1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk IA
2 Door Convertible
- Same owner since 1997
- Florida Car
- Red over Black Interior with Black Soft Top
- Ford 260ci/4.2L V8
- 4 Speed Manual with RWD
- British Design with American Power!
- 65k Miles Shown
Suffix Codes:
L - Left Hand Drive
R - Roadster, Open Top Convertible
X - Export Specification for North America
FE - Ford Engine
The 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk IA is a wonderfully charismatic British-American sports car that combines classic British roadster styling with the unmistakable performance of a Ford V8. This example has been under the same ownership since 1997 and spent time in Florida, making it a long-term-kept example with an appealing history. Finished in red over a black interior and complemented by a black soft top, the Tiger presents the timeless proportions and open-air character that have made these cars so desirable among enthusiasts.
Under the hood is Ford s 260ci (4.2L) V8, providing a significant dose of American power in a lightweight British chassis. The Tiger was conceived around this very combination, pairing the compact Sunbeam Alpine platform with Ford V8 power to create a sports car with considerably more performance than its outward appearance might suggest. The result is a uniquely engaging driving experience that delivers the character of a traditional British roadster with the sound and torque of a small-block Ford.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission, giving the driver direct control over the Ford V8 while maintaining the classic sports-car experience. The combination of rear-wheel drive, a relatively compact footprint, and V8 power makes the Tiger an entertaining car for both back-road driving and weekend cruising. With 65,838 miles shown, this example has covered enough miles to be enjoyed as intended while remaining a compelling choice for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the model's unusual engineering.
The Mk IA designation places this Tiger within the early production evolution of the model, and its specification reflects the car s intended North American market. The recorded suffix codes identify it as left-hand drive (L), a roadster/open-top convertible (R), an export-specification car for North America (X), and a Ford-powered example (FE). These details help document the configuration and reinforce the authenticity of the British-American formula that defines the Sunbeam Tiger.
For enthusiasts seeking something outside the usual European sports-car offerings, this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk IA offers a distinctive combination of style, history, and performance. Its long-term ownership since 1997, Florida history, red-and-black presentation, Ford 260 V8, and 4-speed manual transmission make it an especially interesting example of one of the era s most unusual hybrids. British design with American power, the Tiger remains a uniquely entertaining piece of 1960s performance-car history.
