Marque: Sunbeam - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Sunbeam
The Sunbeam Motor Car Co. Ltd. Was started in 1905 following development of cycles and then cars from diverse beginnings (starting in 1887 with John Marston and his ‘Sunbeamland Cycle Factory’). Designed by Angus Shaw, the first product of the new Sunbeam company was the 16/20, introduced in 1907. Louis Coatalen (previously with Humber and Hillman) became Designer in 1909 and joint Managing…
Sunbeam Tiger
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1964-67 - Bodywork:
Two-door sports - Engine:
Overhead valve V8 4261cc (260 cu.in.) 164bhp; 4737cc (289 cu.in.) 200bhp - 0-60 mph:
4261cc: 9 sec; 4737cc: 7.5 sec - Top Speed:
4261cc: 115+ mph; 4737cc: 120+ mph - MPG:
15-25
Effectively an Alpine with American Ford V8 grunt, the first Tiger was offered in Britain from the spring of 1965 and was powered by a 260 cu.in. motor. This spelt spectacular performance and an unmistakable engine note. The engine was enlarged for Mk II versions which appeared in the spring of 1967 but car died quickly due to Chrysler take over. A cut price Cobra, all Tigers are exhilarating and seen as much more desirable than the Alpines on which they were originally based (you can’t convert one easily though). Today Tigers are rare, much sought-after and priced accordingly. Incidentally, idea was mooted by Jack Braham who suggested the Daimler V8.
Sunbeam / Talbot 80, 90, Alpine
PRICE: Saloon: £500 - £5000; Drophead Coupé: £1000 - £9000; Alpine: £4000 - £12,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1948-56 - Bodywork:
four-door saloon; two-door drophead coupe; two-seater sports (Alpine) - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 80: 1185cc 47bhp; 90: 1944cc 64bhp; 90 Mk II/IIA/III: 2267cc 70-97bhp - Top Speed:
80: 70+ -104 mph - MPG:
80: 28-32; 90: 24-30+
Solidly-built, comfortable, well-equipped and enjoyable to drive, these cars were well-respected in their time. Today these attractive vehicles are still revered. The 80 is no road burner. However, the 90 has a 1944cc unit under the bonnet - a much better bet for long distance classic motoring. The Alpine sports version was inspired by George Hartwell, and this uprated model (based on Mark IIA) had a stiffer chassis, modded front suspension, higher compression ratio and 80bhp. The Mark III 90 saloon and drophead were also fitted with the Alpine-type 80 bhp engine, for a still respectable turn of speed. Prices are starting to rise across the board on all models.
