Highlights

• In current ownership since May 2023
• Comprehensive history with original registration document and BMI Heritage certificate
• Recently resprayed in original "Signal Red"
• Extensive recent mechanical work costing over £3,000

The Appeal

There's plenty of contenders for the quintessential British top-down roadster - and the TR4 is a pretty excellent one. Beautifully updated, the TR formula was radically altered by Michelotti, creating a modern, more straight-edged roadster that felt fiercely uncompromising. Of course, the widened chassis, new gearbox and improved engine helped make the sudden changes that little bit more comfortable.

Picked out in the car's near-synonymous Signal Red, this smartly presented TR4 has undergone plenty of recent mechanical work and spent a remarkable 56 years with its original owners. It's clearly been very much cherished, and we're sure that'll continue with its lucky new owners. 

History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1964
• The car was first bought by Mr. & Mrs. Harris in 1964 and remained with them for 56 years
• Mrs. Harris sold it in 2020 to Mr. Stephen Grimes, who sold it to Mr. Nicholas Tong in April 2021 for £1,800
• Nicholas hardly drove it due to illness and the car was SORNed in March 2021
• The current keeper bought the car in May 2023 on a sentimental whim after their father, who worked at Triumph Motors for over 35 years, passed away
• The car comes with the original registration document, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, and many MOTs and service invoices
• The car has done less than 1,500 miles in the last 5 years
• The car has a fair bit of history and bills and has always been garaged since the current owner acquired it

The Condition

• The car was re-sprayed in the original "Signal Red" by the previous owner
• Paint coverage is good with only the gentlest issues
• There are signs of paint bubbling on the driver's side door, which may need addressing
• There are a few signs of swirls in the light and some micro-blistering from storage
• The vendor notes that a proper mop and polish should really elevate it
• Sixty-spoke wire wheels are in fine fettle
• The body, sill, boot floor, engine compartment and inner wings are all reportedly free of any significant corrosion
• Soft top looks in good order
• Brightwork still casts a bright contrast
• The car looks in very good condition but could be improved with some TLC
• Seats are simple but comfortable
• The white piping shows a few splits at the edges
• Both the driver's and passenger's seats present nicely
• There is a slight tear on the under edge of the driver's seat
• The dashboard is presentable with no cracking, warping, or distress
• Clocks and dials showed nicely and the display on these sections showed are all functional and original
• The steering wheel and wooden gear knob are in good condition, with limited signs of wear
• The vendor supplies a new spare gearstick gator as well.
• All displays are functional
• Stalks show some signs of ageing but are otherwise in good condition

The Mechanics

• 2,138cc 4-cylinder engine
• Manual transmission with 4 gears
• Engine bay is in good order, and has clearly been well tended to
• The car has been converted to a positive earth ignition kit, with a new dynamo and control box
• All electrics are reportedly in fine condition
• The vendor reports that the car runs well after spending over £3,000 with Ed Watson Classic Motor Engineers
• All in all, recent work has included:
  • New brake calipers and pads
  • Full brake overhaul with new master cylinder and rear cylinders 
  • Overhaul of the carbs and cooling system
  • Replacement of fuel system
  • Fresh battery
  • Replacement of the water pump 
• The vendor tells us that the car always starts from cold and is in excellent mechanical order

BEFORE YOU BUY