1966 SUNBEAM TIGER

WHO? Rob Blayney MILES Unknown PROVENANCE Original police car MODS Full period police kit HOW MANY LEFT? 196

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD IT?

I came across the car privately ten years ago while looking for a Tiger through contacts in the Sunbeam Tiger Owners’ Club. I had owned three previously. It had just been restored and I paid £25,000 for it. It is going to be displayed on the club’s stand at this year’s NEC show. I also took it to Police Car Day at the Ace Café back in August – a long way to go from my home in Bude, north Cornwall. The car is currently insured with Hagerty for £60,000.

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

Documentation shows that the car originally belonged to the Metropolitan Police and was based in Hampton. It was used as a Speed Complaints Car or Pursuit Car to catch speeding motorists on the new M1 motorway.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

There’s nothing more to be done to the car itself, but the 51-year-old speedometer needs revamping. However, it does have the specially calibrated Second Speedometer, used for official recording of speeding motorists, which is still working.

HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?

I have found all the parts necessary – including a Pye Westminster police radio – to get the car to how it was in 1966 through contacts with former Metropolitan Police drivers. Some were only 22 years old when they first drove it. The car does not have its original 260ci/4261cc engine, which was disposed of years ago – it now has a standard-spec 302ci (5.0-litre) Ford V8 installed.