1961 Triumph TR4

The Triumph TR4, produced between 1961 and 1967, brought new, modern, and aggressively styled bodywork designed by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti with the basic chassis of the previous TR3A. Code named 'Zest' during development, the TR4 also brought improved passenger comfort with wind-up windows, face-level ventilation, and an optional hardtop. The 2138cc engine of the late-production TR3A continued, while the 1991cc engine was optional for buyers who wanted to participate in two-liter racing. The engine was a pushrod Standard inline-four originally designed for use by the Ferguson TE20 tractor. The displacement size for the TR2/3 measured 1991cc, while the TR4 used a larger, 2,138cc size. The TR4A models had improvements to the manifold and cylinder head. The standard TR4 produced 100 horsepower (SAE), and with the optional overdrive, the TR4 could achieve a top speed of nearly 110 mph.

Handling was improved over the TR3 predecessor thanks to its three-inch wider track. The steering was updated with a more precise rack-and-pinion system, and a new angular rear end allowed for a boot with a reasonable luggage capacity for a sports car. Full synchromesh was on all forward gears. 15x4.5-inch disc wheels were originally fitted, and 48-lace wire wheels were optional and could be ordered painted the same color as the car's bodywork, stove-enameled, or in matte or polished chrome finishes. 590-15 bias-ply tires were standard, and radial tires were optional. American Racing alloy wheels were (at one point) optional, in 15x5.5 or 15x6 size.

The Triumph TR4 had an 88.1-inch wheelbase and a length of 156 inches. Its width measured 57.5 inches, and its height of 50 inches.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020