Note: Proposed edits and text of the Constitution and Bylaws in PDF format can be found here. These changes will be put to a club another vote starting on September, 2021 as last year's vote did not reach the current voting quorum.   If you have any questions or comments please contact James Willis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CONSTITUTION OF THE SUNBEAM TIGER OWNERS ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I:           NAME

Section 1: The name of this association shall be the Sunbeam Tiger Owners Association, hereinafter referred to as S.T.O.A.

Section 2: The corporate emblem shall be as set forth herein and when displayed in color shall use the standard black, red and gold shades observable on the membership card.  This emblem shall not be altered in any way without a vote of the entire membership.

ARTICLE II:          PURPOSE

Section 1:

The Sunbeam Tiger Owners Association, Inc. has been formed as a means for Sunbeam Tiger enthusiasts to promote through a range of social and competitive activities, the preservation, operation, and enjoyment of the Sunbeam Tiger.

Section 2:

This corporation is organized pursuant to the General Non-Profit Corporation Law of the State of California and does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to members thereof and it is organized for non-profit purposes to comply with Section 501 (c) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code.

1. If this organization holds any event(s) which members of the general public are invited to attend, observe, or participate in for a fee, the income from the general public, less a proportional share of the expenses which will not benefit members, will be paid over to an organization which is exempt from income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code on an annual basis.

1. No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

1. Notwithstanding any of the above statements of purposes and powers, this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the primary purpose of this corporation.

ARTICLE III:         MEMBERSHIP

Section 1:

Membership, encouraging participation by Tiger owners, enthusiast and their families, shall be divided into the following classes:

1. ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

Any person who is genuinely interested in the Sunbeam Tiger automobile and who provides the initiation fee and dues as provided for in the By-Laws (and other qualifications herein).

1. INDIVIDUAL ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP shall consist of one person.
2. FAMILY and/or JOINT ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP shall consist of one person meeting the requirements provided in Sub-section A above and his or her named co-member.  An additional fee is required for Family and/or Joint Memberships to be entitled to a second voting privilege.
3. CHARTER MEMBERSHIP Any active members who have maintained unbroken membership and who became members by December 31, 1969, shall be considered and known as Charter Members of STOA and be so designated on their renewable membership cards.

                                B. HONORARY MEMBERS

Any person may be elected to honorary membership by a quorum as described in Article III, Section 3A of the By-Laws.  Honorary members do not pay dues, and do not receive voting privileges, or nominating privileges.  Candidates for honorary membership may be nominated at any general meeting by an active member.

Section 2: PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

A. VOTING

Each active and fee paying member in good standing shall have ONE (1) VOTE.  Any special voting circumstances shall be as described in the By-Laws.

B. HOLDING OFFICE

Each active and fee paying member in good standing shall be eligible to hold offices as defined in Article IV section 1.

C. COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP

Each active and fee paying member in good standing shall be eligible to be named Chairman of any committee sanctioned by the association.

D. COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION

Each active and fee paying member in good standing shall be eligible to serve on any committee sanctioned by the association.

Section 3: MEMBERSHIP MATERIALS

A. MEMBERSHIP CARD

New and continuing members in good standing shall receive an  STOA membership card (valid through the expiration date of the current fees and dues.  Unless a new card is requested at the time of renewal, upon receipt of appropriate fees and dues, expiration is extended to cover the next year’s membership).  Each card shall be signed by the sitting President.

B. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

New and continuing members in good standing shall receive a current roster of membership, either in a new membership packet, or included annually with the newsletter.

C. STOA CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

New and continuing members in good standing shall receive a copy of the current Constitution & By-Laws, which shall be printed as a part of the membership roster.

D. STOA NEWSLETTER

Members in good standing shall receive a copy of each association newsletter produced throughout the membership year.

ARTICLE IV:         MANAGEMENT & Administration

Section 1:               OFFICERS

The officers of this association shall consist of the following:  President, Vice President, Newsletter Editor, Secretary, Treasurer and Associate Chairman.

Section 2:               Executive Committee

There shall be a general Executive Committee consisting of all current officers and any other members in good standing who are in attendance at any Executive Committee meeting.  This committee shall act as advisor to the President and shall endeavor to organize the matters to be presented at the general meetings, but shall have no authority to act in the club’s behalf, except as provided in the By-Laws.

Section 3:               Vacancies

Except for the Newsletter Editor, vacancies will be filled using the democratic system of succession, or as specified in the By-Laws.  In the case of a newsletter editorship vacancy, the remaining officers will either find a suitable temporary replacement, or assume those responsibilities through the end of their term of office.

ARTICLE V:          APPOINTMENTS

Section 1:

The following appointments may be made by the President, subject to approval at a general meeting.

1. Newsletter Editor
2. Membership Chairman
3. Activities Chairman
4. Tiger Authentication Committee Chairman
5. Points Chairman
6. Election Chairman
7. SCCA Representative
8. NCSCC Representative
9. Merchandising Chairman
10. Other event chairmen as needed

ARTICLE VI:         NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

All officers except the Newsletter Editor shall be nominated and elected for the terms in office as provided in the By-Laws.

Section 1:               Impeachment

The general membership has the right to impeach officers in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article VIII, Section 2 of the By-Laws

ARTICLE VII:       MEETINGS

Meetings shall be held as provided in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE VIII:      AMENDMENTS

1. Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by written resolution of ten (10) percent of the active membership (in good standing), or by written report of a special committee appointed to report thereon.  Any amendment to the Constitution shall be passed only by a vote of the full membership.  No portion of the Constitution which is included as required by State law may be amended, altered or repealed unless stipulated by the State of California.
2. The By-Laws may be amended or repealed and new By-Laws may be adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of those active members (in good standing) constituting a quorum (as described in Article III, Section 3-B) of the By-Laws.  Amendments to the By-Laws may be proposed by resolution of ten (10) percent of the active membership (in good standing), or by written report of a special committee appointed to report thereon.  A minimum of thirty (30) days written notice shall be given for any general meeting at which a vote to amend or repeal the By-Laws is to be taken.
3. Any amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws may be suspended by the same procedure required for amendments of the Constitution or By-Laws.

BY-LAWS OF THE SUNBEAM TIGERS OWNERS ASSOCIATION

 

ARTICLE I:           OFFICIAL YEAR

Section 1:               FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of this association, shall be the calendar year from January 1 through December 31 of a given year.

Section 2:               MEMBERSHIP YEAR

The membership year of this association, shall be the calendar year from January 1 through December 31 of a given year.

ARTICLE II:          DUES AND FEES

Section 1:               INITIATION FEE

An initiation fee shall be paid by applicants for active membership with the original application. The initiation fee will apply to any membership lapses of more than six months. Initiation fee amount shall be determined by a majority vote of the membership voting at any general meeting at which a quorum of members (as described in Article III, Section 3-A, of the By-Laws) is present.

Section 2:               ANNUAL DUES

Annual dues for active membership shall be payable in advance.  Annual dues amount shall be determined by a majority vote of the membership voting at any general meeting at which a quorum of members (as described in Article III, Section 3-A, of the By-Laws) is present.  Annual dues are payable no later than the thirty first (31st) day of December of a given year.  Dues not submitted by January 31st shall be considered delinquent. No member whose dues are delinquent shall be entitled to run for office. Members not submitting delinquent dues by the thirty first (31st) day of January shall be considered “not in good standing” and will, be dropped from membership.

Section 3:               ASSESSMENTS

Assessments may from time to time be levied on the membership provided that any such assessment is approved by a 2/3rds majority of the membership at any general meeting at which a quorum  (as described in Article III, Section 3-A, of the By-Laws) is present.

ARTICLE III:         MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Section 1:               MEETINGS

There shall be at least ten (10) business meetings a year, notice of which shall be published in the newsletter.  All business meetings are designated as points activities as described in the Participation and Competition Points addendum.

Section 2:               EVENTS

There shall be competitive, non-competitive, or social events as deemed appropriate, notice of which shall be published in the newsletter.  These events may be designated as points activities as described in the Participation and Competition Points addendum.

Section 3:               QUORUM

1. Eleven (11) voting members and two (2) officers in good standing shall constitute a quorum necessary to conduct normal association business (excepting actions that would modify the By-Laws).
2. Ten (10) percent of the active membership and three (3) officers in good standing shall constitute a quorum necessary to conduct association business affecting the By-Laws.

Section 4:               EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be open to all members in good standing. The Executive Committee shall meet at such times and places (a minimum of six (6) meetings per year) as directed by the President, notice of which shall be published in the newsletter.

Section 5:               ABSENTEE PARTICIPATION

1. Any member who is not present at any general meeting may cast his vote on any matter presented for voting by giving a written notice to any current officer of the club.  The notice shall contain:

1. A clear description of the matter to be voted on,

2. The member’s intended vote of “yes”, or “no” and,

3. The member’s signature.

1. An officer receiving such notice shall then be bound to enter that member’s indicated vote on that matter as if the member had been present.  However, the officer may not cast a vote on behalf of that member on any matter other than the specific matter stated in the notice.
2. Any member may provide a written statement regarding any business of the Club (either to propose a motion, or to comment on any matter already under consideration).  If such statement is sent to any of the officers, that officer shall see that the statement is read to the membership present as part of the discussion of that matter.

ARTICLE IV:         NOMINATIONS

Section 1:               NOMINATING

Nominations for association officers will be accepted upto and including the October general membership meeting.  Any interested active member in good standing may ask for and receive a nomination to an officer position.

Section 2:               QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS

                                All officers must be active members in good standing.

Section 3:               TERMS OF OFFICE

1. All officers named in Article IV, Section 1-A of the Constitution shall hold office for one (1) year or until their successors are elected or appointed and qualified for office.
2. All officers shall assume their duties on January first of a given year.  However, the incoming President may make committee appointments and plan for meetings immediately after the December installation of new officers.  With the exception of the Newsletter Editor, no officers shall hold the same office for more than two (2) terms successively.

ARTICLE V:          ELECTIONS

Section 1:               TIME

Elections of officers shall be tallied by the election chairman during the month of  November with announcement of the new officers at the year end dinner, and in the December / January newsletter.

Section 2:               ELECTION CHAIRMAN

The President shall appoint an election chairman who shall have charge of the counting and tabulation of the votes cast.

Section 3:               PROCEDURE

1. The election slate will be printed in the November newsletter.
2. Absentee ballots will be accepted in accordance with Article III, Section 5, of the By-Laws.
3. Time limit for accepting voting ballots will be through the end of the November business meeting, with the results being announced at that time.
4. Announcement of election results will be the January newsletter. In the case of a tie, announcement will be in the February newsletter.

ARTICLE VI:         DUTIES OF OFFICERS

                The officers as individuals shall have the following duties:

Section 1:               PRESIDENT

The President shall preside and maintain order at all meetings and act as chairman of any Executive Committee meeting.  Further, the President shall:

1. Oversee committee appointments as required for various association functions.
2. Sign all external contracts, or delegate authority.
3. Be the chief executive officer of the association and perform the usual duties related to that rank.
4. Report monthly, via the newsletter, on the affairs of the association.
5. Maintain such materials as may pertain to the historical aspects of the association and insure that those items are transferred to the next President.
6. The President shall be cognizant of the efforts of members during the year in support of the overall operation and functioning of the club.  The President shall keep a general mental record of attendance, participation, success in competitive events and special efforts which deserve recognition.

Section 2.               VICE PRESIDENT

The Vice President shall act in the capacity of the President in the absence of the President.  Further, the Vice President shall:

1. Coordinate all subordinate committees.
2. Maintain such materials as may pertain to the historical aspects of the association and insure that those items are transferred to the next Vice President.

Section 3:               SECRETARY

The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all Executive Committee and membership meetings and prepare copies of minutes from same.  Minutes of the Executive Committee meetings shall be supplied to each officer prior to the membership meeting for the month and minutes of the general meetings shall be forwarded to the newsletter Editor for inclusion in the pending issue of Tiger Tracks.  The Secretary shall confirm that a quorum exists and in his/her absence the presiding officer shall assume that responsibility.  Further, the Secretary shall:

1. Keep a record and report on all business transacted in the name of the association.
2. Collect, disseminate and otherwise take charge of all mail, papers and correspondence of the association.
3. Give due notice of any election, appointment, meeting, or other business requiring the personal attention of a member.
4. Maintain such materials as may pertain to the historical aspects of the association and insure that those items are transferred to the next Secretary.

Section 4:               TREASURER

The Treasurer shall have custody of all monies, debts and obligations belonging to the Association.  Further, the Treasurer shall:

1. Keep an accurate record of all assets, expenditures and all money received by the Club.
2. Give a financial report at each meeting and present a full accounting of receipts and disbursements (including bank statements) to the Executive Committee at the end of each calendar quarter, or more often if requested by the President or the Executive committee.
3. Disbursements shall be made in the name of the club by the Treasurer only after approval by vote at a general meeting at which a quorum (as described in Article III, Section 3-A, of the By-Laws) is present, except that ordinary disbursements for costs of the newsletter, regular operations and any special outlay less than one hundred dollars may be approved by the President.
4. Insure that any State of California requirements related to the club’s non-profit status are dealt with.
5. Maintain such materials as may pertain to the historical aspects of the association and insure that those items are transferred to the next Treasurer.

 Section 5:              NEWSLETTER EDITOR

The Editor shall undertake the publishing and mailing of a minimum of ten (10) monthly issues of the association’s newsletter (Tiger Tracks).  Further, the Editor shall:

1. Collect and transfer to the Treasurer any monies tendered for paid advertising.
2. Maintain such materials as may pertain to the historical aspects of the association and insure that those items are transferred to the next Editor.

Section 6:               ASSOCIATE CHAIRMAN

The Associate Chairman is the past year’s President.  He/she shall assist the new officers in the many varied areas of activities he/she has experienced during the prior year as President.  Further, the Associate Chairman shall:

1. Excluding the Newsletter Editor, fill any office that becomes vacant except that of  President, unless the office of Vice President is unable to assume the duties of the President.

ARTICLE VII:       DUTIES OF APPOINTED POSITIONS

Section 1:               Responsibilities

1. The appointees shall perform such duties as specified by the President.
2. Appointed committees shall make progress reports periodically to the Executive Board as requested by the President and shall make a formal report to the membership at a general meeting before any proposals are acted upon.
3. Committee proposals will be acted upon in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE VIII:      TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1:               Reasons For Termination Of Membership

Membership may be terminated for any of the following reasons:

1. Delinquency of dues.
2. For any actions deemed detrimental, or injurious to this association. Upon a vote at a general meeting in which a quorum (as described in Article III, Section 3-B, of the By-Laws) is represented. Any member who, in the opinion of the membership is guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the club as a whole, or the sport of motoring in general, may be suspended or dropped from the club.  No member shall be suspended, or dropped until he has been advised in writing of the charges against him/her and has had the opportunity to appear before the Officers of the association and answer said charges.  At least ten days shall elapse between the filing of said notice and the time of the hearing.  Decisions reached by the Officers shall be rendered in written form, forwarded to the member and published in the association newsletter.
3. Voluntary resignation.

Section 2:               IMPEACHMENT

1. Impeachment proceedings must be initiated by a petition signed by 10% of the voting membership and presented at a general meeting.
2. The motion initiator and the officer in question must submit position statements within 10 days to the executive committee for publication in the next association newsletter.
3. The motion for impeachment will be voted on by a quorum as outlined in Article III, Section 3B, of the By-Laws at the next general meeting following publication.

Section 3:               Transfer or termination of Membership

1. Membership shall be non-transferable and any and all privileges of a member shall terminate upon his/hers death, withdrawal, or expulsion.
2. Upon termination of membership under Article VIII, section 1 of the By-Laws, it is understood that no liability for the actions of the out going member, or members will be sustained by the association.  Any and all dues, or assessments paid in advance by such a member automatically are forfeited to the association and will not be returned to the member under any circumstances.

Section 4:               Dissolution of the Club

1. Upon dissolution of the club, each active member in good standing shall share equally in the distribution of assets, debts, and property of the club.

 

ARTICLE IX:        PROPERTY

Association property may be disposed of by vote of the membership in accordance with California law.

 

ARTICLE X:          MARQUE TROPHIES

Section 1:               Authenticity

It is the policy of STOA that only Tigers produced on the Sunbeam/Jensen assembly lines are allowed to receive Marque trophies at STOA sponsored events.  The awarding of trophies is contingent upon the possibility of a verification of authenticity, if requested by event officials.

Section 2:               Conversions

It is the intent of STOA to deny Marque awards to cars that have been identified as conversions.  Only genuine Tigers will be eligible for the Lord Rootes Trophy.  It is not the intent of STOA to deny the privileges of membership and participation in this organization, or to discourage the use and enjoyment to owners of conversions, but simply to establish that the club recognizes the difference.

Section 3:               Authenticity Inspectors

It is the intent of STOA to establish and maintain a list of qualified inspectors and to create a training program for volunteers to be qualified for this position.  It is also our intent to publish our collective willingness to assist prospective owners in selecting genuine Tigers and avoid misrepresentations.

STOA ANNUAL AWARDS

Before the annual Christmas Party, the President shall review the year with respect to the support and success of the activities of the past year.  Individuals that have made his job easier, made meaningful contributions to the success of club activities or otherwise made efforts worthy of recognition should be considered.  If the President feels that year-end awards are appropriate, the President should make a list of those individuals that should be honored and solicit the concurrence of the Executive Board.  If the Board is in concurrence, Awards shall be prepared for presentation at the Christmas Party.