1964 Sunbeam Tiger GT Convertible
This ultra-rare variant represents one of the most exclusive Sunbeam Tigers ever produced, with only 15 GT examples built and just 11 believed to survive today. The GT designation marked a special limited run that featured removable factory hardtops, upgraded wood dashboards, and other refinements beyond the standard Tiger specification.
Carroll Shelby’s engineering influence shaped this Ford-powered British roadster, which made its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show in April 1964. Under the hood, the GT retained the same 260 CI Ford V8 and four-speed manual transmission as regular Tigers, meaning performance remained identical to the standard car.
The GT’s rarity extends beyond mere numbers. Norman Miller of the International Registry of Sunbeam Tigers has certified that this particular example is the only GT verified under the TAC (Tiger Authentication Committee) program. This authentication underscores the extreme scarcity and significance of these special Tigers.
With its removable hardtop, upgraded interior appointments, and distinctive styling details, the Tiger GT offered an even more exclusive ownership experience than the already-special standard Tiger. Period-correct performance upgrades like Halibrand wheels and LAT hood scoops reflected the serious enthusiast market these rare machines targeted.
Performance matched the regular Tiger: 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, a top speed of roughly 120 mph, and a curb weight of around 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg). The GT’s appeal was not in added speed, but in its exclusivity and luxury touches that made it stand apart from the standard production models.
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