Well , there is a sleeping tiger in the garage . My dad and mom purchased the 1965 sunbeam tiger from the original owner back in the mid 70's . When they got divorced my mom opted to take that car and my dad took 2 other cars.I remember riding in this car in the late 80s /early 90s. Has been parked in my moms garage ever since .It may be the original British racing green paint, I'm not sure. Car looks to be VERY original , interior is in great shape aside from the faded carpet,body of the car is very straight. Will need next to no bodywork mainly block sanding to make it ready for paint. I'd like to look up the factory paint code and do it that color . Car had under 32,000 original miles. I asked my mom if they had it registered /verified as a true real tiger and she said she recalled them doing that. I'm gonna do some digging for the paperwork .ill try and snap some pics of it .
Sleeping tiger
- Thread starter draggin49
- Start date
Warren
Gold forum user
- Messages
- 3,872
Welcome
And let the fun begin. For me it is the nastyness of the smelL of stale varnishy fuel, pulling spark plugs and top oiling the cylinders then a mano a mano wrestling match turning over the engine by hand after a good soak. Dirty hands and the sound of the car coming back to life..WELCOME TO THE FUN
And let the fun begin. For me it is the nastyness of the smelL of stale varnishy fuel, pulling spark plugs and top oiling the cylinders then a mano a mano wrestling match turning over the engine by hand after a good soak. Dirty hands and the sound of the car coming back to life..WELCOME TO THE FUN
- Messages
- 4,323
If the car was TAC's it will be easy to know.. just get the VIn and look it up on the rootes1 or PTC websites.. they list the authenticated cars.... also there should be a TAC sticker up under the dash on the RHS with its inspection number.
Thanks Michael I will look up the VIN and check where you mentioned. I'm gonna try and keep it as original as possible since so much of it is all still in place. Oh it has the hardtop, my mom said they had to search that out for awhile after purchasing the car. Was the hardtop a factory option? Or standard equipment from the factory ?
Oh, I forgot to mention my location, I'm in a little town called Ojai in Southern California. If this car does turn out to be a previously authenticated tiger , what kind of value would it be worth with a redone quality factory color paint job, original interior , original drivetrain in good working order , good driveability with 31,000 original miles . Just figured its a good thing to know before starting any restoration. I'm currently in the process of finishing another car , but am trying to do some research/homework before I jump into doing this one.
- Messages
- 4,323
The Alpines and Tigers had optional factory hardtops. if they were ordered with the car they came in body colour, if bought from a dealer they were black. the factoyr tops are metal with 2 hinged rear side windows... there were also aftermarket fibreglass tops available from various suppliers, parish, astro, honeywell..
as for value.. without pics its hard to know.. and cars are only worth what someone will pay... but a good low millage rust free tiger will be safely worth more than a decent paint job is going to cost
as for value.. without pics its hard to know.. and cars are only worth what someone will pay... but a good low millage rust free tiger will be safely worth more than a decent paint job is going to cost
Tried to take pics but my phone camera doesn't have a good flash .ill open the garage tomorrow and get some decent pic of the exterior/interior etc. I'll check if the top is metal , it is black in color and like you described. it's too bad the other Shelby car got sold many years ago by my grandpa , now that's the one I really wanted 1965 Shelby Cobra , wasn't the 427 version, but still would be an amazing car to own.
I'm curious if anyone knew my father or mother . My dad and mother were
on the 1984 and 1985 California association of tiger owners*
Lucien L and Jo LeClere
Horrible lighting and didn't have the keys on me to take pictures of the interior , but its in great shape only thing it needs is new carpet the original carpet has faded. Theres dust collected on the paint. It needs paint but is super straight aside from a couple tiny dings . My parents are the 2nd owners of this tiger , it has 31,000 original miles. Was running great when parked back in the late 80's. All the bumpers /trim etc are all packed up but there.
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_9564.jpg.html?o=3
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_1637.jpg.html?o=2
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_5645-1.jpg.html?o=1
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_7966-1.jpg.html?o=0
on the 1984 and 1985 California association of tiger owners*
Lucien L and Jo LeClere
Horrible lighting and didn't have the keys on me to take pictures of the interior , but its in great shape only thing it needs is new carpet the original carpet has faded. Theres dust collected on the paint. It needs paint but is super straight aside from a couple tiny dings . My parents are the 2nd owners of this tiger , it has 31,000 original miles. Was running great when parked back in the late 80's. All the bumpers /trim etc are all packed up but there.
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_9564.jpg.html?o=3
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_1637.jpg.html?o=2
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_5645-1.jpg.html?o=1
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_7966-1.jpg.html?o=0
- Messages
- 2,967
Welcome to the Mania
FYI: Good old BRG paint # 86 Forest Green is one of the more difficult to get just right because of the clever OD tint that shows up in good sunlight. Most modern mixes will not accomplish this and you may have to seek out an aging wonder with a secret stash of EPA banned enamels. OR, if it really is the original paint, pro buff it and leave it as is keeping true original value. One of the best original Tigers we owned was maintained, but never altered or painted and gathered more show ribbons just because of that fact. The paint had thinned in spots down to the red oxide, and the purists out bid each other for ownership. Welcome, r
FYI: Good old BRG paint # 86 Forest Green is one of the more difficult to get just right because of the clever OD tint that shows up in good sunlight. Most modern mixes will not accomplish this and you may have to seek out an aging wonder with a secret stash of EPA banned enamels. OR, if it really is the original paint, pro buff it and leave it as is keeping true original value. One of the best original Tigers we owned was maintained, but never altered or painted and gathered more show ribbons just because of that fact. The paint had thinned in spots down to the red oxide, and the purists out bid each other for ownership. Welcome, r
Thanks for those helpful tips regarding the paint. I'll try and dig up the keys to unlock it for better pics of the interior . I'll also try and snap pics of the trim tag and where else are some #'s located that are important in identifying the car ? Thanks!
- Messages
- 4,323
The ID's are in the engine bay on the front scuttle, there is a aluminium plate with a VIN stamped in it and a small tag screwed on with a JAL number.
The VIn with be either b947... if its a MKI or B328... if its a MKIA... your cxar didnt have lettering on the front.. so am guessing a MKIA.. but the photos are so small and dark it's hard to tell anything... is the soft top covered by a vynil cover or 3 hinged metal panels.. are the doors/bonnet square cornered?
The VIn with be either b947... if its a MKI or B328... if its a MKIA... your cxar didnt have lettering on the front.. so am guessing a MKIA.. but the photos are so small and dark it's hard to tell anything... is the soft top covered by a vynil cover or 3 hinged metal panels.. are the doors/bonnet square cornered?
The doors have square corners . There looks to be vinyl covers that go over the soft top. I did find a cool drawing that Larry Freedman illustrated of the car, he gave my mom/dad a stack of printed copies.I think my parents mentioned an article being written about the car,I will try and find a copy or info on it
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_7296.jpg.html?o=0
http://m70.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/draggin49/Mobile Uploads/IMG_7296.jpg.html?o=0
- Messages
- 868
One of the pics has an old registration...it's a MK1A- 382002009.
Warren
Gold forum user
- Messages
- 3,872
Fellows
Plenty of us near by to look and see. Dan the camera man on the auto cross may be the closest.
Should you decide to keep or sell you will find it better to pick our brains first and get the car on the road to a TAC certificate.
The car lived in Inglewood back in the day on Hindry ave. small world I can be reached at 310 543 9833 and I pass thru your area weekly.
W.
Plenty of us near by to look and see. Dan the camera man on the auto cross may be the closest.
Should you decide to keep or sell you will find it better to pick our brains first and get the car on the road to a TAC certificate.
The car lived in Inglewood back in the day on Hindry ave. small world I can be reached at 310 543 9833 and I pass thru your area weekly.
W.
you're a lucky person...
well, i think you are a real lucky person... um looking for a 2nd hand tiger since 2005.. but haven't gotten any... please contact me if you wanna sell it... hid headlight kits
well, i think you are a real lucky person... um looking for a 2nd hand tiger since 2005.. but haven't gotten any... please contact me if you wanna sell it... hid headlight kits
Last edited:
Meant to pick some of your guys brains. I haven't been searching for these lately.
How hard is an all original low mile mark 1A like this to come by these days?
Obviously it needs paint but it was running great when parked years ago.
It seems like a prime candidate for a serious collector based on how much these are becoming worth . I know that over the years and changes in ownership much of the original interior /parts are damaged or replaced. And its only original once.
My mother is considering putting it up for sale , she wanted me to get a gauge on the price/value of an original mark 1A.
She is fairly car savvy/knowledgeable. some local guys from my town that heard about the car made some ridiculous lowball offers hoping my mom had no clue what she had, and that they could pull a fast one. Some dummy even tried to trade her an older Honda motorcycle!!
Appreciate your help.
How hard is an all original low mile mark 1A like this to come by these days?
Obviously it needs paint but it was running great when parked years ago.
It seems like a prime candidate for a serious collector based on how much these are becoming worth . I know that over the years and changes in ownership much of the original interior /parts are damaged or replaced. And its only original once.
My mother is considering putting it up for sale , she wanted me to get a gauge on the price/value of an original mark 1A.
She is fairly car savvy/knowledgeable. some local guys from my town that heard about the car made some ridiculous lowball offers hoping my mom had no clue what she had, and that they could pull a fast one. Some dummy even tried to trade her an older Honda motorcycle!!
Appreciate your help.
Warren
Gold forum user
- Messages
- 3,872
This Dummy
Will up the Ante and offer 5 old Honda motorcycles, 3 CB 160's and 2 CT110's
What city is the beast in ? maybe if you have seen the red Tiger in Oakland that was Craigslist Hemmings and the eBay posted you could see some benchmarks. Some guys like original paint cars it all depends on if it is above average.
There is a "Original paint car in Wa. state Craigslist but somehow the vin tag was removed and reattached, kinda takes some splaining....
I know several guys looking as well. PM or email and I'll pass em on to you.
Will up the Ante and offer 5 old Honda motorcycles, 3 CB 160's and 2 CT110's
What city is the beast in ? maybe if you have seen the red Tiger in Oakland that was Craigslist Hemmings and the eBay posted you could see some benchmarks. Some guys like original paint cars it all depends on if it is above average.
There is a "Original paint car in Wa. state Craigslist but somehow the vin tag was removed and reattached, kinda takes some splaining....
I know several guys looking as well. PM or email and I'll pass em on to you.
- Messages
- 525
Draggin49 a Lead sled Ford coupe or...?
Curious about that...
Also, based on your sporadic mail over 2 years, you appear to be vacillating between holding and selling. So, I'm curious about that. Thats a-ok, its your decision.
But regarding your questions of 'worth' or value, you've had a couple strong, very educated opinions. Pro restorers. Let me add further amatuer opinion, although less established, but based on a very current visit to the big Scottsdale auctions (you'll find posts in Southwest / AZ group below).
RE: Originality. Don't touch it if really factory original. Leave it. Leave everything (for now). There's almost zero value or negative value in paint you will add to the car if intending to sale*. In point of fact, right now the hottest cars in the collector market are untouched original cars, of almost any ilk, in almost any condition. *However, strongly consider getting the car TAC'd, you'll find plenty of info on here. And, consider paying a small fee for an expert to go through the car and make suggestions to pump up the originality as close to stock as possible. They may spot something easy that would light up a buyer's eyes/remove concern about authenticity.
RE: Market. Well, as stated, that's a hard bag. But, my opinion is this. You've waited 2 years to do anything. You're holding an 'investment' property. It's been a great run up in car prices especially over the last 6-8 months (not Tigers, ALL the collector cars). At Gooding, a panel reviewed 10 collector type cars of various price points that they had selected to track, starting in 1997. Out of the 10, 9 had significant increases and 8 had multiples of increases. Example: 65-68 911 SWB coupes. Was: 20~25k. Now more than 150k and they sold a couple nearer 200k (granted, especially nice and ORIGINAL cars.) I looked at 3 of 4 Tigers for sale in AZ. They all sold between $40 and $70k. No cars were original and the $70k looked brand new, spotless, like off a lot...not correct, but very pretty. A number of similar driver cars have been trading between the $30k and $40k mark online. It is likely that a potential buyer on this forum might pay a premium to the online market if they could confirm the originality.
RE: The Cobra. When my dad bought his Tiger it was $3500. The Cobra was closer to $5500. Its as big a difference between a Cayman and a 911 today. So while he and I for sure regretted that $2000 non-buy. We all much more regret the current market prices. That 289 Cobra is likely a $1M+ car. But, many many people can't buy those. If only there were a similar ish car out there at more attainable pricing... ummm...
If you're just looking at value... I'd get it running, TACd and checked over by an expert. Get it insured. Drive it 1X/mo and keep it in the garage.
It's hard to say because as a car guy I'd like to see someone drive it and enjoy it. But, from an investment return standpoint... I see zero reason to sell now. They're not even that "hot," yet... but the momentum seems to be building.
Curious about that...
Also, based on your sporadic mail over 2 years, you appear to be vacillating between holding and selling. So, I'm curious about that. Thats a-ok, its your decision.
But regarding your questions of 'worth' or value, you've had a couple strong, very educated opinions. Pro restorers. Let me add further amatuer opinion, although less established, but based on a very current visit to the big Scottsdale auctions (you'll find posts in Southwest / AZ group below).
RE: Originality. Don't touch it if really factory original. Leave it. Leave everything (for now). There's almost zero value or negative value in paint you will add to the car if intending to sale*. In point of fact, right now the hottest cars in the collector market are untouched original cars, of almost any ilk, in almost any condition. *However, strongly consider getting the car TAC'd, you'll find plenty of info on here. And, consider paying a small fee for an expert to go through the car and make suggestions to pump up the originality as close to stock as possible. They may spot something easy that would light up a buyer's eyes/remove concern about authenticity.
RE: Market. Well, as stated, that's a hard bag. But, my opinion is this. You've waited 2 years to do anything. You're holding an 'investment' property. It's been a great run up in car prices especially over the last 6-8 months (not Tigers, ALL the collector cars). At Gooding, a panel reviewed 10 collector type cars of various price points that they had selected to track, starting in 1997. Out of the 10, 9 had significant increases and 8 had multiples of increases. Example: 65-68 911 SWB coupes. Was: 20~25k. Now more than 150k and they sold a couple nearer 200k (granted, especially nice and ORIGINAL cars.) I looked at 3 of 4 Tigers for sale in AZ. They all sold between $40 and $70k. No cars were original and the $70k looked brand new, spotless, like off a lot...not correct, but very pretty. A number of similar driver cars have been trading between the $30k and $40k mark online. It is likely that a potential buyer on this forum might pay a premium to the online market if they could confirm the originality.
RE: The Cobra. When my dad bought his Tiger it was $3500. The Cobra was closer to $5500. Its as big a difference between a Cayman and a 911 today. So while he and I for sure regretted that $2000 non-buy. We all much more regret the current market prices. That 289 Cobra is likely a $1M+ car. But, many many people can't buy those. If only there were a similar ish car out there at more attainable pricing... ummm...
If you're just looking at value... I'd get it running, TACd and checked over by an expert. Get it insured. Drive it 1X/mo and keep it in the garage.
It's hard to say because as a car guy I'd like to see someone drive it and enjoy it. But, from an investment return standpoint... I see zero reason to sell now. They're not even that "hot," yet... but the momentum seems to be building.