As seen on TV! #3
Photos: National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images / Worldwide Auctioneers
Sunbeam Tiger 1964-1967
Why this model?
More popular than an upright hero, full of charm, success and insight, only an accidental, clumsy, distracted and very lucky hero like Maxwell Smart. Known in Portugal as “Olho Vivo”, the “Get Smart” series was inspired by the classic Inspector Clouseau and sought to satirize the James Bond style. Mel Brooks chose the versatile Don Adams for the main role and for his work vehicle he chose the Sunbeam Tiger. A good choice for several reasons: it was a very dignified looking car, with an engine capable of the performance required by a detective, but almost as clumsy as Maxwell Smart himself. Like the main character, Rootes' car had the right mission, the right partners, but a certain inability to do things properly. In any case, driven by its usual driver and with the invaluable help of the elegant agent “99”, the Sunbeam won over the public with its harmless sports car style, despite hiding a 4.2 or 4.7 liter V8 engine. In the last series of episodes, the Tiger was even replaced by the more balanced and smooth Alpine..
What to look for
In the pilot episode of the series, Agent Smart's car is a Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Cabriolet. Ironically, Tiger was also about to be born with a connection to Maranello. Aiming to create a version of the Alpine with a more powerful engine, Rootes approached Ferrari about the possibility of developing the existing unit, taking advantage of the marketing benefit of this association. However, at the suggestion of Jack Brabham, the option fell on the Ford V8 260ci (4.3 liter) engine. Carrol Shelby even developed the prototype, but the construction of the model would end up being the responsibility of Jensen, who was then abandoning production of the Volvo P1800. The launch of the new model was faster than expected, because there was no effective dynamic development that would allow Sunbeam to take full advantage of the powerful engine. As a result, the Tiger was a fast but not very "athletic" car, whose technical specifications promised more than the chassis allowed. Despite this, the small roadster enjoyed some success in the USA, until Chrysler took a stake in Rootes. At that time it was no longer acceptable to use engines from a rival manufacturer and, as the Chrysler V8s did not fit, the model was cancelled.
What is it for
It's a small English car with a big American V8 engine, but it's not a Cobra. It's not worth trying to chase Ferraris. Enjoy the immense torque and sound of the V8 and drive with serenity, especially when cornering.
Profile of the "actor"
With more muscles than agility, Tiger is like Sylvester Stallone: a small brute that we are used to sympathizing with.
Alternative
In some episodes, Maxwell Smart's car is an Opel GT. If you're more interested in looking like a detective than in being able to chase bad guys, that's an option.
Engine: 8 cyl. in V ; forward longitudinal position; side camshaft; 4727cccc;
Ford carburetor; 200 hp at 4400 rpm; Transmission: rear; 4 Vel. Man;
Brakes: front, disc; behind, drum. Without brake servo;
Chassis: 2-door, 2-seater steel monoblock;
Length: 3962mm; Wheelbase: 2184mm; Weight: 1161kg;
Maximum Speed: 196km/h
Use: 3
Maintenance: 4
Reliability 4
Valuation 3
