Eclectic Cars

• our vehicles
• Lancia Delta Integrale 16v
• 3.2 Cabriolet Supersport
• Triumph GT6 Convertible
• TVR Vixen
• TVR V8 S
• BMW 2002tii
• Jaguar XJS Convertible
• BMW E30 M3 Convertible
• Fiat 850 Spider
• Triumph TR6
• Morris Mini Mk1
• Fiat X1/9 Bertone
• Jaguar XJC Coupe
• Renault Alpine GTA
• BMW Isetta 300
• Land Rover Series III
• Citroen D Super
• Porsche 356B T5
• Porsche 968 Clubsport
• Ariel Atom 2
• Sold to Richard
• Sold to John
• Sold to Barry
• Sold to Ruth

Standard Equipment

This TR4 has Navy Blue Paintwork with Beige Leather Piped Blue, Navy Blue Carpet and Walnut Dash.  Equipment includes: Full Wet Weather Gear, Painted Wire Wheels, Roll Over Bar, Twin Carb 2.2 litre 4 Cylinder Engine and 4 Speed Manual Gearbox.

Additional Equipment

Bullet Style Wing Mirrors, Moto-Lita Wooden Steering Wheel.

Model history

Launched in 1961 the new TR4 did away with the classic Triumph cutaway door design of the previous TRs to allow for wind-down windows in place of the less convenient side-curtains.  There was also an angular rear end which allowed the boot to have considerable more capacity than most contemporary sports cars.

The TR4 was the first production car to included the use of a unique hard top that consisted of a fixed glass rear window (called a backlight) with an integral rollbar and a detachable, steel centre panel (made in aluminium for the first 500 units). This roof system preceded the Porsche 911/912 Targa by some 5 years, 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.

The pushrod 4 cylinder engine was continued from the earlier TR2/3 models, however the displacement was increased from 1991cc to 2138cc  by using a larger diameter piston.  The 1991cc engine became a no-cost option for those cars destined to race in the under-two-litre classes of the day.

It was popular to fit vane-type superchargers to increase performance, as the three main bearing engine was liable to crankshaft failure if revved beyond 6,500 rpm. Superchargers allowed a TR4 to produce much more horse-power and torque at relatively modest revolutions. The standard engine produced 105 bhp but supercharged 2.2 litre version could produce in excess of 200 BHP. It should be noted that the TR4, in common with its predecessors, was fitted with a wet-sleeve engine, so that for competition use the engine's cubic capacity could be changed by swapping the cylinder liners and pistons, allowing a competitor to race under different capacity rules.

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 2nd and 3rd gear as well as 4th, effectively providing the TR4 with a seven-speed manual close ratio gearbox.

Exterior

This particular TR4 is an older restoration that has been well looked after. The paint is deep and glossy and has an even finish across the vehicle.  There are just a few age related blemishes behind the roll bar and in front of the boot lid, most of which have polished away.  They certainly do not detract from what is a really beautiful car in the metal.  The chrome work is all present and correct with just a few minor blemishes on the overriders otherwise the finish is very good.  We have checked the structure of the car which is also very solid.  During our preparation process the underneath of the vehicle has been cleaned off and re-protected to give it the best possible chance in the future! 

Wheels Tyres and Brakes

This car has a set of painted wire wheels which are all in good condition and really set the car off.  The tyres are a pair of Pirelli's at the front and Firestones at the rear.  All tyres are in good condition with over 5mm of tread.  The brakes are discs at the front and drums at the rear and all in good condition, bringing the car to a halt with little drama.

Engine and Transmission

Despite their agricultural beginnings the 2.2 litre engine the four cylinder unit is actually pretty smooth and give plenty of torque making the light TR4 pretty sprightly.  This unit bursts into life with a little choke and a good prod on the throttle.  When it has warmed through and the choke is pressed back into the dash it idles cleanly.

Interior and Equipment

The interior is in great condition having been completely re-trimmed during the restoration. The Tan Leather is unworn and the deep blue carpets are in very good condition.  The Walnut Dash and Moto-Lita steering wheel are also in good condition and give the TR4 a very luxurious feeling as you drive down the road with the wind in your hair.  The car has been fitted with an aftermarket roll bar and a good quality hood.  The gauges work and are reasonably accurate and as with all of our cars the electrics have been checked through by our auto electrician.

Road Test

British Sports Cars are great fun to drive and wether they come from the 50's 60's 70's or even early 80's they all offer a similar level of performance and reliability.  The thing that changes is the occasion of driving them. The TR4 is plenty quick enough to mix it with modern traffic, and brakes and suspension all give you plenty of confidence when driving quickly down country lanes, so with its beautiful looks and comfortable interior this really is a great way into a classic British sports car.

History File

This car was originally a left hand drive one delivered to New Jersey USA.  It was brought back into the country in the ninties for restoration and sale.  There is a good wedge of service invoices and parts invoices going back over the last 15 years, which includes all the bills for the restoration in the mid-ninties.  There are also photographs documenting the restoration process. Added to this there is a raft of MOT's.  With a full Eclectic Cars refresh and a new MOT she is ready to be enjoyed this summer.