An extensively modified Alpine with a Ford 260 V-8 engine, the Sunbeam Tiger offered a lot of performance for about $3,500. Prototypes for the car were built by Shelby American for Ian Garrad the West Coast manager for Rootes Motors, Inc. Named by Lord Rootes for Sir Henry Seagrave's Sunbeam Tiger that set a land speed record of 152.33 mph in 1926. When Rootes fell on hard times a controlling interest was bought by Chrysler Corporation who, lacking a suitable engine of their own, continued using Ford power. Sales never reached a level to justify the cars production and it was ended in June 1967.