Tiger timeline

1959

Rootes releases the Sunbeam Alpine, with sharp styling, unitary construction (albeit using the Hillman Husky as its base) and a high-compression version of the Minx engine with twin carburettors.

1962

Formula One champion, Jack Brabham proposes to Rootes competition manager, Norman Garrard, that an Alpine be fitted with a Ford V8.

1963

Carroll Shelby, following an approach by Garrard’s son, Ian (then West Coast Sales Manager of Rootes American Motors Inc.), begins work on a prototype, provisionally named the Thunderbolt.

1964

The Tiger enters production following its debut at the New York Motor Show. Painted and trimmed bodies are supplied by Pressed Steel in Oxfordshire, while 260ci engines and gearboxes come direct from Ford of Detroit. Assembly is by Jensen at West Bromwich.

1965

With the first batch of cars destined for North America, UK enthusiasts have to wait until the following year to buy theirs.

1966

US-only Tiger MkII released with 289ci Mustang engine and 200bhp, plus wider gearing.

1967

Chrysler acquires a controlling interest in ailing Rootes Group and objects to rival Ford supplying the Tiger’s power. Plans to replace it with Chrysler’s own V8 come to naught, so production ends with a total of 7085 cars built.