Highlights

Stylish works rally-look TR4A with bespoke Surrey hard top
Chassis replaced in 2021 and repainted in silver
Maintained to high standard by Design Engineer keeper
Highly detailed records with lots of photos
Supplied with choice of leather TR6 or Mazda MX5 seats and carpets
One of the last TR4As built before production ended
Matching numbers TR4A with subtle modifications

The Appeal

A single letter denotes a significant difference between the TR4A and its predecessor. Independent rear suspension (IRS) raised the standard of surefooted handling and comfort for Triumph’s much-admired, Michelotti-penned sports car.

This lovely example, affectionately known as 'Katie', arrives in great order, de-cluttered of bumpers, sitting on steels, and with its very convenient bespoke Surrey hard top. It is a refreshing and very purposeful alternative to the usual.

The car has been maintained to a very high standard in recent years by its Design Engineer keeper. The chassis was professionally replaced (body off) in 2021 with a range of improvements to address the ravages of time and common weaknesses of the factory unit. It is protectively coated. The underside of the body tub was likewise repainted. The engine, transmission & drive-train, cooling system, electrics, and suspension have each been overhauled or replaced during the last three or four years.

The car is ready for fun driving &/or touring, and its interior has been maximised for use by taller, larger drivers. It is supplied with a choice of either leather TR6 or MX5 seats.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st July 1967. NB. The last TR4A has a build date of 10th July 1967
Original UK market RHD car
Restored in 1990s with colour change to Signal Red. Originally the car was Conifer green
Eight registered keepers
Current keeper since March 2021
The private vendor is a retired Design Engineer who undertakes his own restoration, refurbishment, maintenance, and servicing.
History file spans the past 36 years, together with a particularly extensive photographic record of tasks done, and the fitting of new and professionally refurbished parts over the last four years.
Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Last MOT (38,458 recorded miles) was in July 2021 with minor advisories for rear tyres. Five new continental tyres (dated 2021) were then fitted.
Mileage is now showing 45,572 miles on a five digit odometer
Vendor has removed tow hitch and will retain it unless buyer specifically requires it.
Personal effects, sat nav., fire extinguishers in the boot, and AA badges to front of car are not included in sale.

The vendor writes:

"Katie is presented for sale in the configuration I most like to drive her. ie. as a nimble driver’s sports car with a Surrey-Top (Targa top) and in a bumper-less configuration akin to the TR4 works racers. However, for those who prefer the road-car style, she does come with the original bumpers (very nice chrome), a set of original globe hubcaps, and her wooden dash-board.

"As a retired Design Engineer. I have (mostly) enjoyed recommissioning ‘Katie’ over the past almost-four years and she is one of the best known TR4A’s on the TR Register and TSSC forums That was a year that was..

"New parts, reconditioned parts and thousands of man hours have been invested into the car. And the reward is a great looking, comfortable and reliable sports car that’s fun to drive. Although preferring to avoid inclement weather, we have driven 8000 miles in four years. This past springtime I fitted a towing hitch* and throughout the summer we enjoyed touring with a lightweight (150kg) trailer-tent. In driving those 2000 miles, over the period of six months, she has been 100% reliable.

"In short, she is not a car that has sat unused for months, or years, and now needs recommissioning and replacement of old tyres and perished heater hoses. Nor is she a just finished (perhaps part) restoration that still has teething problems to be sorted &/or is concealing hidden issues."

The vendor says that '95%' of jobs have now been done. He had scheduled the following jobs for winter, all of which are merely part of his ongoing care of this car rather than being deemed essential:

Oil change with new engine filter (which is included with car)
Door hinges replaced (new parts supplied with car)
Door window seals and felts (parts supplied with car)
Door window runner felts
Door glass replacement (replacements supplied with car)
Clean and hand-paint the inside of the doors for preservation
Paint-to-preserve the underside of the wings which are bolt-on panels
Windscreen has scratches and, while perfectly usable, a buyer may wish to replace

The Condition

Attractive red paintwork which is an older restoration but has held up very well
There are inevitably some light signs of age due to use and older restoration
These include touched-in paintwork areas as shown in photos
Buyers should be realistic about paintwork and bodywork condition due to regular use and age of restoration
Bodywork presents very well with good shut lines and clean sills
Underside and arches painted in matching red finish
Exhaust in Stainless Steel
Chassis replaced (body off) in 2021 and painted in protective silver POR-15
Structure and bodywork in good order thanks to ongoing maintenance by current keeper
Preventative maintenance includes wax injected inside chassis
Sits on steel wheels which are in good order with matching spare
Quality Continental tyres showing plenty of tread
Supplied with unusual / bespoke ‘Surrey’ hard top with two separately removable ‘targa’ panels as shown. Otherwise its shape is correct to the original
Roof is in good order with no reported faults concerning operation
Interior optimised for a very tall driver - current keeper is 6' - 5" & 17+ stone and drives the car in comfort
There are inevitably signs of use and older restoration
Seat runners accommodate those of average stature
Gearbox tunnel cover is now of steel (original was fibreboard)
Supplied with choice of leather TR6 seats or leather Mazda MX5 seats, both with reclining + headrests. Each pair in very nice condition.
Carpet sets in green or black - both included in sale
1960's period wood rim steering wheel in good condition as shown
Black dashboard, with a wooden fascia panel included with the car
LED side, brake and indicator lighting, with sidelights also fitted into the headlamps
Hazard warning lights
Oil warning light
No reported electrical or other issues
The correct TR4 boot rack is fitted and in excellent condition, but is easily removed (unobtrusive mountings). The vendor would like to keep it if not required.
The car’s chrome bumpers, globe hubcaps, and wooden dashboard facia, and some spare parts, and a workshop manual - included with the car.
Modifications for big and tall drivers:
Car adapted for current keeper who is 6ft 5in and 17st
5in extra legroom over standard car
Additional shoulder and foot width
Better knee clearance around steering wheel
Seat runners available to accommodate smaller drivers
TR3 steel gearbox cover in place of original fibreglass one to enable more space. Cover is bolted to bulkhead and along floors and attached to rear driveshaft tunnel. This provides a stiff backbone to the body tub that minimise twist. This enables removal of the intrusive H frame by knees which releases space. These alterations can be easily removed and the original specification retrofitted if desired

Surrey Top:

Allows 4 inches greater shoulder width as avoids knuckles of folding hood frame
Backlight is made of fibreglass with glass rear window
The new lid (targa tops) is made with a T-bar central brace and two removable panels
Moulded from an original steel lid so is correct to original shape
Moulded in lightweight fibreglass, the vendor has left this clear gel coated for translucency, to allow light in the closed car, but it could easily be painted to a buyer’s own preferences.
Individually the fibreglass roof panels can be easily removed and fitted
The individual lid sections fit behind seats, in the boot, or on the boot rack.
Can be used closed, with both sides open or with one panel in place and one removed
The latter configuration reduces draughts for passengers

Seats and Carpets:

TR4 owners commonly fit Mazda MX5 seats due to the discomfort of factory standard items
The vendor has chosen instead to fit very good TR6 seats, in black leather with green piping, and head-rests
If however a buyer prefers, a pair of very good MX5 seats, in black leather with white stitching, and head-rests, can be substituted for this sale
Both types of seat can be reclined, unlike the original TR4 seats
Green carpets provided with car to complement TR6 seats are fitted
Original black carpets included
TR6 seats were retrimmed a few years ago in quality leather with new foam and rubber diaphragm
MX5 seats were deep cleaned and their base & backrest cushions recoloured black
Both seats recently fed with Connolly hide feed

Body & Paint:

Car is reported to polish up well and gleam in sunlight - as shown
Some light signs of wear as 34 years have elapsed since the respray work
Floors, body tub, underside of bulkhead and footwells internally stripped of seam sealer, cleaned and treated, primed and hand painted in body colour
Underside of floors, body tub and wheel arches hand painted in body colour
Wheel arches reported to be very good with door bottoms in same condition
Front and rear valances also present well - as shown
Near side sill replaced in 2021 by M&T Classics to correct uneven door gaps
Door gaps now very good - as shown in photos
Emergency pull-wire bonnet release in case normal cable fails
Correct TR4 luggage rack in good condition. It may be easily removed

Chassis:

Replaced in 2021 by M&T Classics
Chassis updated with common improvements recommended by TR community
Chassis supplied by M&T Classics. Believed to be from a dry climate USA market TR4A
This was cleaned to bare metal and repainted
Doubler plates under jacking points where chassis usually gets dented
Triangular corner-gusset plates
Additional chassis cross-member bracing
All modifications made using same steel section as the original chassis
Vendor states that only an expert would notice that they have been added
Chassis painted in silver with POR-15 impact resistant and water and chemical proof paint
The chassis is protected but not undersealed so that it can be easily inspected
Chassis has been wax injected as explained above
All suspension, steering, brakes and wiring checked during process
Any of these components requiring refurbishment or replacement were attended to
New body mount rubbers and shims
Bespoke backing plates made and fitted in place of washers
Stainless steel fastenings used where appropriate

The Mechanics

Triumph 2,138cc 4cyl engine
4 spd manual gearbox with overdrive on 2nd, 3rd & 4th
Unleaded cylinder head (exchange unit c.2016). Piston rings replaced and other engine work done.
High Torque starter motor (with new rear bearing 2022)
Twin SU carburettors - professionally restored (past 3 years). New air filters.
Distributor - professionally restored (past 3 years).
Gearbox - rebuilt (2021)
Light-to-operate diaphragm clutch fitted new complete assembly with thrust bearing and actuating arm (2021)
Overdrive - exchange unit (2021)
Differential - exchange unit (30,000 miles ago). Standard ratio
Recent new CV jointed half-shafts and new hubs
Neatly presented engine bay maintained by retired engineer
Wiring thoroughly overhauled (2022)
New hoses including heater, new thermostat (2021)
New heater valve and plumbing
Alfin rear brake drums with replaced brake shoes (2023)
We are told that the engine runs very well with no issues
Good engine-oil pressure
Vendor reports car has been 100% reliable with 2,000 miles over 6 months of 2024
Independent rear suspension model
Poly-bushed all round
Triumph TR’s are easy to work on with great parts supply and supportive clubs
No reported running or driving issues

Engine:

104bhp 132lb/ft torque 4cyl 2,138cc long stroke OHV with wet sleeve liners
Standard specification engine, carburettors and ancillaries according to seller
Twin HD6 SU carburettors and rod linkages rebuilt to ensure correct air/fuel mix
Rocker shaft, arms and pedestal replaced to ensure correct tappet adjustment
Extensive history file of engine work provided with car
86mm piston rings in 2016 with figure of eight gasket
Previous keeper fitted an unleaded cylinder head which was an exchange unit
Sump dropped in 2021 and cleaned
Engine oil pump rebuilt with new parts to minimum tolerance
Big end shells and crankshaft end-float tolerances checked and found to be good
Only high quality Penrite oils used
Multi-branch cast-iron exhaust manifold specific to TR4A which is quieter and more efficient than stainless steel according to seller
Stainless steel exhaust and silencer to rear with low volume single cross-box silencer suitable for touring
New engine rubber mounts
Distributor professionally rebuilt
Fuel consumption between July and October 2024 over 1,946 miles was 32.3mpg
Engine and radiator/cooling system flushed and blue antifreeze used
New radiator filler cap and thermostat
Replacement water pump
Original four blade aluminium cooling fan replaced with 7 blade fan from TR6
New fan extension which has been lathe-turned from billet aluminium to replace cast iron standard unit
New radiator coolant hoses
New heater hoses with new stainless steel bulkhead coupling flange
New heater water valve

Transmission:

New complete Borg & Beck clutch system with thrust bearing, new clutch fork, pins and fork-pin shaft bearings
Vendor describes car as having a light clutch without excessive travel and operating freely
New gearbox rubber mounts
Gearbox damper fitted
Gearbox rebuilt by Klassic Transmissions
Overdrive unit rebuilt by Rugby Overdrive Services
Overdrive works correctly from column switch
Overdrive wiring checked, secured and reconditioned with better insulation
Bespoke gearbox cover in steel adapted from a TR3 as detailed above
This cover provides an efficient seal against smell, heat and noise and is fitted with sound deadening
Professionally reconditioned and balanced drive/propshaft
New CV jointed half-shafts with new hubs and wheel bearings
Brakes, Suspension and Steering:
Differential replaced and professionally rebuilt by Pete Cox 29,000 miles ago
Pressed steel and painted silver original 4J wheels with 6mm spacers
A set of 'globe' Triumph hub caps come with the car
New Continental tyres dated 2021 fitted to all five wheels with 165/80 15in specification
Polybushed suspension, steering rack and differential mounts
Front suspension wishbones replaced around two years ago
Alfin rear drum brakes fitted in 2023 with steel-lined finned cast aluminium for lighter weight and improved cooling
New brake shoes in 2023
New front brake pads (Ferrodo) supplied with car

Wiring and electrical:

Wiring fully checked from front to rear of car
Any loose connections or damaged wires replaced
Every connection opened, cleaned and treated with Vaseline to minimise oxidisation
Voltage regulator, fuse box and brake-light switch moved under dashboard to avoid under-bonnet temperatures
Wiring routes through engine bay revised and simplified for tidiness and reliability
Standard Lucas wiring colour codes maintained
Only soldered connections and heat shrink insulation used
LED bulbs for side lights, indicators and brake lights
H4 headlamp bulbs and main beam warning lights
Additional sidelights added to headlamp bowls
Hazard warning switch and relay added
Main beam and dipped beam switch moved to column switch
Column switches adapted to improve usability
Oil pressure warning light added with independent red warning light
Dynamo retained which has been stripped and bearings re-lubricated
Heat shield fitted between exhaust manifold and dynamo
New dynamo belt fitted with spare included with car
High torque starter motor which was stripped, lubricated and new rear bearing fitted

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