Triumph TR4, 1963
Triumph TR4 I
Triumph TR4 I•
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Chassis No.: CT13993L
Engine No.: CT14077E
Registration: AJM 181A
The Triumph TR4 is a sports car built by Standard Triumph Motor Company and introduced in 1961. Code named ‘Zest’ during development, the car was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the previous TR sports cars but with a modern Michelotti styled body. A total of 40,253 cars were built; the TR4 proved very successful and continued the rugged image that the previous TR’s had enjoyed. The TR4 body style did away with the cutaway door design of the previous TR’s to allow for wind-down windows and the angular rear allowed a boot with considerable capacity for a sports car.
Advanced features included the first use of adjustable fascia ventilation in a production car and the option of a unique hardtop that consisted of a fixed glass rear window with an integral rollbar and a detachable, steel centre panel (aluminium for the first 500 units). This was the first such roof system on a production car and preceded by five years the Porsche 911/912 Targa, which has since become a generic name for this style of top. On the TR4 the rigid roof panel was replaceable with an easily folded and stowed vinyl insert and supporting frame called a ‘Surrey Top’.
This TR4 was originally sent to the US and was repatriated to the UK in 1990 by the vendor. The car was partially restored in the 90’s and converted to right hand drive. In 2018 it was decided to fully restore the car. Work included a full engine rebuild and several upgrades, these include the fitting of a Kenlow fan, servo assisted brakes, an alternator together with a high-torque starter motor, electronic ignition, and a spin-off oil filter. Mazda MX5 seats have been fitted although the original seats are available, it should be pointed out these have not been restored. Clearly the quality of work carried out has been to a high standard; the shut lines are good as is the paint finish. Supplied with a box of spares and an owner’s manual, together with a V5C registration document,
these quintessentially British sports cars are very stylish and are great fun to drive.
