COME AND CELEBRATE THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE

SUNBEAM TIGER IN 2004 IN FRANCE AND ENGLAND

 

 STOC invites Tiger Owners and enthusiasts across the World to join

in this memorable event to celebrate the 40th anniversary

of the launch of the Sunbeam Tiger

 

 

When:        22nd July – 1st August 2004

 

Where:      Le Mans, France & Shakespeare Country in Central England.

 

What:        Events over 11 days in 3 parts. Select to attend all, just some or customise your choice!

 

 

The New York Motor Show of April 1964 saw the launch and

unveiling on Stand 12 of the ‘Sunbeam Alpine 260’, soon to be

renamed the ‘Sunbeam Tiger’.

 

40 years on its time to mark this anniversary with what we

think will be a fitting event !!

 

STOC is very pleased to say that several historically important Tigers will be attending the 40th celebrations in Europe, including the 'Mule' Le Mans Tiger which has not been seen here for over 30 years.

Please be aware the LM Classic is full & many parts are near full - prompt booking recommended


40 YEARS OF THE TIGER

 

IN THE BEGINNING

Series manufacture of the Sunbeam Tiger began at Jensen's West Bromwich factory during the early days of June 1964. The first production Tiger, B9470011 - ADU 311B, was delivered to the Rootes Competition Department for Rally preparation soon after and the first export Tigers began to appear at the Rootes Ryton factory for pre-delivery inspections by mid month. Anyone familiar with the story will know that the British market had to wait until late '64 before two Tigers were exhibited at the October Earls Court Motor Show and these were LHD export specification. Almost 2000 export cars had been shipped by the time the Home market could begin to get their hands on a RHD spec Tiger in January '65 but It wasn't until March '65 before Tigers were seen in any numbers here. However, since it was at Le Mans in June '64 that a Tiger was first seen outside of an exhibition hall, we think the 2004 'Le Mans Classic' is the most appropriate point at which to start our 40th Anniversary celebrations !

 

PART 1 LE MANS CLASSIC

The week of celebration begins with attending the LE MANS CLASSIC at Le Mans, France. This series of races is held over 24 hours for over 300 ex Le Mans racing cars from 1928 to 1971. STOC entries include the 1964 Sunbeam Lister Tiger (No 8) of keeper Tony Eckford and the 1964 Sunbeam Lister 'Mule' Tiger from the collection of Californian STOC member Chris Gruys. The 'Mule' will be co-driven by Claude Dubois (who tested the car in April '64) and Rosemary Smith, This group will be joined by the 1963 Le Mans Alpine of STOC stalwart Keith Hampson. Other STOC entrants include Marc Devis (Belgium) with his 1963 AC Sebring Cobra & 1967 ex-works Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 and Jim Campbell with his 1937 Aston Martin Ulster.

The 'Mule' Mallory Park April 1964

This package includes ferry fares, 4 nights accommodation,

bed, breakfast and excellent dinners (drinks included), road

book, rally plate and all admission tickets to Paddock, Pits

and Grandstands with dedicated "Tiger" parking on the STOC

stand inside the circuit. There is a separate price excluding

the ferry for Tiger owners etc coming from mainland Europe

As over 60 people and 25+ Tigers are booked in already, with 5 STOC teams and 6 cars, the Le Mans Classic 'book' is closed . We are though happy to help later applicants with making their own arrangements.

Thursday 22nd July - Depart England by ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre in France to attend the LE MANS

CLASSIC. We will be staying 4 nights at hotels with gourmet chefs, which are convenient to the circuit.

Jimmy Blumer and Rosemary Smith will be driving down with the cavalcade of Tigers.

 

Friday 23rd July - Attend scrutineering in Le Mans Town/Centre visit circuit.

 

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July- Watch practice. Drive the circuit! (extra charge) - join a grid of top notch

classic cars on a 'full chat' 8+ miles track lap and bring your video cam. Watch the racing - 4pm. Saturday to 4pm.

Sunday (you need not stay there all night). Sunday evening 'Finale Dinner - five courses with all wine (60 attending)

 

Monday 26th July - Return to Le Havre for late afternoon or overnight Ferry- chance to recharge the batteries ready for Part 2.

 

PART 2:     SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY AND THE MOTOR MUSEUMS

 

We have chosen to base this event at the Arrow

Mill Hotel a hotel (previously an old mill) in the heart

of Shakespeare Country near Alcester and within 7

miles of Stratford Upon Avon and 15 miles of historic

Warwick, with the option for our guests to select a

more economical choice (a Travelodge Hotel) within

3 minutes drive of the main hotel. Arrangements for

the event, however, ensure that the full party dines

together from breakfast through to dinner either at

the Arrow Mill Hotel or at pre-arranged locations.

During these three days our itinerary provides for our

guests to enjoy the beautiful country-side, local

stately homes and visits to locations of specific

interest to Tiger owners.This package includes 3

nights bed and break-fast and dinner, Road run -

treasure hunt, rally plate, entry to museums etc.

         

Tuesday 27th July pm - Assemble at the hotel for welcome drinks and barbeque. (Le Mans Classic Tour

participants drive direct to hotel from Portsmouth). We are very pleased to count among our international visitors,

Norman Miller the celebrated author and authority on the marque, Peter Phelps - Tiger enthusiast and MKII Police car

keeper, David McDermott - keeper of the Targa Florio race Tiger, Bill Miller one of the founding members of STOA

in 1969 and previous long term keeper of the Hollywood Sports Car (55b) Tiger and Alan Curry the President of the

Sunbeam Club of New Zealand

Wednesday 28th July - Full English Breakfast at the Mill

followed by scenic road run / treasure hunt including

lunch at a country pub. In the evening, enjoy a feast of

Tiger Videos and a buffet supper.

 

Thursday 29th July - Full English Breakfast at the Mill

followed by day of leisure to visit Stately Homes & Castles

and their gardens, see the countryside or go shopping in

Stratford or Warwick. Or simply sit about in the sun! In

the evening the option of an early buffet supper in the

Mill before travelling by coach to Stratford Upon Avon to

see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

(extra charge), or dinner in the hotel.

Friday 30th July - Full English Breakfast at the Mill followed by a “Tiger Convoy” to Coventry and Ryton to visit the old Rootes factory sites followed by a visit to the Museum of Motor Transport (Coventry Motor Museum) to inspect the Rootes exhibits and give the public a show outside the Museum. Visit to the historic Warwick Castle in the evening for a "Highwayman Feast"

 PART 3:     TIGERS AT PLAY

 

The climax of the 40th Anniversary of the Tiger continues to be based at the Mill. During this long weekend

members and our international guests will have the opportunity to meet the drivers and co-drivers of “Works” race

and rally Tigers for a re-union with their original cars and their current owners as well as participate in a little

competitive Tiger sport. The fun starts on Friday night with a visit to historic Warwick Castle to take part in a

Highwaymans Feast, followed by a Gala Dinner in the Mill on the Saturday night. The event concludes on the

Sunday with the “Great 40 Tiger Gathering”the 40th Anniversary National Gathering and a Barbeque on

the lawn of the Mill. We are aiming at having over 100 Tigers on display.

 

This package includes 2 nights accommodation and breakfast. Medieval Banquet (the Highwayman’s Feast),

Gaydon Motoring Heritage Museum Admission, 'Spirited Driving', Gala Dinner, Sunday BBQ and souvenir plaques.

 

There is an option to arrive on Saturday which excludes Friday night’s accommodation and the Highwayman’s Feast.

         

Friday 30th July, p.m. - “Weekenders” arrive. Coach(s) will take the full party to Warwick Castle to enjoy

the Highwayman’s Feast that includes a five-course dinner, as much ale and wine as you can drink and a full

evenings entertainment! Fancy dress is optional but for those wishing to dress up you need 18th Century kit. If you

need help with hiring outfits contact STOC...70 booked in so far for the Feast. (Maximum 80 ish).

 

Saturday 31st July - Full English Breakfast in the Mill followed by Tiger Convoy to Heritage Motoring Centre at

Gaydon for the ‘works’ team drivers and employees and cars reunion. STOC will occupy pride of place at the centre

where ex-works team Tigers and other important Tigers will be displayed in front of the Museum and be joined by

various Rootes team drivers. Several ex-team drivers have agreed to join us, including STOC President Peter

Procter, Ian Hall, Rosemary Smith, Peter Riley, John Clegg, Graham Robson and the 1964 Le Mans drivers

Jimmy Blumer and Claude Dubois. STOC is contacting several Rootes & Jensen VIP's who were associated with

the Sunbeam Tiger and we can confirm that Don Tarbun 'father of the Tiger' and Rootes Tiger Development

Engineer will attend the weekends events; that Tim Rootes will join us at Gaydon and Le Mans Tiger constructor

Brian Lister will be coming along to the Gala Dinner on the evening of 31st July and attending THE National Rally

the next day.

The Le Mans Classic entries will be on display at Gaydon along with: ADU 312B - 1964 Geneva Rally and many

others; FRW 668C -1966 Tulip Rally and FRW 667C -1966 Monte Carlo Rally.

Left: ADU 312B - Rosemary Smith, Marcus Chambers, Peter Riley & Ian Hall

Right: FRW 668C

Below: ADU 311B - 1965 Ian & Rosemary

Whilst there, take the opportunity to look around the Centre (link) and take in the

huge collection of classic, vintage and veteran British motor cars,the racing car

exhibitions and the historic showcases to British car manufacturing before it all

fell apart in the sixties. Club members will be sited within in our flagged area with

many Tigers flanking the lawns in front of the main museum building. Members not

wishing to participate in the Club offer can join the Tiger display (open to the

public as well) for free. The Club is providing tickets to Members who wish to visit

the Museum proper and do a little 'spirited' Tiger driving later in the day at the

nearby Shenington track.

The 'spirited driving' and driving skill tests part of the day is ticket only for participants. Numbers are limited to 50 Tigers as our regs only allow one/two cars on track at a time. (two runs per Tiger). All drivers must hold a driving license and regular car insurance but a competition license is not needed. Crash helmets are not mandatory. Tickets must be booked in advance and regs will be sent out with booking notifications. Interest in this segment is high and early booking is recommended. (Volunteers marshals needed)

A leisurely drive back to the hotel will be followed by the Gala Dinner at the Stratford Moat House hotel with many

V.I.P. Tiger guests, Club Auction, and no doubt some rousing speeches - coaches to & from. [100 booked in so far

- not many spaces left.] See preliminary list here of the superb & classic Tiger Auction items and Raffle prizes that some lucky winners will go home with.

Sunday 1st August - Full English Breakfast followed by the “40 Years of the Tiger” National Rally in the

grounds and car park of the Mill, when even more Tigers will flood through the gates. Show groups will include:

Works Rally & Competition cars; Historic Rally cars; Team Tiger competition cars; Police cars; Prototypes; HROFE

MKII’s; Hartwell MKII’s; a Paint Code collection & many other unusual Tigers. Graham Robson will be our PA host

for the day.

A magnificient collection of Club Tigers will be present including Paul Kynaston's Historics Rally Champion-

ship winning Tiger in 2000 & 2002, Chris Beighton's 2002 AMOC Championship race Tiger, Jayne Wignall's

multiple winning classic rally Tiger, the Brussels 66' Auto Show Tiger, 5 Police Tigers, 4 Hartwell Tigers,

several prototypes - including Vin Nos 8/9/10 - and a great deal more.

Club Tigers can choose to join one of the show groupings but we would like to know members wishes in advance so

as to allow calm marshaling on the day! Concours show classifications will follow previous year’s formats and will be in

three groups: Standard, Personalised and Modified. The second 'Countdown' newsletter went out mid-June to all who

have booked in advance with a classification score card. Please advise which class you wish your Tiger to be in.

 

Take the opportunity to get a close up look at the

Tiger Show groups, meet other owners, meet Rootes

VIP's, rummage through the Tiger Auto-Jumble and

Swap & Shop area. Buy the latest Tiger Regalia and

look out some Spare parts. Have your Tiger

professionally photographed, join the "Big 40" aerial photograph group and go on the record as a

"I was there" Tiger. Enjoy the Club BBQ or picnic on

the lawn. Take a helicopter ride over the site (£5.00)

Stroll among the club concours classes

before collecting for Prize giving and the awarding

of concours trophies by our guests of honour. Then,

at your leisure, prepare to depart from this not to

be forgotten event. The complete programme

will be posted shortly-see Highlights below

CHECKED TIGERS FOR NATIONAL

@ 9/7/2004 = 96

(Over the week = 105)

 

 

 

National Programme Highlights

• Listen to the continuous commentary from Graham Robson, author of Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger and

our commentator for the day. Graham will take the opportunity to interview the VIPs and many of

our members throughout the day as well as remind us of the many attractions available to us.
• Take part in the Concours
• Visit the 40 years of the Tiger Exhibition inside the hotel and watch the videos
• Browse the Trade and Regalia stands for useful items and souvenirs of the day.
• Enter the 40 Years of the Tiger Quiz
• Bring your own “bits and pieces” and join in the “Swap-Meet”
• Take a helicopter ride over the site for a small charge
• Take part in the 40 Years of the Tiger Aerial photo call
• Have your car photographed with VIPs
• Take part in the grand raffle
• Have a go on the Tombola (how about bringing a bottle or a jar to help support the club?)
• Watch the Parade of the Giants (“special / award winning” cars and VIPs)
• Either join in the Pig Roast or enjoy your own picnic.
• Meet old friends and make new friends.
• Gather round for the prize giving (concours, quiz and raffle)

 

PRICES PER PERSON JOINING ANY PART OF

40 YEARS OF THE TIGER

(Based on two people sharing, supplements could apply for single occupancy.)

Booking Ref

Part

Event/Hotel

£

$

Euro

A

1

Le Mans with ferry

FULL FULL FULL

 

B

 

1

Le Mans - no ferry

FULL FULL FULL

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

2

Arrow Mill Hotel

FULL

FULL

FULL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 D

2

Travelodge

200

320

270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

3

Arrow Mill Hotel

280

450

380

 

 

 

 

 

 

F

3

Travelodge - Factory visit, Coventry Motor Museum, Gaydon, spirited driving, Warwick Castle dinner - the lot !

230

370

310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G

Total Package

(Parts 1, 2 & 3)

Arrow Mill Hotel

 

     

H

Total Package (Parts 1, 2 & 3)

Travelodge

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

Parts 2/3 only

Arrow Mill

500

800

680

J

Parts 2/3 only

Travelodge

430

690

585

 

 

 

 

 

 

K

Sat/Sun only (31/7 – 1/8)

Arrow Mill

150

240

200

L

Sat/Sun only (31/7 – 1/8)

Travelodge

only = £95 p.p.

Gaydon + Spirited Driving only.....= £25 pp

Gala Dinner only= £35

120

190

160

 

 

 

 

 

 

M Sunday only (1/8) Breakfast at Arrow Mill
5
   
M Sunday only (1/8) Pig Roast at Arrow Mill
10
   

 M

Sunday only (1/8)

Tiger/car ticket only -

entry and rally plate

10

 

 

If you would like to personalise your choices please call one of the organising committee members.

  • exchange rates at 31.01.04 (UK £1=$1.75 = E1.35)
  • estimated cost of tickets for RSC Stratford £32 per seat
  • assumed that European visitors make their own cross-channel arrangements
  • Prices for the Travelodge include return courtesy bus to the Arrow Mill for dinner each evening.

 

The organising team comprises Angela and John Dandy, Graham Vickery, Stuart Wilkinson and Gordon England.

To register your interest contact John & Angela at consult.dandy@btopenworld.com or stoc@sunbeamtiger.co.uk Please NOTE John

& Angela will be off line from 22nd June to 1st July (moving house!). So use the STOC email during this interval or call

01789 722421.

 

To register your interest, print/copy this page and mark the Booking References that interest you and send it with your cheque

made payable to STOC to Angela Dandy, STOC Social Secretary, No10 Jacksons Orchard, Long Marston, Warwickshire, England

CV37 8RU. Please make US$ cheques payable to J Dandy.

 

 


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