![Patricia Crowther’s classic Sunbeam Tiger Classic & Sports Car - Your classic: Sunbeam Tiger](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2022-08/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20-%20Your%20classic%20-%20Sunbeam%20Tiger%20-%2009.png?itok=e2aPI390)
Some years ago, my husband Harry presented me with a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger as a surprise for my birthday.
It had been standing in a domestic garage for 14 years, it had lots of missing trim, the tyres were perished (but held air) and it was a non-runner, but neither the engine nor the clutch was seized.
Because we intended using it for our hobby of regularity rallying, we planned to renovate rather than restore it – this was a Tiger to be used.
![This classic Sunbeam Tiger is much enjoyed Classic & Sports Car - Your classic: Sunbeam Tiger](/sites/default/files/2022-08/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20-%20Your%20classic%20-%20Sunbeam%20Tiger%20-%2006.png)
The recommissioned Sunbeam Tiger has taken Patricia Crowther and husband Harry all over Europe
The first winter was taken up with cleaning the car inside and out, replacing all the fluids, brakes and engine electrics, and fitting stainless-steel exhausts, new shock absorbers and a new water pump.
We also purchased a number of chrome trim pieces and a fresh set of Goodyear tyres to fit to the original Minilite wheels.
I rebuilt the seats and retrimmed the interior in black leather and vinyl, plus matching black carpet edged in vinyl.
![Patricia Crowther and her Sunbeam Tiger during a trip to the Lake District Classic & Sports Car - Your classic: Sunbeam Tiger](/sites/default/files/2022-08/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20-%20Your%20classic%20-%20Sunbeam%20Tiger%20-%2008.png)
The classic Sunbeam in the Lake District