1964 Triumph TR4 Roadster
"The success of the TR2 and TR3 models in the mid and late 1950's made the Triumph Roadsters,(TR), a viable product on the world's stage. By the end of the 1950's the Standard Triumph Motor Company was looking to the future with confidence in themselves and in the sports car market. It was at this point that they began to modernize and upgrade to their idea of what the future market would desire. Triumph, in 1961, began their transition to the six cylinder sports cars of later TR design " the TR250, TR5, and TR6. The TR4 has been called a transition between the TR2/3 and the TR6, but many auto critics of the time and most TR4 owners consider the TR4 a winner in its own right." Thx vintagetriumphregister.org
For consignment, a 1964 Triumph TR4 showing 83,999 unverifiable miles, a 2 owner car that spent a good part of its life in storage in Nevada. That's a low humidity, dry climate zone for those who may not be familiar with the Silver State. Along with an engine rebuild and other restoration, this car is the recipient of many new parts. Apparently, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.
Exterior
You can't go wrong with a coat of British Racing Green on this English sports car, in this case showing a satin finish of a single stage. Designed by famed Italian designer Michelotti, the car is wider and lower than previous generations with a chrome bumper that spans the width and wearing bumper guards, (or overrides), just below an eggcrate grille and round headlights over which the hood is sculpted. More curves are found in the hood in the asymmetrical bump, created to make room for carburetion and looking oh so cool between raised and slightly flared fenders. A straight shoulder line gives this car a stable and strong stance, its tail ending in a sharp vertical angle and upright tail lights over a wrap around bumper. Overall, the body is clean and uncluttered and a luggage rack comprising the most prominent add-on in the same area we find TRIUMPH lettering and stylistic the TR4 emblem. 15-inch wire wheels wear redline tires. Maybe as an ode to the designer, the exhaust tip that extends well past the bumper is marked with a Ferrari badge. Imperfections include scratching and cracking in the paint, dimpling over filler, chipped paint and surface rust on the front chin, dry and cracking seals around the windshield, and a bit of surface rust where the windshield meets the body.
Interior
Black vinyl door cards hold metal hardware and a map pocket and along with some design lines, look to be in good condition. Low back bucket seats show some compression, especially the driver's which also exhibits some wear on the outside piping but are generally in good condition. There are heavy tears in the top cover, exposing foam and in worn condition. Looking forward, we witness some of the interior restoration in the form of a new wood steering wheel and dash in matching polished wood. The silver rimmed gauges are a nice contrast and stretch to the middle of the dash under which we find a series of knobs and an AM radio. The classic shifter is in place, topped by a wood knob over a polished stick emerging from a rubber boot. The black loop carpet is new, according to our consignor, and is in good condition. The trunk has some older, green loop carpet shows usage.
Drivetrain
A lot of attention has been given to the engine while in our consignor's care and the bay presents cleaning where the 2138cc 4 cylinder engine is situated. It's fueled by 2 SU carburetors and set into motion with a 4-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels and 3.70 gears. The car is equipped with disc brakes up front and drums in the back. Our consignor states that the following parts have been rebuilt or replaced: pistons, sleeves, valves, valve springs, main seal, crank, cam, water pump, fuel pump, starter, oil pump, clutch, throwout bearing, brake cylinders, brake lines, brakes and hardware, master cylinder, clutch cylinder, thermostat, radiator, battery, hoses and belts, fluids and seals in back, and a new exhaust system. The gas tank was also removed and cleaned at some point.
Undercarriage
Metals are colored by surface rust throughout the underside including the frame rails, leaf springs, belly pans, and A-arms. There's quite a bit of build up on the knuckles and wheel components, as well as some oil drift around the tunnel. The single exhaust does stand out as newer and encounters a stock style muffler before sending two tailpipes back, capped with chrome tips. Coil spring suspension is found up front while leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
This well sorted engine started right up and the inviting wood lined interior, despite the surrounding patina, is a nice place to be. The sizable 4 cylinder provides decent acceleration and shifting is crisp. Cutting through the open air in this square shouldered Brit is quite fun and the car functions well. In fact, all operating items on the car work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A vintage British sports car you can drive! There's room for some more restoration here, but you can also drive it as is without worry. Not every car has to glisten like a mirror and there's a bit of charm in a car with single stage, British Racing Green paint that you don't have to walk on eggshells with. Enjoy it, flog it, and in the words of Austin Powers, "yeah, baby, yeah!" This Nevada native is a sure bet!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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