HIGHLIGHTS
- Fully restored example
- Lovely condition throughout
- Lots of recent history
- Mazda MX-5 seats
- Factory hardtop and Targa roof
THE APPEAL
Launched in 1964, the TR4A IRS looked broadly similar to its TR4 predecessor, but was actually quite a different car. Bigger and wider, its most significant evolution from the older model was its wholly independent rear suspension, with semi-trailing arms and coil springs as per the Triumph 2000 saloon, rather than the live rear axle set-up seen on earlier cars.
This one is an original UK car, which was subject to a body-off restoration in 2011 and has been used sparingly since. It’s a gorgeous vehicle, with some subtle improvements such as wider wheels and the seats from a Mazda MX-5 to provide extra comfort.
It's a lovely car, well-presented and restored to a good standard.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Bills and receipts from restoration
- Lots of more recent invoices
- UK V5C
- Tax and MOT exempt
Although the early history of the car is unknown the past 11 years are well-documented, with the car receiving a full body-off rebuild in 2011 and lots of new parts.
The current keeper has upkept the maintenance to a high standard, with receipts for over £4,000 spent in the past five years, all from well-known TR specialists.
The invoices for all the work are presented in a folder, which also contains old MOTs. It has a UK V5C and is tax and MOT exempt.
It’s for sale because the vendor has recently moved house and wants the funds to invest in property renovation – a reluctant sale.
THE INTERIOR
- Retrimmed with Mazda seats
- Wood veneer dash
- Three-spoke steering wheel
- Retro stereo with DAB and Bluetooth
Inside, the TR4A has been comprehensively refurbished with heated leather seats from a Mazda MX-5 (a huge improvement), new door cards, along with an aftermarket veneer-finish dashboard, all of which are in superb condition with no notable faults.
The fabric roof is in good order and it also comes with a brand new hardtop to slot into the Targa-style roof.
The carpets are in good order, and it also has a ‘Retrosound’ classic radio with hands-free option, Dab and Bluetooth. A three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel sets it off.
THE EXTERIOR
- Signal Red
- Restored and subsequently repainted
- Excellent order
- Factory hardtop and hood
Finished in Signal Red with replica Minilite alloy wheels, the TR4A looks absolutely fantastic and sits really well on the road.
The restoration is a few years old now, so there are a couple of minor imperfections such as some bubbling one one rear quarter, a couple of very minor scuffs and stone chips around the exterior, but there's nothing substantial to be alarmed about – it looks as good as it appears in the photos. There are some very small blisters on the bonnet and a minor blemish on the boot lid, but nothing of any major concern.
The bumpers have been renewed and the rest of the chrome and trim is in superb order.
THE MECHANICS
- 2,138cc OHV 4cyl
- four-speed manual
- Runs well with no known issues
Under the bonnet, you'll find Triumph's familiar four-cylinder petrol engine, which is a very old-fashioned unit derived from that of the 1949 Standard Vanguard. But in classic car terms, that's a good thing as it means it's a very simple unit and is extremely easy to maintain, whilst in the lightweight TR4A body it still provides a perfectly decent turn of performance. It’s an engine renowned for its reliability.
The vendor says that the car is excellent to drive with no issues at all affecting the engine, drivetrain, steering or suspension.
It has a fully functional overdrive, as well as an alternator conversion, rear drive shaft conversion, modern oil filter conversion, electric fan conversion, brake servo, and a brand-new battery this year. It also has a full stainless steel exhaust system.
SUMMARY
This is a very well-presented example of what is one of the most desirable classic Triumphs of the 1960s, the IRS being the most sought after TR4 and also one of the most desired TR models altogether.
As an original RHD UK car, it also has added provenance. It’s a great-looking car in very good overall condition.
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