Well presented from both a mechanical and aesthetic standpoint
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 example with an astounding 11 thousand miles displayed on the clock, with these attributes alone making this a rare car, it comes as a pleasure to report that this particular TR4 has had just two owners, with the current custodian having purchased the car in 1979.
This car presents interested parties with a unique opportunity to acquire what must surely be one of the best preserved and most unique examples of a TR4 available on the market today.YpK6Xn52EYFuQ2ivwr3uf3ZPorAj5QAInHrc9jYe.jpg542.95 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in August 1963
As we understand, the car was originally purchased with for use as a Sunday track car, evidenced by the fitment of all 4 fibreglass wings and low displayed mileage at the time
It was kept under this original ownership until circa 1979, at which point it was purchased by the current owner
The vendor reports that at the time of purchase, the odometer displayed with just 8,005 miles on it. Now displaying at 11,003 miles they inform us that incredibly just 3000 or so miles have been covered under their ownership
Accompanied by an impressively sized history file
Invoices for various parts bought and servicing work undertaken throughout the car’s lifetime
Invoice present for full respray and colour change; performed around 10 years ago according to the vendor
Both tax and MOT exempt due to the vehicle’s historic status and age
There is a V5 registration document also present with the car
Beautifully presented highly original interior space
Carpet set fitted in contrasting deep red
High quality black leather upholstery throughout
Recent new door cards
Mixing exemplary sumptuous leather and sleek wood veneer, the cabin of the TR4 is presented to us today in the most excellent of standards. The two sculpted black leather seats are of a great standard, with good upholstery and neat stitching, they present very little in the way of wear and tear. Matching black door panels reside at each side and are well appointed with neat chrome embellishments and high quality door furniture. The vendor informs us that these were a new recent addition to the car.
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 off neatly with chrome embellishments. The wonderful tri spoke leather wrapped steering wheel that protrudes from within the dash is one of an exquisite standard.
Perhaps the stand out point to note here comes when examining the cabin floor, a gorgeous deep red carpet set resides here which the vendor informs us was only fitted a matter of years ago. In good clean form it still stands in a like new plush state and looks wonderful within the interior space.
A high quality black tonneau cover with press stud fitment sits comfortably over the rear segment of the cabin to provide a more uniform look when driving with the roof off, hopefully something the new owner will be able to enjoy thoroughly through the current summer months.oLtqsrRZ7Dr6MOXtEM2agX29F1zfAqyQX9P4HzGF.jpg494.98 KB
The Exterior
Full respray and colour change performed around 10 years ago
Well preserved and exceptionally presented from an aesthetic perspective
Good quality chrome trim and chrome wire wheels
Solid underneath with only welding done on the door jams
In its deep navy blue finish, the Italian designed lines of the TR4 look truly remarkable. As we understand, the car originally left the factory in a shade of red, however this all new navy colour scheme the car was treated to by the current owner around 10 years ago simply looks perfect and suits the car down to a tee and is arguably a large improvement on this and the previous lighter metallic blue paint colour in which the car was purchased.
The paint itself is of a good standard and looks wonderful from all angles. Complimented by lashings of exquisite chrome trim, there is no questioning the car's excellence from an aesthetic perspective. However there are some age related scratches and dents.
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. The vendor informs us that the car also comes with a factory hard top roof which has also been painted in matching navy blue.
A good, honest, well preserved car the Triumph stands today in wonderful overall aesthetic order, boasting excellent straight panel gaps and very little in the way of wear, age related marking or blemishing. At ground level we find four excellent chrome wire wheels, all of which are in exemplary condition and present as such.bE68jdv7pM5AfS3IA6dSywziAxjpMpLO7G4O8Jhx.jpg511.92 KB
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 of course three prime factors to consider, performance, reliability and is it easy to work on. The 2138 cc 4 cylinder engine found in the TR4 manages to tick all of those boxes well with a resounding yes.
The mighty four cylinder in this particular example is of a wonderful standard, presenting in good clean order, with great clean ancillaries and accessories. Accompanied by a selection records and invoices for replacement mechanical parts and servicing work undertaken, the Triumph’s new owner can rest assured that this TR4 will 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 utterly excellent tone bellowing from the exhaust. On the road the current owner reports an excellent and incredibly rewarding driving experience.
The vendor informs us that just last year the car was treated to new plugs, leads, ignition distributor, condenser, points along with a new fuel pump and filter, for further added mechanical peace of mind for the next owner. Inspection of the underside appears to further emphasise this as a well preserved, clean car from a mechanical standpoint.
What we have here is an unquestionably remarkable example of one of the finest British classic sports cars to hail from the 60’s. With an impressive two owners from new and and just over 11 thousand miles indicated, the mighty TR4 will fit perfectly into the life of any classic car or sports car enthusiast and will provide endless fun on the road. After all, new sports cars may be all well and good, but one can’t beat the raw driving experience provided by a classic such as this.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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