Triumph TR4A IRS

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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. Optional Laycock de Normanville electricallly operated overdrive could now be selected for 2nd and 3rd gear as well as 4th, effectively providing the TR4 with a seven-speed close ratio gearbox.

The new TR4 body style did away with the classical cutaway door design of the previous TRs to allow for wind-down windows while the crisp rear end styling allowed a boot with considerable capacity for a sports car. It also handled much better thanks to a wider track front and rear and precise rack-and-pinion steering.

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. By the time production ceased in 1968, some 28,450 TR4As had been sold, the vast majority to the American market.

First registered in June 1965, this TR4A has had just five owners to date, the fourth of whom owned the car for 32 years (1982 - 2014). During this time he treated the car to a nut-and-bolt rebuild which has resulted in the fine specimen you see today. The Old English White paintwork still gleams and the underside is still in excellent condition. The interior remains totally original apart from new carpets. The vendor states that all the instruments work correctly and that the car shows excellent oil pressure.

Since the restoration was completed the car has seen very little use, being mainly kept in storage as part of a private collection. Indeed an old MOT from 1977 shows that the car has only covered some 16,600 miles in the last 39 years (going from 87,788 to the current 104,390 miles).

Recently recommissioned for sale, it has received all new brakes, a new stainless steel exhaust, four new chrome wire wheels with new tyres and a thorough service. MOTd until May 2016 (with no advisories recorded), it is ready for a fortunate sixth owner to enjoy right away. With only 1,080 TR4As still UK registered and top examples already making £30k+ at auction, this car looks most tempting at the sensible guide price suggested.