Vehicle Description
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." Thxvintagetriumphregister.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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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