Triumph TR4 'Surrey Top', 1963
Triumph TR4 I
Triumph TR4 I•
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Chassis No.: CT 21834 LO
Engine No.: CT 21835 E
Body No.: 20169 CT
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
$27,500 USD | Sold
- Quintessential British sports car with purposeful Michelotti styling
- Comprehensive restoration of a brilliant driver
- Rare “Surrey Top” example
105 bhp, 2,138 cc inline four-cylinder engine with dual SU carburetors, four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, independent front suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, rear semi-elliptical coil spring with lever shock live-axle suspension, and hydraulic front-disc, rear-drum brakes. Wheelbase: 88 in.
This 1963 Triumph TR4 is distinctively and desirably equipped with the rare two-piece top, consisting of a glass rear portion in a reinforced metal frame and dismountable “surrey-top” fabric panel that could be fitted between the windshield and rear window structure. With the rectangular doors and roll-up glass side windows—improvements from the TR3’s cut-down doors and side panels—driver and passenger enjoy good wind protection on fine days and excellent weatherproofing for when the skies open up.
In fine, low-mileage original condition, the car was comprehensively restored in 2008. The engine was completely rebuilt with .040-over liners and pistons and hardened valve seats to permit use of unleaded gasoline. The crankshaft bearings, as well as the main and rod bearings, were renewed, and a new timing chain was fitted. For smooth operation and to reduce oil leaks, the crankshaft was turned under 0.10 inches, modified to accept a modern rear oil seal, and fitted to the line-honed block. New head and manifold studs also were fitted.
All mechanical ancillaries, including oil pump, distributor, starter, generator, water pump, and radiator, were repaired or replaced. The flywheel was resurfaced, and a new clutch was installed. The fuel tank was restored and a spin-on oil filter conversion fitted, and a stainless steel Falcon exhaust system was also installed.
The frame was confirmed to be straight and then stripped, dipped, primed, and repainted. Minor corrosion in the body panels was repaired before they were primed and repainted using Glasurit materials. The body and frame were assembled using new moldings and seals. As offered, the finish, chrome, badging, and glazing are in good to excellent condition, with only light scratches on the rear window, slight pitting on the door handles, and only minor signs of use otherwise.
The interior has been beautifully redone, with re-padded seats upholstered in black leather with white piping. The new carpeting fitted during the restoration is in very nice condition as well. A period aftermarket wood-rim steering wheel, matching the fully restored low-gloss fascia wood, has been fitted, though the original black banjo steering wheel is included. Original switches, controls, and gauges are in excellent condition. The engine compartment in correct body-color paint is clean, with twin SU carburetors, factory air cleaners with correct stickers, and a Lucas-labeled black period-appearance battery with correct terminals. The trunk is equally presentable and includes a tool roll and tools, an owner’s manual, and a binder of photographs and receipts from the restoration.
The car is reported to run and drive as well as it looks, starting easily and producing good power from the well-tuned engine, with good synchromesh and overdrive transmission operation and tight, confidence-inspiring suspension and brakes. It would be a wonderful driver in the Arizona sun.
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/az16/lots/r194-1963-triumph-tr4-surrey-top/
Cost
100,994 AED
