The Alpine was already a fine sports car, but it was always crying out for a little more power.

The Tiger blessed it with rather more speed – 60mph now coming up in less than 10 seconds compared to 14 for the quickest Alpine.

As a tourer, the Tiger works very nicely and will potter along majestically at motorway speeds once that engine starts pulling.

The 1964 Tiger made its début at the New York Auto Show in April, then just two months later West Mids-based Jensen began serious production of the car. The first examples were available to US buyers only – the Tiger didn't reach Britain until the following year.

Tiger values have been rising. That’s not surprising when you see what AC Cobras are starting to make – the Cobra started with the same engine as the Tiger and they really do deliver.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• Potentially, this is the most original Sunbeam Tiger in New Zealand.
• This car has amazing provenance. It was originally a Rootes Head Office demonstrator for 2 years.
• Various receipts available with the car pretty much since it came out of the factory.
• Comes with Minotaur wheels, original jack, spare wheel and wheel brace.
• Radio and speaker surround are original
• Original hard top in excellent condition.
• Original Ford 260V8 engine complete with its original air filter housing.
• Stunning Condition throughout - excellent bodywork and paintwork.
• Excellent upholstery.
• Runs and drives beautifully.
• A rare, sought after classic in superb condition.
• This Tiger has double the Alpine’s power and treble its torque – and a fabulous soundtrack to match. Its by no means just an Alpine with a V8 shoehorned in, but a separate car in its own right. The changes are many, all enabling the extra power to be used safely and reliably.

Ever since the Tiger met its untimely demise, demand has exceeded supply. In the past few years prices have spiralled and there is no such thing as a cheap Sunbeam Tiger any more. Even a complete basket case can sell for NZD50K. In fact, we've even seen body shells with trees growing through them sell for over NZD20K.

For something really nice, like this one, you could spend up to GBP100K just to buy one from the UK...if you’re lucky enough to find one that is, because these cars very rarely come up for sale. In fact mostly are sold through word of mouth. Even more so, right-hand drive cars carry a premium – especially if it’s a genuine UK car.