Get Smart Sunbeam Tiger

The 1960s television series Get Smart remains a cultural icon, blending satire, slapstick, and spy fiction into a beloved show that still resonates with audiences today. One of the most memorable aspects of the series was not just the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart or the futuristic gadgets, but also the striking car he drove the Sunbeam Tiger. This sporty convertible, with its sleek design and V8 engine, quickly became an emblem of spy cool, joining the ranks of famous television and film vehicles. The Sunbeam Tiger’s presence in Get Smart not only introduced the car to a wider American audience but also cemented its place in pop culture history.

What Is the Sunbeam Tiger?

The Sunbeam Tiger is a high-performance roadster produced in the 1960s by the Rootes Group, a British automobile manufacturer. It was essentially a modified version of the Sunbeam Alpine, a lightweight and stylish sports car, but with an American twist under the hood was a powerful Ford V8 engine. This transformation turned the Alpine into a completely different beast, giving it the power and torque to rival sports cars from much larger manufacturers.

Originally envisioned as a budget Cobra, the Sunbeam Tiger was the result of a collaboration between Rootes and American racing legend Carroll Shelby. Shelby had previously transformed the AC Ace into the Shelby Cobra by dropping in a Ford V8, and he applied the same idea to the Sunbeam Alpine. The result was a compact, agile sports car with serious power, capable of reaching 0 to 60 mph in under 8 seconds a very respectable figure for its time.

Key Features of the Sunbeam Tiger

• Ford 260 or 289 cubic-inch V8 engine
• Four-speed manual transmission
• Rear-wheel drive layout
• Classic British roadster styling
• Dual exhausts and performance suspension

With its combination of British charm and American muscle, the Sunbeam Tiger offered an exciting driving experience that appealed to enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Sunbeam Tiger in Get Smart

One of the most iconic uses of the Sunbeam Tiger was in the American television series Get Smart, which aired from 1965 to 1970. The show followed the exploits of Maxwell Smart, a secret agent working for the fictional government agency CONTROL. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the show was a comedic take on spy films and television of the era, spoofing franchises like James Bond and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

In the opening credits of Season One, Maxwell Smart is seen driving a red Sunbeam Tiger into an underground entrance a moment that instantly connected the car with the character. The vehicle appeared in various episodes throughout the early seasons and quickly became a signature accessory of Agent 86.

Why the Sunbeam Tiger Was a Perfect Fit

The Sunbeam Tiger’s combination of style, performance, and modest size made it an ideal match for Get Smart. Unlike the enormous luxury sedans seen in other spy shows, the Tiger was compact and nimble, symbolizing Smart’s slightly offbeat approach to espionage. It stood out as a unique vehicle choice bold yet not flashy, serious yet playful much like the show itself.

Furthermore, the car helped reinforce the show’s satirical tone. By giving its hero a powerful sports car, the series both honored and poked fun at spy fiction conventions. The Tiger became more than just transportation; it was part of the storytelling.

Pop Culture Impact of the Sunbeam Tiger

The visibility that Get Smart provided helped turn the Sunbeam Tiger into a cult classic among car collectors and fans of vintage TV. Though it never reached the global recognition of the Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond, it developed a loyal following. Over the years, the Tiger has appeared at classic car shows, in magazines, and in retrospectives on iconic TV cars.

Its legacy is tied not only to its technical merits but also to its media appearances. Because of Get Smart, the car became associated with adventure, comedy, and coolness. Fans of the series often seek out replica Tigers or memorabilia that features the vehicle. It serves as a nostalgic link to a time when TV cars were as important to the story as the characters themselves.

Production History and Variants

The Sunbeam Tiger was produced from 1964 to 1967, with roughly 7,000 units built. There are two main variants of the Tiger:

• Mark I: Equipped with the 260 cu in Ford V8, this version made up the bulk of production.
• Mark II: Released in limited numbers with a 289 cu in V8 engine, the Mark II offered more horsepower and refinement. Only about 500 were made, making it highly sought after today.

After Chrysler acquired the Rootes Group, the Tiger’s days were numbered. Chrysler had little interest in promoting a car powered by a Ford engine, and attempts to replace it with a Chrysler engine failed due to size constraints. Production ceased in 1967, and the car quietly exited the market.

Collectibility and Market Value

Today, the Sunbeam Tiger is considered a prized collector car. Its value has steadily increased thanks to its rarity, performance, and pop culture status. Enthusiasts admire the car for its unique blend of British design and American power. Genuine models especially well-maintained or restored examples can fetch high prices at auctions and among private collectors.

Factors that influence a Tiger’s value include:

• Originality (matching engine and chassis numbers)
• Condition and restoration quality
• Whether it’s a Mark I or Mark II
• Documented history or celebrity connection

Because the Sunbeam Alpine was visually similar, many replicas and tribute cars exist, often referred to as Algers. While these cars offer a similar look and feel, they lack the authentic performance pedigree of the Tiger and are priced accordingly.

Legacy of the Sunbeam Tiger in Television History

The use of the Sunbeam Tiger in Get Smart remains one of the most enduring examples of how a car can become a character in its own right. Just as the Batmobile is forever tied to Batman, the Tiger is forever tied to Maxwell Smart. It symbolized a certain era of television where style and substance were fused in unforgettable ways.

Car enthusiasts and television historians alike continue to celebrate the vehicle’s contribution to media and motoring culture. The Tiger represents a moment when engineering excellence met entertainment, and the result was pure charm on wheels.

The Get Smart Sunbeam Tiger is more than just a classic convertible it’s a cultural icon born from the intersection of British automotive craftsmanship and American engineering muscle. Its role in Get Smart gave it a unique place in television history, while its performance on the road secured its place in the hearts of car lovers. Whether admired for its speed, its style, or its screen presence, the Sunbeam Tiger remains a true symbol of 1960s cool. As vintage car enthusiasts continue to celebrate this rare gem, its connection to Maxwell Smart ensures that it will never be forgotten.