Triumph introduced the TR4 as the successor to the TR3A roadster. Designed by Michelotti, it featured a more modern design, with full height doors to allow for roll down windows and the taller, more squared-off rear body line, provided for a more capacious boot than many other sports cars of its time.
Production ran from July 1961 to January 1965, totalling over 40,000 units mainly for the export market, with only around 2,500 sold in the UK market.
The TR4 4 cylinder engine was continued from the earlier TR2/3 models, but the displacement was increased from 1991cc to 2138 cc in the TR4, by increasing bore size.
Other key improvements over the TR3 included a wider track front and rear, full synchromesh on all forward gears, and rack and pinion steering. In addition, the optional Laycock de Normanville electrically operated overdrive could now be selected for third and fourth gears, effectively providing the TR4 with a six-speed manual close ratio gearbox.
This example is a genuine UK registered car, backed up by a Heritage Certificate. Although not much is known about its early life, we have photos of the car in use as a fast pursuit patrol car for the Manchester City Police Traffic department in the 1960s. In addition, the Heritage Certificate, identified it as originally white, with a white hard top and calibrated speedo from the factory. It was supplied to the Hollingdrake Automobile Company, a Triumph dealer based in Stockport in June 1964.
The car underwent a complete restoration over the period 2000 to 2003, which included, chassis, engine, gearbox and rear axle rebuild. Braking, steering and exhaust systems were all newly fitted along with new chrome work, chrome wire wheels, a complete interior and finished off with a bare metal respray, in British Racing Green.
2007 saw new carburettors fitted and new wet weather gear, with Polybush front suspension, front discs and pads and an electric Kenlowe fan fitted in 2010. Finally, both the engine and gearbox were fully rebuilt in 2011 at around 80K miles.
Although an older restoration, the car still presents very well and more importantly because it has been used and exceptionally well maintained mechanically, it makes for an excellent drivers car.
This example is definitely aimed at the owner who wants to enjoy being out on the road in a great British sports car, be it a trip to the local pub, or a tour of Europe!
Although an older restoration, as can be seen from the photos the British Racing Green paintwork is still in lovely condition, with the panel and door shut lines presenting uniform all round. As to be expected from an older restoration, the paintwork cannot be compared to a “fresh out of the box” restoration, so expect the odd age related blemish. However, as part of the pre-sales preparation the car was subject to a professional paintwork detail and high end wax finish, which would still turn heads at any car show.
All chrome work which includes the luggage rack, is in equally in good condition, as are all lights and the windscreen rubber seal.
All wet weather gear which includes the vinyl roof and both full and half tonneau covers, are in very good condition, fit as they should and look barely used.
As part of the restoration the car’s interior was fitted with new seats trimmed with tan leather, with matching vinyl door cards and high quality carpeting throughout. The car also comes with an attractive 3 spoke Mountney leather bound steering wheel.
The driver’s view of the dashboard consists of 2 main dials for the rev counter and speedo with 4 ancillary gauges mounted centrally on the attractive polished wood dashboard, comprising oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level and amps. Steering column mounted stalks control indicators and overdrive activation, other than that, assorted dash mounted pull switches, turn switches and toggles, cover lights, heater controls, choke, windscreen wipers and instruments illumination.
All the switch gear, dials, lights and heater work as they should.
Storage area behind the front seats is accessed by tipping the seat back forwards.
The car comes with a wind deflector screen that sits behind the front seats reducing wind noise for those longer journeys.
A surprisingly big boot contains the spare wheel, jack, and tool kit for removing the centre lock spinners.
Finally, the car comes with a 2 piece set of custom made luggage that fit the boot space perfectly, providing ideal carrying capacity for weekend or longer trips away.
The 2138 cc inline 4 engine runs on twin SU HS6 carburettors fitted with chromed “pancake” performance air filters, which together lend a nice sense of theatre to the engine bay, not to mention the induction noise!
It’s a torquey engine ideal for GT driving and sounds fantastic through the twin stainless steel end pipes that do unduly “drone”, at sustained cruising speeds.
The 4 speed gearbox, features the optional Laycock de Normanville electrically operated overdrive, that operates on third and fourth gears. This effectively provides the TR4 with a six-speed manual close ratio gearbox, making for a much more flexible and relaxed car than the non-overdrive car and as such, is a much sought after option on the TR4
All suspension components are in good order with the front suspension now fitted with polybushing. The car rides and handles as it should, with no undue knocks or rattles.
The car sits on 15” chrome wire wheels with 2 eared centre locks fitted and with matching Continental Contact 165/80 R15 tyres all round. The spare wheel is of the same type as the driven wheels as is its tyre. The car comes with the knock off wheel removing tool and hammer.
The car is fitted with front discs brakes and runs drum brakes on the rear. Braking performance is strong and progressive with no signs of pulling to either side under heavy braking.
As can be seen from the photos of the underside, it presents very well with no visible signs of corrosion.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, all mechanical componentry on the car’s underside were painstakingly treated to a coating of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment, to provide for long-term protection. DINITROL underbody protection clear wax has been applied over the top of the existing under seal. In addition, Lanoguard Moto Spray has been used in the hard to access areas, such as behind the bumpers, prop shaft tunnel, up behind the spare wheel well, behind the petrol tank, inner sills, inner wings and wheel arches. Finally, the internal box sections of the ladder chassis have been cavity waxed.
This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting and jet wash proof. This all adds up to a car that now has outstanding underbody protection from corrosion, typically unavoidable for cars driven on UK roads all year round.
The documented history folder, contains the registration document and clear Total Car Check report dated 21/04/2024, which includes details of every MOT since electronic records began in 2005. Paper copies of past MOT certificates extend from 2002 to 2017. Please note the car is registered as an historic vehicle on its V5C and as such, is now MOT and Tax exempt, as well as ULEZ compliant.
The car also has British Motor Industry Heritage Trust “Certified Copy of a Factory Record” outlining the car’s original factory records.
The cars comes with a sizeable invoice for maintenance and parts history, which have been split into two section. The first section dealing with invoices relevant to the initial restoration, over the period 2000 to 2003 a 1 page summary of these works, is also provided by the owner who had the restoration carried out. The second section detailing invoices from 2007 to date are from the subsequent 2 owners of the car.
We believe that the car was in the service of the Manchester City Police during the 1960s as a fast pursuit patrol car and the document file contains a couple of pictures of the car in police livery on duty!
Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys and an original TR4 Owner’s manual.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
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