Tiger shopping - 1974

[Tiger]

Digging through some of my Tiger stuff today and came across this 1974 classified ad from the old Valley News & Green Sheet, a common paper when living in Burbank, CA at the time. I'd just sold my 1966 Chevelle SS396 and was looking for something with better mileage, yet still fun to drive. Initially, I was looking for an Alpine, as my cousin had one that was just that... fun! Anyway, after test driving a couple "For Sale" Alpines, I noticed this one owner had another Sunbeam farther up the driveway. Walking over to it, he says, "this Tiger isn't for sale." I didn't have to ask what the "Tiger" difference was, as the hood was up and I recognized the small block Ford right away, having owned a '65 Falcon Sprint. Of course, he went on to explain the Tiger story and with that, I quickly adjusted my shopping list to find a Tiger instead. This ad relects my purchase being plate WYE601. Price paid $1200. Several other cars are listed with their Calif plate numbers... do you see yours?

 

[HolyCat]

That is so cool that you kept the advertisement for the Tiger you bought!

I purchased mine off The Green Sheet Advertiser, an Inland Empire shopper's magazine ($0.10 to buy, $0.25 for a classified as I recall). I do not recall that the license plate number was listed, but I do remember most of the ad - "'68 Sunbeam Tiger, red with black interior" and the telephone number. That was it. Since that was in 1970 and the car was a little bit newer than yours (at the time), I had to pay all of $1,600!

 

[hottigr]

Right there with you guys. L.A. Times ad in late 1970 for a Sunbeam Tiger in Sun Valley for $1800. Got it for $1700. My Dad was supposed to follow me back to Westchester but our '66 Datsun p/u couldn't keep up!

 

[Tiger]

That is so cool that you kept the advertisement for the Tiger you bought!

I purchased mine off The Green Sheet Advertiser, an Inland Empire shopper's magazine ($0.10 to buy, $0.25 for a classified as I recall). I do not recall that the license plate number was listed, but I do remember most of the ad - "'68 Sunbeam Tiger, red with black interior" and the telephone number. That was it. Since that was in 1970 and the car was a little bit newer than yours (at the time), I had to pay all of $1,600!

Very interesting. I remember the Advertiser, great resource at the time! I've assumed that by 1974, the cars had reached the bottom of depreciation as the $1200 I paid was typical for Tigers, $800 for Alpines. Every few months after my purchase however, I'd find a note under my wiper from people making offers.....each one higher than the previous. Someone mentioned there was a Tiger club that met at Galpin Ford, in Van Nuys. Perfect as I worked nearby. Not so much as the next meeting, location shifted to somewhere by LAX. CAT has been a great organization all these years.

 

[michael-king]

I find it interesting that I'm 1974 there is an advertisement for a 1967 Alpine.. that's "restored" ...within 7 years it has to be restored...wonder what extent of work that means...

 

[Tiger]

I find it interesting that I'm 1974 there is an advertisement for a 1967 Alpine.. that's "restored" ...within 7 years it has to be restored...wonder what extent of work that means...

Agree, 7 years old isn't long, but many of these cars at the time were daily drivers, as mine was, perhaps parked outside letting the elements take their toll.
The last Tiger listed in that clip is only $475. I looked at it, pretty beat looking compared to the one I bought.
On the upside, these listed are all rust-free SoCal cars, likely still enjoying life somewhere safe.

 

[Theorangetiger]

I shouldn't be announcing this but I'm going to call the number for that last Tiger just in case it's still available. I'm assuming the the area code was 213 then but could be 818 or 626 now. I'll try all of them.

 

[michael-king]

I shouldn't be announcing this but I'm going to call the number for that last Tiger just in case it's still available. I'm assuming the the area code was 213 then but could be 818 or 626 now. I'll try all of them.

Are you going to low ball him? $375?
"Buddy .. the cars been for sale since 1974...if it didn't sell for $475.. you're clearly asking to much....I'll give you 375...."

 

[Tiger]

Lol....Assuming the phone number is still in use by the advertiser, that would be one crazy call to receive. I picture the guy speachless, until he finally says, "well, yes actually, it's been buried in the back of the garage for awhile. Lemme dust it off."