Highlights
- Subject to a high quality restoration
- Accompanied by extensive history file
- Rare TR4A independent rear suspension model
- Low mileage example
The Appeal
Something of a revolution for one of the marque’s signature sports models, the Triumph TR4 is an unquestionably beautiful car. Effortlessly blending quality Italian styling by Michelotti with the excellent performance and dynamic ability one could only get from a Triumph sports car. Gone was the more reserved and gentle cutaway door design seen on its predecessors, and along came radical new engineering and dramatically increased performance.
The TR4 was without doubt an incredible success for the brand, finding unadulterated success on the race track and selling thousands of units to the general public, many of which found their way across the pond to the USA. The example we see here, however, is a genuine UK market low mileage example, with these attributes alone making it a rare car. It comes as a pleasure to report that this particular example has been subject to an extensive restoration and thus presents in brilliant condition.
Joining the roster later into production, the TR4A sported a wider track and, most notably, independent rear suspension. While US market cars continued to be fitted with the live axle found on standard TR4s, UK market cars such as the example we see here kept the all important IRS throughout production.
Still regularly MOT’d and maintained to a great standard, this British icon presents a great opportunity to enjoy a genuinely excellent open top sports car throughout the upcoming summer months.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 20th June 1960
- Accompanied by a comprehensive set of servicing records
- Collection of invoices for restoration work undertaken on the car circa 2009
- MOT valid until June 2023
- Correct V5 registration document present with the car
- British motor heritage certificate
Built on 16th May 1966, KHM 63D was originally finished in Signal Red, but was at some point repainted in Sky Blue – a popular colour due to the Sky Blue racing liveries on TR4s of the time. However in 2008 the car was treated to a full body-off restoration and a respray, restoring the correct factory Signal Red finish. At time of the restoration, a brake servo, alternator and electronic ignition were fitted to the car.
The car was purchased by its current owner in January of 2020. They commissioned a full inspection of the car, which resulted in replacement rear wheel bearings and the installation of four new tyres. The car was found to be in incredibly good order, a true testament to the quality of the restoration undertaken.
MOT records indicate the TR4 had done 47,757 miles in 2010 and at present is sat at 55,812 suggesting the car has covered around 8,000 miles since its restoration.
The Interior
- Great quality black leather upholstery
- Wood veneer dash panel
- Excellent convertible top
Mixing exemplary sumptuous leather and sleek wood veneer, the cabin of the TR4 has been restored to an excellent standard. The two sculpted black leather seats are of a great quality, with good upholstery and neat stitching, they show very little in the way of wear and tear.
Front and centre sits the effortlessly classy wood finish dash panel. Still with a rich shine to it, the panel presents in great fashion as do the collection of gauges and switchgear housed within it, all detailed neatly with chrome embellishments. The wood and chrome rimmed steering wheel that protrudes from within the dash is of an exquisite standard. At the rear we find a well-trimmed boot, within which sits the wood Triumph tool set.
Hopefully, with the warm weather incoming, the new owner of the Triumph wont need to utilise the fabric convertible top, but if required the roof opens, closes and latches with ease.
The Exterior
- Excellent Signal Red paintwork
- High quality chrome trim
- Brilliant wire wheels
In its Signal Red finish, the Italian designed lines of the TR4A look truly remarkable. Arguably a large improvement on the previous Sky Blue paint scheme, the factory red hue simply looks perfect and suits the car down to a tee. The paint itself is of a brilliant standard and looks wonderful from all angles. Complemented by lashings of fine chrome trim, there is no questioning the car's excellence from an aesthetic perspective.
The exterior of the convertible top as well as the window panels within, are of a great standard and also present well. Much the same as the rest of the car’s glasswork, lights and badging.
Courtesy of the quality restoration undertaken on the car, the Triumph exhibits excellent straight panel gaps and shut lines.
The chrome finish wire wheels are in exemplary condition. These are shod with four equally great Hankook 195x65x15 tyres. In the boot we find a fifth spare wheel which is also of a good standard.
The Mechanics
- Excellent 2138cc engine
- In good clean mechanical order
- Great rewarding driving experience
In terms of finding the perfect blend for a sports car engine, there are three factors to consider: performance, reliability and is it easy to work on. The 2138 cc OHV 4 cylinder engine found in the TR4A manages to tick all of those boxes.
The mighty four cylinder in this particular example is of a wonderful standard, presenting in good clean order, with chrome ancillaries and accessories. Accompanied by extensive maintenance records and invoices for replacement mechanical parts, the Triumph’s new owner can rest assured that this TR4 should not be one to let them down. Upon the turn of the key, the Triumph fires into life, settling into a comfortable idle, with an excellent tone bellowing from the exhaust. On the road the current owner reports an excellent and incredibly rewarding driving experience.
At the time of the car’s MOT, the owner took a selection of photos of the Triumph’s incredibly clean underside, once again proving just how well the restoration has borne the test of time.
Summary
What we have here is an unquestionably remarkable example of one of the finest British classic sports cars to hail from the 60’s. Still looking fresh from its excellent restoration, this lovely TR4 will fit perfectly into the life of any classic car or sports car enthusiast, and should provide endless fun on the road.
After all, new sports cars may be all well and good, but you can’t beat the raw driving experience provided by a classic such as this.
After all, new sports cars may be all well and good, but you can’t beat the raw driving experience provided by a classic such as this.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
