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Triumph TR

Triumph TR8
Triumph TR8
Triumph TR8
The Triumph TR8 was produced from 1978 through 1981. It was similar to the design of the TR7, with the big difference being the power plant that powered the vehicle. The TR7 was powered by a four-cylinder engine that produced around 100 horsepower, while the TR8 was given an eight-cylinder unit. Instead of using the company's single overhead cam V8 which could be found in the Stag, it used a Rover V8. The Triumph V8 was plagued with reliability issues, so the Rover unit served as a suitable replacement. Most used twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors but in 1980, the vehicles earmarked for California were given a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system.

The TR7 and TR8 were very similar in design. In comparison, the TR8 had upgraded brakes and a revised axle ratio. Alloy wheels and leather steering wheels were a few of the more obvious differences. The battery had been moved to the trunk of the TR8. The TR8 also had a budge in the hood to help conceal the V-8 engine. In carbureted form, the V8 engine offered nearly 135 horsepower in U.S. trim. The Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system (required in California and fitted on all TR8s for 1981) brought horsepower to 137. The TR8 was given either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic. They rode on cast alloy wheels, had tinted glass, a power rack-and-pinion steering system, and were painted in metallic paint. Air conditioning was available at an optional price.

The cost of a TR8 in the United States was around $11,000, with production never reaching any significant numbers. The TR8 did well in sporting competitions where it could often be seen in SCCA and rally events. Morey Doyle and Ted Schumacher ran in the SCCA's Showroom stock series, where they had mild success. Schumacher was close to third overall, but an accident prematurely side-lined his efforts and resulted in a seventh-place finish. In modern times, the TR8 vehicles can still be seen racing around the track.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015

Triumph TR7
Triumph TR7
Triumph TR7
Triumph TR7
Triumph TR7

Total Production: 112,368
The Triumph TR7 was produced from 1975 through 1981. In comparison to the Triumph TR6, the vehicle it replaced, it grew in length and width. The design was courtesy of Harris Mann, who created what has been termed 'wedge shape.' It had been given the codename 'Bullet' while it was being designed, a name that was rather fitting due to its shape and characteristics.

The 1998cc four-cylinder engine was gently placed in the front and provided 105 horsepower to the rear wheels. The United States version was slightly detuned to comply with emission and government regulations, resulting in 92 horsepower. The four-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a five-speed unit offered as optional equipment. In 1976 a three-speed automatic transmission was made available. The independent suspension was comprised of coil springs, damper struts, an anti-roll bar, and a lower single link at the front. In the rear was a four-link system with coil springs and anti-roll bars. Stopping power was provided by the front disc brakes and rear drums.

Production continued until 1981, with 112,368 examples created. The TR7 was replaced by the TR8. There were 2,722 examples of the TR7 created at the same time the TR8 had been in production.

The two-seater TR7 had continued the TR series of small and economical sports cars.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006

Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6
Triumph TR6

Total Production: 94,619
The Triumph TR6 was produced from 1969 through 1976 with about 94,619 examples produced, with most destined for the United States. This became Triumph's best-selling vehicle in history. Production continued into the middle of 1976, even after Triumph had introduced the TR6's replacement, the TR7.

The TR250 and its European counterpart, the TR5 PI, had been the interim models while Triumph worked hard on designing, building, and introducing its next open proper sports car. Sections of the TR6's body were similar to the prior series, with most of the visual changes appearing at the front and rear of the vehicle. It had a flatter hood, wider blackout grille, and front overhangs. The headlamps were moved out of the fenders. In the back, there was a Kamm-type tail.

Whereas the optional hardtop had been offered in two sections in the past, it was now a one-piece unit.

Powering the TR6 was a 2498 cc straight-six cylinder engine that produced just over 105 horsepower. In a similar fashion to the TR250 and TR5 PI, the TR6 was a carburetor for the American market and fuel-injected for European customers. Unfortunately for the US, the carburetor version offered less horsepower than its European sibling. The steering was by a rack-and-pinion unit. The gearbox was a four-speed manual with optional overdrive.

The interior was rather luxurious with its bucket seats and wooden dashboard. It was a true and refined sports car that continued the proud and prosperous tradition of the TR series.

In mid-1971, the TR6 received slightly different gear ratios. In 1973, it was given a front spoiler, and black bumper guards were added in 1974 to comply with US safety standards.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011The Triumph TR6 was an updated version of the TR5, which itself was basically a TR4A with a beefy pushrod six-cylinder engine in place of a four. The TR5 had a new fuel-injection (PI for Petrol Injection) system, which did not fully comply with U.S. emission standards. So in place of the TR5 PI version with its 150 horsepower, the US received a twin-carburetor TR250 model, which produced 104 horsepower.

The 2.5-liter twin-carb engine would be used for the TR6 and mated to a four-speed gearbox. The exterior received mild updates courtesy of Karmann of Germany. The rear featured a chopped-off Kamm tail that had adequate space for luggage. The front was longer and the grille was wider. The removable, optional hardtop was updated with a more angular design.

The TR6 remained in production for seven years with few changes along the way. Perhaps the biggest improvement was in 1973, an updated camshaft. This gave the vehicle better low-speed tractability and improved its idle. That same year, an optional Laycock electric overdrive also became available.

During the early 1970s, the US became more safety conscious, and strict rules were made for vehicles. To comply, the TR7 gained large, black bumper guards for 1973.

Production of the TR6 continued through mid-1976, when the newly introduced TR7 took over the legendary TR name. It would, however, not generate the enthusiasm or sales as its TR6 sibling.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2008

Triumph TR250
Triumph TR5
Triumph TR250

Total Production: 2,947

Triumph TR4A
Triumph TR4A
Triumph TR4A

Total Production: 28,465

Triumph TR3B
In 1957 the Triumph TR3A was introduced as a replacement for its predecessor, the TR3. The 3A featured improved design and mechanics, resulting in a top speed of 105 mph. The TR3A was a reliable vehicle; this was proven in 1960 during the grueling Le Mans 24 Hour race, where three cars were entered and finished, placing ninth, eleventh, and fifteenth.

The vehicle featured a four-cylinder, 95-horsepower engine. With an overall weight of the vehicle tipping the scale at 2200 pounds, meaning the horsepower to weight ratio was excellent. Throughout its life span, larger brakes and engine modifications were introduced.

The TR series has been a familiar scene in racing competitions and club events since its inception. Modifications such as Weber carburetors and improved transmissions are a favorite for many competitors and SCCA contenders.

During its production run, lasting from 1957 through 1961, around 58,000 examples were created.

The TR3B was offered only in 1962 and was available as a two-door, two-seater roadster. It was offered for sale only in America. The later versions were given the TR4 engine and its all-synchro gearbox.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006

Triumph TR4
Triumph TR4
Triumph TR4
Triumph TR4

Total Production: 40,253

Triumph TR3A
Triumph TR3A
Triumph TR3A
Triumph TR3A

Total Production: 58,236
In 1957 the Triumph TR3A was introduced as a replacement for its predecessor, the TR3. The 3A featured improved design and mechanics, resulting in a top speed of 105 mph. The TR3A was a reliable vehicle; this was proven in 1960 during the grueling Le Man's 24-Hour race, where three cars were entered and finished, placing ninth, eleventh, and fifteenth.

The vehicle featured a four-cylinder, 95-horsepower engine. With an overall weight of the vehicle tipping the scale at 2200 pounds, meaning the horsepower to weight ratio was excellent. Throughout its life span, larger brakes and engine modifications were introduced.

The TR series has been a familiar scene in racing competitions and club events since its inception. Modifications such as Weber carburetors and improved transmissions are a favorite among competitors and SCCA contenders.

During its production run, lasting from 1957 through 1961, around 58,000 examples were created.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2006

Triumph TR3

Total Production: 16,847
The Triumph TR3 was produced from 1955 through 1957, with a total of 13,377 examples being produced. Under the hood was a four-cylinder 1991 cc engine.

In 1957 the Triumph TR3A was introduced as a replacement for its predecessor, the TR3. The 3A featured improved design and mechanics, resulting in a top speed of 105 mph. The TR3A was a reliable vehicle; this was proven in 1960 during the grueling Le Mans 24 Hour race, where three cars were entered and finished, placing ninth, eleventh, and fifteenth.
The vehicle featured a four-cylinder, 95-horsepower engine. With an overall weight of the vehicle tipping the scale at 2200 pounds, meaning the horsepower to weight ratio was excellent. Throughout its life span, larger brakes and engine modifications were introduced.

The TR series has been a familiar scene in racing competitions and club events ever since its inception. Modifications such as Weber carburetors and improved transmissions are a favorite for many competitors and SCCA contenders.

During its production run, lasting from 1957 through 1961, around 58,000 examples were created.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2006It was 1952, and the Triumph TR1 debuted at Earl's Court Motor show. The original body style remained quite similar through the next few versions made with little to tell the models apart from the initial launched one except for rear body styling. The Type 20TS; or TR1 was constructed on prewar Standard chassis and sported a dual-carb version of the Standard Vanguard engine. The initial show car featured a more rounded, traditional look with an exposed spare tire.

The Standard-Triumph Company eventually brought on Ken Richardson to develop and create what eventually became the TR2. In the summer of 1953, the first 'off-tools' TR2s were produced. In time, the model received its own purpose-built chassis frame that incorporated front suspension that had initially been developed for the Mayflower. The 2088cc Vanguard engine was developed further into a sturdy 90hp under a 1991cc 2-liter engine. The back end of the car was revised to now provide a trunk along with an enclosed spot for the spare tire. Richardson tested a prototype TR2 on a closed stretch Jabbeke highway in the spring of 1953 and achieved nearly 125mph in 'speed' trim and around 105mph in 'street' trim.

The TR3 could be easily recognized by its 'small mouth' grille in 1955. The opening is still small, but the grill is no longer far recessed but instead nearly flush with the front valence. A total of 17,000 units of this model were produced. Three years later, Triumph opened the grill to increase airflow, and the TR3A 'wide mouth' was introduced. This model ended up being the most popular of TR2/TR3 series at 58,236 units.

In 1956 the TR3 model debuted with numerous continual developments, updates, and minor changes to the body and mechanical specifications. The TR3 came with a wide-mouth grille, a trunk with a lock, more stable bumpers, updated headlamps, and an additional five hp. The TR3 went through two phases. The first of these phases involved 1955 and 1956 models that differed from the TR2 by a flush-set egg-crate grille. Though they were still twin SU's, larger carbs were introduced and added 5 hp, which bumped the 2.0-liter four-cylinder 95. 5 hp came by an interim switch in cylinder heads after the original 3,300 engines from the introductory 'LeMans' casting to a 'high port' design. Modified ports were also added to the TR3.

The second phase of the TR3 began with 1957 models, which eventually became the first series-built British cars with standard front disc brakes. The Triumph Company also updated and improved the rear drums and substituted a sturdier back axle, still leaf-spring. Independent front suspension continued with coil springs and double wishbones. GT Kit was an all-new feature aimed at rallying's Sport and GT classes. This GT Kit option delivered the factory liftoff hardtop and outside door handles.

In 1958 a TR3A version was introduced and featured the handles as standard, which bowed for '58 wearing a somewhat 'Detroit-inspired' 'wide-mouth' grille plus a truck handle that locked, updated headlamps, and less obvious bumpers even more sturdy. Sales were much better now and Triumph was behind the scenes working on a much more stylish sports vehicle that would appear in 1961, the TR4. The TR3A featured an upsized 2.1-liter engine in 1959, though very few were installed. A total of 58,000 TR3A models were sold while U.S. distributors stalled the importation of the TR4 successors, and instead, a U.S. – market only introduced was the TR3B model. A total of 3,331 of these models were produced, and most had the TR4's 100-hp 2.1-liter engine and all-synchro gearbox.

By 1961 Triumph was overwhelmed with a variety of TR3A's due to overproduction and misjudged market demand. The Triumph's U.S. distributor wasn't 100% sure of the new TR4 and chose to dispose of leftover TR3As. This resulted in the TR3B, which featured nicer appointments, and the TR4's new all-synchro gearbox. All except 500 models received the 2.1 engine.

By 1961, production of the TR3 was largely ended and replaced with the TR4, which was similar mechanically but featured much more modern styling and plenty more comfort features. The North American market received around 3,331 of TR3B's in 1962, most of them having a larger 2138cc engine, built largely to TR3A specs, and all models came with all-synchro TR4 transmission. The total production of the TR2-3B production was less than 80,000 models. Several TR engines powered versions of the Morgan sports vehicle. A few cars, such as the Swallow Doretti, Warwick, (Vignale) Italia, and the Peerless shared basic TR2-3 running gear.

The TR3 generation was retired in October 1962 after seven years of a remarkable product.

By Jessica Donaldson

Triumph TR2
Triumph TR2

Total Production: 8,636
The Triumph TR2 was a two-door sports car produced from 1953 through 1955. The TR2 was the first in the TR series and, when introduced, was warmly received by the public and the motoring press. Its open roadster configuration with cutaway doors was visually appealing, complimented by a twin-carburetor Standard Vanguard engine capable of producing 90 horsepower and achieving a 105 mph top speed. A removable hardtop was optional equipment, as was an overdrive transmission and attractive wire wheels.

The TR2 was the creation of Sir John Black, the owner and managing director of the Standard Motor Company. Black thought the Triumph 1800 would be the popular vehicle at the close of World War II. He had designed and created a vehicle that had drawn its styling cues from the stylish 1930's and gave it a reasonably powerful engine. Unfortunately for Black, Jaguar introduced their XK120 series, which could outrun the 1800 and reach 60 mph in a third of the time it took the 1800. The 120 boasted Jaguar's top speed. With its modern styling and aggressive engine, the XK series proved far more popular than the Triumph. The TR2 was an evolution of Black's desire to produce a popular car.

In 1952 Black introduced the TR1 at the London Motor Show. The name was eventually changed to TR2. Much of the demise of the 1800 was due to its expensive sticker price. With the help of Triumph chief engineer Ted Grinham and designer Walter Belgrove, steps were taken to minimize production costs wherever possible. The body was designed to minimize costly compound curves. The front suspension was comprised of an A-arm and coil springs. A Vanguard four-speed gearbox with overdrive helped power the rear wheels. With a length of just over 150 inches and only 88 inches wide, the TR2 was tiny, lightweight, and attractive. By 1953 the production version of the TR2 was on display at the Geneva Motor Show.

Under the hood was a Vanguard 2-liter engine that produced nearly 70 horsepower. With the addition of dual SU carburetors and higher compression, the rating jumped to 90. It may not seem like much, but it carried the little car to a top speed of nearly 125 mph.

The Triumph 1800 and 2000 were excellent learning exercises for Black. He had been embarrassed by the Jaguar's modern styling, excellent horsepower, versatility, and cost. Black's response was the TR series, a series that capitalized on everything the 1800 had lacked. The result was the foundation for a successful line of TR models. During the TR2's two-year production run, nearly 8640 examples were created.

The TR2 was highly successful in the US, where it was raced by many privateers. In 1954, a team of nearly stock TR2s entered the Mille Miglia. A year later, the TR2s were entered in the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans race.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2006

Model Production *

* Please note, dates are approximate

Related Articles and History

The Triumph TR4 was introduced in 1961. The body had been given a modern and updated appearance by Michelotti, but its drive-train and chassis were based on its TR predecessors. Production lasted until 1965, when it was replaced by the TR4A.

Prior to its release and while under development, the car was referred to by its codename, 'Zest'. The TR Series was a popular sports car but had drawbacks and inconveniences. The introduction of the TR4 eliminated a few inconveniences by offering roll-up windows in place of the noisy and impractical side curtains. A redesigned angular rear allowed for a trunk. The trunk and roll-up windows meant that items could be stored safely in the car. The prior plastic side curtains were easily torn, allowing easy access to the interior. The soft top could still be compromised, but with the addition of the optional removable hardtop, the TR4 became very versatile. The hardtop had a fixed glass rear window and an integral roll bar. The first five hundred produced had an aluminum center panel, while the rest had a steel center unit.

The TR4 improved performance for the little sports car. The track was enlarged, and the steering now used a rack-and-pinion unit. The transmission was now fully synchronized on all gears, and the engine was enlarged slightly. An optional Laycock de Normanville electrically operated overdrive could be selected for second, third, and fourth gear.

The original wheels were 15x4.5 inch discs, and one of the typical tires was the 165x15 bias ply. Forty-eight lace wire wheels could be ordered and were often painted the same color as the car. Other popular options were to have them painted silver, matte, or polished chrome.

The TR4 was successful both in sales and in sporting events. They could often be seen competing in SCCA, hill-climb, and rally events, where they provided plenty of podium finishes for their owners. The wet-sleeve engine was very convenient. The cylinder liners and pistons were easily changed, allowing the vehicle to compete under different capacity rules. Some TR4 racers were given a supercharger that raised the 105 bhp SAE output to over 200.

In 1965 the TR4 was given an independent rear suspension, a slightly modified frame, and various styling changes. In response to these changes, the TR4 was dubbed the TR4A. Production of the TR4A continued until 1968, when it was replaced by the six-cylinder TR250.

The new suspension was an effort by the company to enhance the comfort of the vehicle and address customer complaints. Though the main difference between the TR4 and TR4A was the independent suspension, only about 75 percent of the TR4A models actually had this new suspension. These vehicles can be identified by the 'IRS' badge on the rear of the vehicle. The estimated 25% that did not receive the 'IRS' equipment had the solid rear axle configuration. The reason for keeping with the solid rear axle was to provide a production racer for those who favored performance over comfort. The solid rear axle was easier to prepare for racing than was the 'IRS' setup. However, the independent rear suspension did not mean that the TR4A was not a competitive racer. The setup proved its potential at the Sebring 12 Hour race in 1966 when three TR4A models with 'IRS' finished in the top three spots.

The TR4 and TR4A were proven vehicles with an attractive sticker price, sporty intentions, favorable appearance, and many conveniences of the day.


By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006

An extremely successful sports car, the Triumph TR4 was produced in the U.K. by the Standard Triumph Motor Company from 1961. With a top speed of 110 mph, and costing around £1095, the TR4 became one of Triumph's best-loved cars thanks to its low cost of entry and capable open-top sports capabilities. The TR4 was stylistically quite a departure from its predecessor the TR3 and seemed to be just the car to bring the company into a brand new era.

Based on the chassis and drivetrain of TR predecessors, the TR4 was codenamed 'Zest' during development. Sporting a modern Giovanni Michelotti styled body, the new design was a big change from the classical cutaway door design of the earlier models, and allowed for full-sized doors with roll-up windows rather than side-curtains. The shapely tail end allowed for a spacious trunk, something that wasn't the norm for a sports car. A total of 40,253 TR4's were built during its production span.

This would be the first time that an adjustable fascia ventilation was utilized in a production vehicle. Other advanced features included a 'backlight' option; a specialized hard top that consisted of a fixed glass rear window with an integral rollbar and a detachable, steel center panel. This would be the first time there ever was such a roof system on a production vehicle. The Porsche 911/912 Targa would be introduced in the next 5 years, and this type of roof would eventually become a well-known option.

Replaceable, the rigid roof came with an easily folded and stowed vinyl insert and supporting frame called a Surrey Top. There has been confusion in the past with the entire hard top assembly mistakenly referred to as a Surrey Top. The rigid top and backlight assembly is listed as the Hard Top kit in original factory parts catalogues and the vinyl insert and frame are offered separately as a Surrey Top. In an attempt to stay ahead of the competition Triumph introduced modern features like wind-down windows to appeal to the important US market. Some dealers were concerned that buyers wouldn't fully appreciate these modern amenities, so a short run of TR3As or TR3Bs were produced in 1961 and 1962.

Triumph used the pushrod 4-cylinder engine that was based on the early design of the Ferguson tractor engine, but increased the displacement from 1991 cc to 2138 cc by increasing the bore size. Other updates and modifications to the manifolds and cylinder head allowed for some improvements, which resulted in the TR4A model.

For the vehicles earmarked to compete in the under-two-liter classes of the time the 1991 cc engine became a no-cost option. Select cars were fitted with vane-type superchargers since the three main bearing engine was susceptible to crankshaft failure if revved beyond 6,500 rpm. Superchargers allowed a TR4 to pump much more horsepower and torque at modest revolutions. Supercharged and otherwise performance-tuned, a 2.2-liter I4 version could produce more than 200 bhp, while a standard engine produced 105 bhp SAE. Like its predecessors, the TR4 was fitted with a wet-sleeve engine so the engine's cubic capacity could be changed by swapping the cylinder liners and pistons, for allowing a competitor to race under different capacity rules for competition use.

Other modifications from previous models included a wider track front and rear, a slightly larger standard engine displacement, rack and pinion steering and full synchromesh on all forward gears. The optional Laycock de Normanville electronically operated overdrive Laycock Overdrive could be picked for 2nd and 3rd gear, in addition to 4th, which effectively gave the TR4 a seven-speed manual close ratio gearbox. Initially the TR4 sported 15x4.5' disc wheels though optional 48-lace wire wheels could be ordered painted the same shade as the vehicles bodywork, in a matte or polished chrome finishes, or stove-enameled (matte silver with chrome spinners). The 155x15 bias ply was the most typical tire for the TR4. American Racing alloy; magnesium and aluminum wheels were offered in the U.S. at one time in 15x5.5' ox 15x6' sizes. The correct size radial-ply tire for the factory rims was 155x15, and only available from Michelin for an extravagant amount, was a problem when original owned opted for 60-spoke wire wheels. The standard 185x15 radials were much too wide to be fitted safely and as such, many owners had new and wider rims fitted and their wheels re-laced.

Thanks to Californian engineer Kas Kastner and his main driver Bob Tullius, the Triumph TR4 had quite a few racing successes in the U.S. under its belt. The TR4 won the E Production national championship in 1962. After this the SCCA reclassified the car to D Production, and the class title was won by Tullius in 1963 and 1964. Kastner and Mike Cook (who was in the advertising department at Triumph in NYC) convinced the Triumph Company to produce three new TR4s to race in the 12 Hours of Sebring race in 1963. Starting in the fall of 1962 the vehicles were prepared in California before flown to Florida for the endurance race in March of 1963. Kastner was Service Supervisor for the company in California at the time. Behind the wheel were Mike Rothschild and Peter Bolton from England, Bob Tullius, Charlie Gates, Ed Deihl, Bob Cole, Bruce Kellner and Jim Spencer. The vehicles finished overall 22nd, 24th, and 35th of 65 entrees, and in the 2.5 GT class the TR4 scored 1st, 2nd, and 4th.

This would be the start of the Triumph Competition Department that Kastner would head for numerous years and used to market the TR4. A privateer TR4 finished last in the '64 Sebring 12-hour race the following year. In 1966 Kastner returned to Sebring with four carefully prepared TR4As, three of which would finish winning the class. That same year Bob Tullius threw a piston in the most highly tuned vehicle, and didn't finish. The 1965 SCCA D Modified Championship was won at Daytona, driven by Charlie Gates against Ferraris and other prepared racecars.

During the mid-sixties the TR4 proved to be a celebrated rally car in the UK and Europe. As late as 1991 the TR4 continued to win an SCCA class championship and be raced in vintage sports car events. It was a common occurrence to see the TR4 in Australia hill-climb events, circuit racing events and various club rallies. 3 TR4s factory sponsored Team Triumphs were entered in the Canadian Shell 4000 rally. These models were apparently constructed with gussets on the chassis members and aluminum body panels to keep the car light as well as strengthen it. These engines were prepared by Kastner in NY after import and also fitted with lightweight magnesium wheels. Unfortunately they didn't place well in the rally, but the surviving models have proved to be quite valuable today. Neil Revington, proprietor of Revington TR in the UK owns one of these cars. Various replicas continue to be campaigned by privateers in vintage rally events throughout Europe.

The TR4A with IRS or independent rear suspension was the successor the TR4 in 1965. There wasn't much difference between the two models except for the rear suspension, which used trailing arms and a differential bolted to the redesigned chassis frame and a few minor updates. It is estimated that around 25% of TR4As not equipped with IRS were instead reverted to a live axle design like the TR4, which was adapted to fit the new chassis.

With only forty-three models ever produced, the most rare production TR4 model is the Dové GTR4. Rebuilt as a coupé by specialist coachbuilder for the Dove dealership in Wimbledon, London, and most conversions were based on the TR4 model, though the sales brochure pictures a TR4A version of these cars. Harrington Motor Bodyworks, who were well known for their construction of the Harrington Alpine, which was a similarly converted Sunbeam Alpine, did the convertibles.

Powering the Dové GTR4 were engine with period extras like a heater in the water jackets, which assisted in early morning starts. Optionally offered in the sales catalogue was some conversions fitted with fully balanced motors by Jack Brabham Motors of Laystall Engineering in London. Using the same materials found in the originally equipped standard TR4 were two jump seats behind the drivers seat. Some models featured a wood-rimmed wheel with riveted perimeter and auxiliary lamps under the front bumper bars. The glovebox lid featured a metalized identifying sticker with 'Dové' proudly displayed. Another 'Dové' logo was found on the rear deck to the left below the lid. To fit the new roof like, the side window glasses were specially shaped with a flat top edge. Custom fitted options included tinted swing-down see-through acrylic sun visors. Each model was customized individually and no two models were the same.

The Dové GTR4 was an attempt to fill the GT category for Europe, which is why the French nomenclature sported an inflection at the end of the word Dové. The Dové had pretty decent acceleration from 80 mph to 100 mph when compared to the standard model. The Dové carried a hefty price tag of £1250, nearly as much as a Jaguar E-Type. Today nearly a dozen Dové GTR4 are thought to still be in existence today.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR4
http://www.hagerty.com/price-guide/1965-Triumph-TR4

By Jessica Donaldson