HIGHLIGHTS
• Gorgeous restoration
• Lovely condition throughout
• Stacks of history and paperwork
• Ready to use and enjoy
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.
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.
To confuse matters further, Triumph’s US distributor insisted on a live axle ‘budget’ model still being kept on offer, which means you have to be careful when buying a car that has been imported back to the UK from overseas.
This one was originally LHD, but it’s also a genuine IRS model having been originally supplied to Greece. It came back to the UK over 40 years ago and was fully restored and RHD converted.
This one was originally LHD, but it’s also a genuine IRS model having been originally supplied to Greece. It came back to the UK over 40 years ago and was fully restored and RHD converted.
It's a lovely car, well-presented and restored to a good standard.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• British Motor Heritage certificate
• Bills and receipts going back to the 1980s
• Lots of recent invoices
• UK V5C
• MOT April 2023 but also tax and test exempt
According to the supplied British Motor Heritage Certificate, the TR4 was supplied new via a private order to a Mr Vousinakis in Greece.
It rolled off the production line on April 3, 1967, and was processed for despatch two weeks later, finished in white with black interior and a black roof.
It rolled off the production line on April 3, 1967, and was processed for despatch two weeks later, finished in white with black interior and a black roof.
The first record of it reappearing in the UK was in 1985, when a lot of work was carried out on the car including a structural refurbishment, several new panels and an RHD conversion at the Northern TR Centre in Sedgefield, Co Durham.
Its owner at the time kept it for the next 18 years before selling it to the owner before the current one as a restoration project in 2003, after almost two decades more of use.
The car was subsequently restored over several years and there are stacks of invoices and receipts for parts and repair work from reputable specialists.
The car was subsequently restored over several years and there are stacks of invoices and receipts for parts and repair work from reputable specialists.
Although the TR is tax and MOT exempt, the vendor has had the car tested recently to prove its roadworthiness and an MOT valid until April 2023 is included, alongside a UK V5C.
THE INTERIOR
• Retrimmed in red leather
• Wood veneer dash
• Tonneau cover
• Period radio
Inside, the TR4A has been comprehensively refurbished with red leather seats and matching door cards, along with an aftermarket veneer-finish dashboard, all of which is in superb condition with no notable faults.
The fabric roof is in good order and stows away neatly beneath a tailored tonneau cover, while the cabin also features a period push-button radio – most likely the very same one it has always had, as a radio was one of the options ordered by its original Greek buyer.
The carpets are in good order, as are the wood veneers.
THE EXTERIOR
• Restored and subsequently repainted
• Largely excellent order
• Chrome wire wheels
Finished in Old English White with chrome 60-spoke wire 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 a small dent to the wing near the driver’s side headlight and a couple of very minor scuffs and stone chips around the exterior, but there's nothing substantial to be alarmed about and the recently passed MOT test is proof positive the car is in solid condition underneath.
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.
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.
The vendor says that the car is excellent to drive with no issues at all affecting the engine, drivetrain, steering or suspension.
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.
It's a lovely car in very good condition overall with stacks of invoices and a fascinating history file.
A great opportunity to acquire one of the all-time best British sports cars.
A great opportunity to acquire one of the all-time best British sports cars.
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