrel but I have no idea if it was original. There was a guy who was continually trying to buy it from him and he didn’t want to sell. Eventually the guy prevailed by offering a considerable sum-to my employee’s wife. Kind of a dirty trick, but it did provide the down payment for thier house. I wonder what these cars are worth today?
$75k seems an average ask here I had a multiple Tiger owner as a neighbour at Easter at the Humber/Hillman club AGM though he was driving a 56 Minx ragtop that weekend, learned lots about these.
I know a guy who has a extensively-modified Tiger, he has reworked the front suspension geometry, fitted power steering (driven off the alternator or vice-versa), and it has a 400+hp 347ci stroker, and it is a beautiful car. He has previously historic-raced an Alpine so he knows how to make the cars handle, and he is a perfectionist when it comes to restoring cars. I will ask him about body strength issues when I see him next week.
The cars are plenty strong enough it was a van previously.
They always crack the paintwork at the corners of the boot/trunk opening up towards the cabin for example, which indicates there is some flex going on – and all convertibles flex especially back in the 1960s. What flexes will eventually crack. Double or triple the amount of torque from the V8 will exacerbate that, then add 50% from a racing engine over the weak 2bbl output and you are really causing problems.
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I have always loved these cars. My time spent in the classic Mustang hobby has given me a natural love for anything that you might find a 289 lurking in. What’s not to love about this little roadster with the sound of that exhaust?
Earlier than the Tiger, earlier even than the AC Cobra, there was a two-seater V8 British sports car, the Daimler SP250 “Dart” (1959-64). And it had fins too! Although the V8 was a minuscule 2550cc… and the styling a little strange, with a trouty snout reminiscent of a low-rider Packardbaker.
I can remember seeing ONE Daimler Dart on the road in my life, on 101 Freeway in LA in early ’80s.
That “face” looks like it should have a hook in it’s mouth and be reeled out of the canal!
The Daimler had Edward Turners masterpiece under the bonnet not a ford
The front bumper was an optional extra and the car looked better without it.
London Police had about 16 of these Daimlers as traffic cars in the 60’s. Looked standard except they were black, with a chrome bell on the front bumper , and two big bobbies inside. If you were a teenager with a motorcycle you were quite likely to make their aquantance.
The Turner V8 may be small but they sound just like any other V8, a nice and meaty burble. They put out about 140bhp, which underscores just how lazy a tune was in the Tiger’s engine.
The intriguing thing is the 4.5L version, which was a good deal faster than the Jag 6cyl.
And here, to stress the resemblance even more, is a Daimler SP250 with a Cobra complex.
Those flared arches improve the car’s looks no end. Still not a good-looking car, but better.
I once worked with a guy who bought a used one as a teenager in the late 60s. He found it quite some distance away, and his father drove with him to pick it up. His father, being more experienced with cars, wanted to drive the trip home just to give the car a good check-out. The dad had not really paid much attention to what it was.
My friend told me that when they got home, he got a stern talking-to from his dad about how he needed to be really careful with it. His dad had a sort of a “Holy Crap, this thing is FAST” moment.
In the James Bond film clip, did anyone else notice the LaSalle hearse morph into something else (Anglia? Consul?) when it goes over the bank and catches fire? The giveaway is the headlights are fully in the fenders on the car going over the hill.
What I saw was Sean Connery gently driving a sunbeam while a big old dunger struggled to stay on the road, Dont forget that floorpan and suspension in the Sunbeam was a rally and race winner trying to catch one in an old US bomb stretches credibility too far
Another thing that I noticed is how the tires of both cars kept squealing…while taking corners on a dirt road.
It’s a movie not a documentary. 😉
What I did like about the James Bond films featuring the classic Aston Martin DB6 was the distinctive sound of the inline 6 as the revs would rise and fall as working through the gears.
Apparently the dirt roads in this particular country are just like the dirt roads in Hazzard County. Lots of tire-squealing car chases on dirt roads there, too.
The road that I live on was once dirt. More like clay. Soup in in spring but like concrete in the summer. You could burn rubber on this dirt road, in the summer. It’s paved now. Yeah!
I have heard tyre squeal on a dirt road in real life. Not as dramatic as the overdubbed Hollywood sound mind you!
Me and a few bystanding friends, were totally baffled when we too heard light squealing on a sandy/dirt surface,no less, as one of our friends was goofing off, spinning the tire.
So while not the norm, apparently possible.
I remember reading that the sunbeam was rented from a private lady owner on the island where the movie was shot.
I wonder how she felt seeing her car on the big screen? I think that would be kind of cool!
I’d wonder how she felt on seeing how they drove it!
Today’s phones do everything but whistle Yankee Doodle Dandy. None of them are as cool as Maxwell Smart’s shoe phone. Yes, that was a rotary shoe phone. So cool.
Today you can reset the ringtone to anything Maxs shoefone is way cooler.
Apropos of nothing, used car prices from the Van Nuys paper, 1970. Interesting to see what these are going for relative to the Porsche, Triumph, etc.
(I’d forgotten about the “Get Smart” connection…)
These two beautys I photographed at the Castro Valley Classic car parade last summer, 2019.