 1963 TR4 | 1965 TR4  |
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1964 Triumph TR4 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 | Roadster Chassis Num: CT38989L0 | |
| Sold for $31,900 at 2007 RM Auctions. | ||
Production of the TR4 lasted from 1961 through 1965 with over 40,000 examples produced. This example has been treated to a nut & bolt restoration. It is finished in its original black livery and features 60-spoke Dayton wire wheels and new chrome. The interior is red leather that was completely restored and matches the red carpets.
Bidding proved the estimated value was accurate, as the high bid of $31,900, including buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
The Triumph Tr4 received its styling with the help of Giovanni Michelotti. It had similar chassis configurations to the TR3A except that it had a rack-and-pinion steering setup. The body rested on the 88-inch wheelbase and stood just 50-inches tall. In the front were a wide horizontal-bar grille that was slightly recessed. The headlights were positioned below the hood humps that formed small lids. In both the front and the rear were wraparound bumpers. The cars featured roll-up windows, a slightly curved windshield, and a 130 cubic-inch engine offering just over 100 horsepower. Standard TR4 colors included Spa White, Powder Blue, British Racing Green, and Signal Red. The soft tops were available in either black or white. The upholstery was red, blue, or black.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011
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 it did have its drawbacks and inconveniences. The introduction of the TR4 eliminated a few of the 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 and property was often stolen. The soft top could still be compromised but with the addition of the optional removable hard top, the TR4 became very versatile. The hard top 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 wheels original used were 15x4.5 inch disks. One of the more typical tires was the 165x15 bias ply. 48 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 which raised the 105 bhp SAE output to over 200.
In 1965 the TR4 was given an independent rear suspension, 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 reasons 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
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 it did have its drawbacks and inconveniences. The introduction of the TR4 eliminated a few of the 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 and property was often stolen. The soft top could still be compromised but with the addition of the optional removable hard top, the TR4 became very versatile. The hard top 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 wheels original used were 15x4.5 inch disks. One of the more typical tires was the 165x15 bias ply. 48 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 which raised the 105 bhp SAE output to over 200.
In 1965 the TR4 was given an independent rear suspension, 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 reasons 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
 1964
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| 1963 TR4 | 1965 TR4 |
