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Triumph TR4 (1961-1967)

Strong, well-priced and fun, a TR4 makes a great road car, but is also perfect for historic racing and rallying

Text: Richard Dredge / Photos: www.magiccarpics.co.uk
November 2008
Triumph TR4A

Triumph TR4A

Classics rarely come more surefire than Triumph’s TR range; always in vogue, they guarantee you low running costs and plenty of fun. While the earlier side-screen TRs are relatively impractical, the initial ‘full-width’ editions are eminently usable and affordable too. Even better, the cars are tough as old boots, while specialists and clubs proliferate.

Even though the TR4 was really just a reskinned TR3, the later car is a more usable classic that’s long-legged, practical and easy to upgrade, whether it’s for historic racing, the occasional B-road blast or something altogether more ambitious that involves crossing continents. If you’re looking for an adaptable classic, few are more highly qualified than the TR4.

Prices are affordable too; the best TR4s command £14,000, with equivalent TR4As around £1000 more. Restoration projects typically command £4500, while you’ll pay £8000 for something decent. These prices are for genuine right-hand-drive cars; knock 15% off for an ex-US car that’s been converted from left-hand drive.


Full Triumph TR4 specifications
Full Triumph TR4A specifications

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Triumph TR4

TIMELINE
1961
TR4 replaces the TR3A, gaining rack-and-pinion steering, wider front and rear tracks and an all-synchromesh gearbox. The TR3’s engine is bored out to 2138cc and there’s a novel targa roof arrangement. Because the panel was too bulky to fit into the car’s boot, Triumph also offered a light framework and canvas assembly, called the Surrey top, which is more easily stowed.

1965
The TR4A arrives: the chassis is tweaked comprehensively with a new design for the rear of the frame and independent rear suspension with coil springs with semi-trailing wishbones. For the North American market, the live axle is still offered.

SPECIALISTS

Chic Doig: www.chicdoig.com
David Manners: www.davidmanners.co.uk
Enginuity: www.enginuity.co.uk
Manvers Triumph: www.manvers-triumph.com
Moss Europe: www.moss-europe.co.uk
Racetorations: www.racetorations.co.uk
Revington TR: www.revingtontr.com
Rimmers: www.rimmerbros.co.uk
TR Bitz: www.trbitz.com
TR Enterprises: www.trenterprises.com
TR Shop: www.trshop.co.uk
TRGB: www.trgb.co.uk

CLUBS

TR Register: www.tr-register.co.uk
TR Drivers’ Club: www.trdrivers.com
Club Triumph: www.club.triumph.org.uk
Triumph Sports Six Club: www.tssc.org.uk

BOOKS

Original Triumph TR4/4a/5/6
by Bill Piggott. Bay View
ISBN 1 901432 04 1

Triumph TR (Great Cars series)
by Bill Piggott. Haynes
ISBN 185960 997 X

How to restore Triumph TR4/4a
by Roger Williams. Veloce
ISBN 1 903706 04 1
 
 
 
 

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