Description

1967 Triumph TR4A

One-family-owned until 1998 and only three owners since; overdrive; Surrey top; well-maintained with large history file; featured in 'Original Triumph TR'

Standard-Triumph tasked Italian stylist Michelotti with re-styling its ageing TR range and the resulting design went into production in 1961 as the TR4.

A wonderful mix of British brawn and Italian style, the pretty roadster was powered by a torquey 2,138cc four-cylinder twin-carb engine mated to an all-synchro four-speed box that could launch the car to 60mph in 10.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 105mph. When fitted with the optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive on 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th the TR4 effectively had a seven-speed close-ratio gearbox – not bad for the 1960s!

The TR4 proved very successful and became a formidable competition car – very strong mechanically, it was ideal for tuning and some cars were fitted with superchargers that could produce in excess of 200bhp at the flywheel.

In 1965 the car gained a new chassis with more sophisticated independent rear suspension (in place of the old live axle) for more predictable handling and an improved ride, these models being known as the TR4A IRS. By the time production ceased in late 1967, some 28,450 TR4As had been sold, the vast majority to the American market.

As its accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular Midnight Blue right-hand drive TR4A IRS was supplied new by Hewitts Garages of Walsall in October 1967 so it must be one of the last ones made. Extra equipment included a Surrey hard top, wire wheels and an overdrive gearbox. Remarkably, the car was to remain in the first owner’s family right up until 1998 and it has only had three further owners since.

The car appears to be in good condition throughout and has a very well-preserved original blue vinyl interior, suggesting it has led an easy life to date. The previous owner purchased it in 2012 solely to attend the Le Mans Classic every other year and added less than 2,000 miles to the clock in his three trips, the car reputedly performing beautifully on each occasion. Our vendor acquired the car in 2017 and has only added another 1,300 miles since.

Although resprayed at Worcester Classic Cars in December 2004 (at a cost of almost £5,000), the 18 years that have passed since have taken their toll and a fussy owner may feel that the paint would now benefit from further attention.

Riding on attractive wire wheels (plus a spare), the car also has a nice walnut dashboard although the original plain wood dash is included, along with a vinyl soft top in good condition. A modern Kenwood stereo has also been fitted with iPod/USB connectivity.

RWP 400F comes with a large history file (mostly 1998 onwards) including bills for a gearbox and overdrive overhaul in 2001, an unleaded cylinder head conversion and new water pump in 2003, and a new clutch kit in July 2006. Many old MOTs and tax discs back to 1996 are also present, the current MOT running to April 2023 with no advisories recorded. There is also a copy of the book 'Original Triumph TR' by Bill Piggott, published in 1991, in which the car is featured on several pages as an excellent example of an original car.

Starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 50psi oil pressure, this is a very presentable and correct TR4A with no immediate issues that can be enjoyed all year round thanks to its snug Surrey top. Spend a few bob on the paintwork and it could be a real show queen - but then you wouldn’t dare use it, would you?

It is only reluctantly for sale due to an eye problem which means that, very sadly, our vendor will soon have to give up driving.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com