The Works Tigers 1964 - 66

Mick Walsh writing in his Book Column of Classic & Sportscar (Feb '08) says: "In Sunbeam Tiger circles, Rood's passion for the competition cars is renowned. He's owned two ex-works rally cars and has channelled his knowledge into this impressive 413-page book. It's packed with all manner of historic pictures and documents, and covers all the European events, with spotlights on works drivers plus factory development and mods. Also featured is the '65 Targa Florio sortie and the Lister Le Mans Tigers, plus a fascinating wind-tunnel test. All that's missing is a register of the surviving cars.

This book was made possible only thanks to the cooperation of the STOC and Rootes enthusiast Peter Shimmell of Mercian Manuals. Now how about a book on road cars?" MW

Mark Dixon makes 'The Works Tigers' his "Book of the Month" in the March issue of Octane. The Sunbeam Tiger is an often overlooked machine despite having had a very successfull second career in historic rallying and that's been reflected in the paucity of in-depth books written about it. Mike Taylor's Tiger: the making of a sports car was first and Norman Miller's highly regarded The Book of Norman wasn't exactly a stoc item for most booksellers so those who have a soft spot for the Rootes charger will be pleased to see this new 400 page hardback....It is the most complete record record of how Rootes turned the Tiger into a rally winner". (Get the mag to read the complete article - out now. Ed)

Tony Barron writing in the Old Stager: "On the surface a new book entitled The Works Tigers 1964 to 1966 is only intended for the owners or enthusiasts of that marque.....not a bit of it. This book has been compliled over a period of 20 years by that all time Tiger Authority, Graham Rood, who is also a long standing and owner of the last Tiger to be commissioned by the Rootes Group Competition Department. It's a hefty volume with over 400 pages in which Graham chronicles a detailed history of the Rootes Competition Departments' use of the Sunbeam Tiger in some detail. He does this in a manner which makes easy reading and reports separately on each of the events which the Tigers took part in. As you read the accounts of, say the 1965 Monte, you feel you are driving the route with Peter Harper. I ordered my copy as it came off the printing presses and have not been able to put it down since. The accounts of rallies are fascinating and the details about car preparation and the workings of the Rootes Competition Department enlightening.

The book is packed with photographs and documents, some of which have never been in the public domain before. In my view it's a must for any historic rally enrhusiast's book shelf. TB

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