The West Coast Sales Manager of Rootes American Motors Inc., Ian Garrad, realized that the Alpine's image was that of a touring car rather than a sports car, and he set about changing its image, using the recent success of the Shelby Cobra as a guide. He and Rootes' Western Service Manager Walter McKenzie measured up several V8 engines and determined that Ford's new 164 hp 260 cu in Windsor V8 engine would fit nicely between the frame rails. Sunbeam asked Carroll Shelby to produce one functional prototype on a budget of $10,000. Shelby's prototype was fabricated by Shelby employee George Boskoff, and the result was judged to be good enough to send to England for production evaluation.This particular '65 Sunbeam Tiger is believed to be an Arizona car from new and was recently involved in a road rally where it performed flawlessly. With only 6,000 miles since a thorough restoration, the car is in fantastic condition. Finished in its original color of Alpine White, the car's paint looks great and shows no major imperfections. The front and rear bumpers have both been rechromed and look great. No pitting, no dents and no damage shows to either. The black convertible soft top is new and looks nearly perfect. No rips, tears or staining to the plastic rear window. Inside, the newly upholstered seats look great with no wear to be found. The carpet, dash and wood steering wheel are all equally as nice with no imperfections that we have found. The gauges all look great with no pitting around the chrome bezels. All lights and blinkers work as well as the gauge. The wipers are currently inoperable. All the glass looks good with no cracking or major chips and the side windows go up and down with no issues. Under the hood, the 260 Cu In V8 looks great and is very nicely detailed. The motor has been updated with a new Offenhauser intake and 4bbl Holley carb along with new chrome valve covers, breather and air cleaner. There has been a newer stainless dual exhaust system installed as well, which sounds great. With disc brakes in the front, rack and pinion steering and the 4 speed manual transmission, the car is a joy to drive for a fraction of the cost of a Shelby Cobra. It also looks great with its updated Superlite wheels. While this car has not been officially inspected and verified under STOA's "TAC" program, we have talked personally to Norm Miller regarding the car. He knows of the car and has seen numerous photos of it and has come to the conclusion that this is a genuine Tiger. We have a letter in hand from Norm stating this. The current mileage on the car shows 6,260 which is believed to be since the restoration. VIN number is B9473102LRXFE and the car is being sold on a clean, Michigan title.