On paper, both the Shelby Mustang GT350 and the Sunbeam Tiger are somewhat similar in their use of Ford V8 power, rear-wheel drive and a sprinkling of love from Carroll Shelby himself. However, considering that one is an iconic pony car and the other is a V8-powered British roadster, the similarities seem to end there.
The big question, then, is how these Shelby creations compare today. We drove them back-to-back to find out.
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2/22/23 12:11 p.m.
Having owned a new 1965 Sunbeam Tiger in 1965 thru 1967 I can tell you that it did not drive or perform anything like your Restomoded version. It would not spin even the stock skinny tires, the panhard rod rear end steered the car on accelleration, braking or a bump in the road. It had something like 125 horsepower and 0-60 was 10 or 12 seconds. I traded it for a 1 liter Simca Abarth that out performed it in every way.
2/22/23 1:01 p.m.
Both Iconic cars. Coming from a British roadster background, (MG, AH, Lotus) I would tend more to the Sunbeam. Since they both are not daily drivers, I would rather have the 'top down' 2 seater. Nothing against a Shelby but I didn't have an upbringing in the American muscle cars. I know the Shelby would be a 'hoot' to drive even for just one day!!!
2/22/23 8:05 p.m.
I have to agree with the conclusion of this comparison. My first car was a 65 Mustang 2+2. I totaled it in 24 hours. Many years later, when I was looking for an old sports car, I looked at Tigers, and remain impressed by their performance. But I bought a 1960 Austin Healey 3000 BN7 (2-seater). Why? Style. As good a performer as the Tiger is, I don't believe it can hold a candle to the style of an early Big Healey.
2/22/23 8:05 p.m.
I have to agree with the conclusion of this comparison. My first car was a 65 Mustang 2+2. I totaled it in 24 hours. Many years later, when I was looking for an old sports car, I looked at Tigers, and remain impressed by their performance. But I bought a 1960 Austin Healey 3000 BN7 (2-seater). Why? Style. As good a performer as the Tiger is, I don't believe it can hold a candle to the style of an early Big Healey.
1/24/24 5:21 p.m.
Both the Shelby and the Tiger were seriously flawed sports cars, in their original configuration. Now days most of those issues can be easily resolved, assuming you are willing to make significant cash infusions into either one..
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