One thing British car makers have traditionally done exceptionally well is make small, pretty, fine-handling sports cars and roadsters. Triumph were absolute masters of the trade in the 1950s and 60s, with their ‘TR’ series of models proving hugely popular all over the world.

From 1961-65, the Giovanni Michelotti styled TR4 was the the company’s main offering. With a raft of upgrades and improvements over previous ‘TR’ generations, the TR4 proved to be a commercial hit and a success on the racetrack. 

This particular TR4 has spent it’s life in Zimbabwe and South Africa, a climate that’s famously kind to older cars due to the heat and dryness. It’s also been restored at some point in its life. As such, this pretty little sports car is presented in superb condition, and would make a great purchase for any enthusiast or collector of classics.

TR4s have a lovely cabin and it’s surprisingly practical. From the large, period correct, thin-rimmed steering wheel to the brightwork embellishments around the instrument clusters, it’s a lovely place to be. Behind the rear seats is a handy luggage space too, as well as the good-size boot at the rear (which contains a full-size spare wheel). It makes this classic roadster easy to live with on a day-to-day basis.

This example has been completely renovated internally at some point. Although we sadly don’t have the exact details of when it was done or how much work was undertaken, what is clear is that it was an extensive refurbishment. All of the internal upholstery (seats and door cards) have been retrimmed in blue vinyl with contrasting white piping, and it looks to be in very good condition, with no evident damage or significant wear. The carpeting has also obviously been replaced at some point and similarly looks very good. 

All of the dials and switchgear are presented in fine condition, with minimal evidence of wear and tear. The seller tells us that everything in the cabin works exactly as it should, with no issues that they are aware of.

Personally, we think the powder-blue paintwork works very well on this car, contrasting beautifully with the external brightwork and the deeper blue interior. A previous owner has clearly spent a significant amount of time and money having the car restored, as the paintwork looks to be very good, with straight panels and no signs of corrosion we could see.

The vehicle comes with the hardtop, which is actually the removable rear window glass and metal frame, and the “Surrey” frame and fabric roof panel. They all look to be in good condition, perfect for those times when the weather catches you out.

While most TR4s came with steel wheels from the factory, at some point these have been upgraded to the wire wheels you see here. They appear to be in excellent condition, and are shod with Vredestein tyres. All of the external trim and brightwork is present and correct and looks in fine fettle, with no significant wear or damage.

Obviously, there are minor blemishes and marks to the paintwork and external trim, it’s not a freshly restored car after all. But having been in a hot, dry climate for its entire life, and having been substantially restored at some point, it really does present very well indeed.

With a classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, this little roadster has all the ingredients to make it a riot to drive on country lanes. That inline-4 engine with twin carburettors makes a great noise and offers a healthy 105bhp. Mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox, it offers an engaging and enjoyable driving experience. 

Although a car designed in the 50s, the TR4 does offer a gearbox with synchromesh on all forward gears, so it’s a much better driving experience than earlier TRs. Alongside the engine and gearbox improvements, the TR4 introduced rack-and-pinion steering to the range, which also enhances the feel and sharpness of the steering.

Under the bonnet, the engine bay is clean and straight and looks to be in very good condition. The rocker cover has been chromed and, overall, the engine looks to be in very good shape. The only minor issue we saw was some surface corrosion and paint peeling around the brake master cylinder, but otherwise everything under the bonnet looks fine.

The owner assures us that the car drives very well, with the entire drivetrain working perfectly well, with no issues that they are aware of.

There can be a real advantage to purchasing cars from Southern Africa - the hot, dry climate usually means they’re very well preserved. Here we have a perfect case in point. This pretty little roadster has been lovingly restored and kept in fine condition. We love the colour scheme too, that powder blue paintwork works so well with the deeper blue interior and chrome brightwork – it’s a genuinely handsome car.

If you’re after a good-looking, well cared for, enjoyable car for the summer months, then this little gem could well be everything you need. We think it’s a properly charming vehicle and is going to make someone very happy indeed.