In the immediate years following World War II, Triumph produced a small luxury four-seater car known as the Mayflower, large saloons known as the Renown and 2000 Saloon, the short-lived Italia 2000 Coupe, and the TR2/TR3 sports car. At the dawn of the 1960s, with production of the TR3A and TR3B winding down, Triumph introduced its successor, the TR4. Based on its predecessor's chassis and drivetrain, the TR4 wore modern styling by Michelotti, and during its five-year production lifespan, a total of 40,253 examples were built. The TR4's Successors
The TR4A was produced from 1965 to 1967 as an evolution of the Giovanni Michelotti-styled TR4, with the TR4's Hotchkiss drive system replaced with an independent rear suspension, indicated by an 'IRS' badge attached to the TR4A's rear. The TR5 of 1967 to 1968 utilized a more powerful Lucas mechanical fuel-injected 2.5-liter straight-6 engine offering 150 horsepower. A less powerful carbureted version was developed to adhere to strict emissions standards in the United States and was known as the TR250. The production of the TR6 (1968 to 1976) nearly reached 92,000 units, with the majority being exported to the United States. The 'wedge-shaped TR7, built in coupe and cabriolet configurations, was produced for six years ending in 1981 with well over 100,000 units built. The Triumph TR4
Unveiled in 1962 as a rival to the MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite, the TR4 had several significant modern updates to its styling, usability, and mechanical specifications. Most noticeable was the styling which did away with the low door, side-curtained roadster persona of the previous TR Series in favor of a modern design with roll-up windows and a slightly curved windshield. The cockpit interior and luggage space were enhanced, and the ventilation and heater system was updated. In the front was 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 TR4 had a similar chassis configuration to the TR3A with a wider track (front and rear), full synchromesh on all forward gears, a rack and pinion steering setup, and a slightly larger standard engine displacement. The optional Laycock de Normanville electrically operated overdrive could now be selected for second and third gears as well as fourth. 15 x 4.5-inch disc wheels were originally part of the standard equipment list, and optional 48-lace wire wheels could be ordered painted the same color as the car's bodywork, stove-enameled, or in matte or polished chrome finishes. Powertrain
The engine was a larger 2138cc (up from 1,991cc) Standard engine with 86mm pistons in 'wet liners' delivering 105 (SAE) horsepower and 128 foot-pounds of torque. Further updates to the engine, including to the manifolds and cylinder heads, birth the TR4A model. The 1,991cc engine was offered as a no-cost option and was popular with privateers who wanted to compete in under-two-liter classes. As a wet-sleeve engine, the cubic capacity could be altered by replacing the cylinder liners and pistons, allowing it to compete in various different classes (below or above 2 liters). Dimensions
The Triumph TR4 rested on an 88.1-inch wheelbase with a 156-inch length, a width of 57.5 inches, and a height of 50 inches. Compared to the TR3A, the wheelbase sizes were nearly identical (88 compared to 88.1 inches), 5 inches longer in length (156 compared to 151 inches), 1.5 inches wider (57.5 inches compared to 56 inches), and had the same height. Styling
During development, the TR4 was code-named 'Zest' and the styling was penned by Giovanni Michelotti. The previous side curtains were replaced with wind-down (roll-up) windows, an angular rear trunk (boot) allowed for more storage, and a new optional removable roof system incorporated a fixed backlight (a fixed glass rear window), and integral roll bar with a detachable rigid steel (aluminum was used for the first 500 examples) center panel.
RoadsterThe TR4 had a removable vinyl insert and supporting frame called a Surrey Top. (The original factory parts catalog described the rigid top and backlight assembly as the Hardtop Top kit. 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
The TR4A was produced from 1965 to 1967 as an evolution of the Giovanni Michelotti-styled TR4, with the TR4's Hotchkiss drive system replaced with an independent rear suspension, indicated by an 'IRS' badge attached to the TR4A's rear. The TR5 of 1967 to 1968 utilized a more powerful Lucas mechanical fuel-injected 2.5-liter straight-6 engine offering 150 horsepower. A less powerful carbureted version was developed to adhere to strict emissions standards in the United States and was known as the TR250. The production of the TR6 (1968 to 1976) nearly reached 92,000 units, with the majority being exported to the United States. The 'wedge-shaped TR7, built in coupe and cabriolet configurations, was produced for six years ending in 1981 with well over 100,000 units built. The Triumph TR4
Unveiled in 1962 as a rival to the MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite, the TR4 had several significant modern updates to its styling, usability, and mechanical specifications. Most noticeable was the styling which did away with the low door, side-curtained roadster persona of the previous TR Series in favor of a modern design with roll-up windows and a slightly curved windshield. The cockpit interior and luggage space were enhanced, and the ventilation and heater system was updated. In the front was 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 TR4 had a similar chassis configuration to the TR3A with a wider track (front and rear), full synchromesh on all forward gears, a rack and pinion steering setup, and a slightly larger standard engine displacement. The optional Laycock de Normanville electrically operated overdrive could now be selected for second and third gears as well as fourth. 15 x 4.5-inch disc wheels were originally part of the standard equipment list, and optional 48-lace wire wheels could be ordered painted the same color as the car's bodywork, stove-enameled, or in matte or polished chrome finishes. Powertrain
The engine was a larger 2138cc (up from 1,991cc) Standard engine with 86mm pistons in 'wet liners' delivering 105 (SAE) horsepower and 128 foot-pounds of torque. Further updates to the engine, including to the manifolds and cylinder heads, birth the TR4A model. The 1,991cc engine was offered as a no-cost option and was popular with privateers who wanted to compete in under-two-liter classes. As a wet-sleeve engine, the cubic capacity could be altered by replacing the cylinder liners and pistons, allowing it to compete in various different classes (below or above 2 liters). Dimensions
The Triumph TR4 rested on an 88.1-inch wheelbase with a 156-inch length, a width of 57.5 inches, and a height of 50 inches. Compared to the TR3A, the wheelbase sizes were nearly identical (88 compared to 88.1 inches), 5 inches longer in length (156 compared to 151 inches), 1.5 inches wider (57.5 inches compared to 56 inches), and had the same height. Styling
During development, the TR4 was code-named 'Zest' and the styling was penned by Giovanni Michelotti. The previous side curtains were replaced with wind-down (roll-up) windows, an angular rear trunk (boot) allowed for more storage, and a new optional removable roof system incorporated a fixed backlight (a fixed glass rear window), and integral roll bar with a detachable rigid steel (aluminum was used for the first 500 examples) center panel.
Roadster
by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011
Related Reading : Triumph TR 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....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Related Reading : Triumph TR History
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 Triumphs 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....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Similar Automakers
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1964
Similarly Priced Vehicles
1964 Triumph TR4 Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$5,000
TR4 Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
Home-Grown Luxury Marques To Star At Bonhams Inaugural Italian Sale
An outstanding array of classic and collectors motor cars will be offered at Bonhams inaugural Italian sale on 28 October at Auto e Moto dEpoca, Italys largest classic motor show which takes place in Padua.
Italian marques feature heavily in the...
Infiniti Motor Company To Show Prince R380 At 2017 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
The Prince R380, one of the first purpose-built Japanese race cars, won the Japanese Grand Prix in 1966
The Historically significant race car will make its North American public debut at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours dElegance
Prince Motor C...
Alpine Passion Through The Years At Retromobile
Retromobile set to play host to six classic Alpine models
The Alpine Vision show car will also be on display as a symbolic bridge between the brands past and future
Groupe Renault is pleased to confirm Alpines participation in the 42nd Retromobi...
Refined Maseratis Add Italian Flair to The Pebble Beach Auctions Presented by Gooding & Company
Selections include - five Maseratis from a single renowned collection, a 1957 Maserati A6G54 Spyder, a 1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spider, a 1963 Maserati Sebring Series I and a 1960 Maserati 3500 GT
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 8, 2016) –...
ALPINE – THE EXCITEMENT BUILDS AT THE 2016 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
Two show cars previewing the all-new Alpine sports car due to be unveiled at the end of this year
Strong Alpine presence at the exclusive Cartier Style %26 Luxe display
Three Alpines running up the hill, including the Alpine A460 competition car tha...