Question: What do Sir Jack Brabham, Carroll Shelby, and Secret Agent 86, Maxwell Smart, have in common? Answer: The Sunbeam Tiger.

The Legendary 1965 Sunbeam Tiger

History of the Sunbeam Tiger

In the early 1960s, motorsport legend Jack Brabham proposed fitting a V8 engine into the sleek British Sunbeam Alpine. The Rootes Group, keen to enhance the car’s performance, collaborated with Carroll Shelby, who had already made a name for himself transforming the AC Cobra into an American powerhouse.

The result was the Sunbeam Tiger, an exhilarating sports car featuring a compact and powerful Ford 260-cubic inch Windsor V8 engine. Later, an even more potent 289 V8 was introduced, further solidifying the Tiger’s reputation as a formidable road machine.

In 1965, the Sunbeam Tiger entered pop culture fame as the signature car of Maxwell Smart in the hit TV series Get Smart. Outfitted with spy gadgets like machine guns and smoke screens, it became an enduring icon on screen.

Our Ongoing Work on This Sunbeam Tiger

This particular 1965 Sunbeam Tiger has been maintained, repaired, and upgraded by Finch Restorations for its owner, Warren Lewis, since 2018. Over the years, we have undertaken significant projects on its mechanical systems, suspension, exhaust, bodywork, and paint. Each phase of work has ensured this Tiger remains in peak condition, blending original heritage with modern performance refinements.

It is always a pleasure to work on this classic car, and each visit provides an opportunity to fine-tune and perfect its driving experience. The Sunbeam Tiger continues to offer an unmatched blend of British design and American muscle, making it a cherished piece of motoring history.

Why the Sunbeam Tiger Remains an Icon

Few cars from the 1960s capture the spirit of high-performance roadsters like the Sunbeam Tiger. With its blend of lightweight construction, a powerful V8 engine, and a racing pedigree, it remains a sought-after classic for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. Today, well-preserved and finely tuned examples, like this one, continue to turn heads and ignite passion wherever they go.

Finch Restorations is proud to play a role in preserving this legendary sports car, ensuring it remains as thrilling and dynamic as it was when it first hit the road in 1965.