1963 TRIUMPH TR4

This 1963 Triumph TR4 is a charming classic British sports car, benefitting from a full restoration and a number of performance upgrades. Under the bonnet is a rebuilt and enlarged 2.2-litre inline-four engine, which is fed by twin SU carburettors and drives the rear wheels via a refurbished four-speed manual transmission with overdrive on second, third, and fourth gears. The odometer displays 25,228 miles, though this is not warranted.

This TR4 was built as a left-hand drive car in November 1963, and was dispatched to a dealer in Krefeld, Germany. It was sold to its first keeper, who was a Lieutenant in the US military, and they took the car back to North America when they returned home. After spending much of its life in California, this classic Triumph was then exported to the UK in 1997, and was subsequently converted to a right-hand drive layout. Six years later, in 2013, the car was fully restored and treated to a number of mechanical upgrades, before being acquired by the seller around seven years ago.

Today, owing to its time in the warm Californian sun and its extensive restoration, the bodywork presents in excellent condition, with no evidence of any corrosion and straight, even shut lines. Having been fully resprayed, the Old English White paintwork is particularly smart, and has a bright and glossy appearance around the entire car, with the only blemishes noted by the seller being some minor chips on the front valance and one of the sills.

This example will be supplied with its folding black vinyl ‘Surrey top’ roof panel, making it ideal for summer getaways. All of the exterior brightwork, including the bumpers and front grille, is in very good order, and the light lenses are free of any chips or cracks. This TR4 is fitted with a set of 15-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels, which are in great shape, with only one small scuff on the rim of the front driver’s-side item.

Stepping inside, the cabin has also been lightly refreshed. Both of the seats have been replaced with leather-clad items from a Mazda MX5, which suit the interior well, though the original seats will also be supplied with the car. Ahead is a replacement Moto-Lita steering wheel, which is wrapped in black leather and shows no signs of wear, while the wood dashboard has been renewed. All of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights showing on the dashboard.

This TR4’s most recent routine service was carried out in February 2020, when the engine oil and oil filter were replaced, the engine was tuned and the handbrake was adjusted. Prior to this, the engine oil and oil filter were changed in both 2019 and 2018. During the seller’s ownership, the brake fluid has also been changed and a set of Aeroquip brake hoses were fitted in 2018 for a sharper pedal feel.

During its restoration, this classic sports car’s mechanical components were also significantly upgraded. The engine was fully rebuilt using a ‘fast road’ performance camshaft, oversized forged pistons and liners, increasing its capacity from 2.1 to 2.2 litres, and with a lightened and balanced flywheel. Furthermore, the gearbox was rebuilt, an alternator was fitted with a narrow belt conversion, and both an electric fan and a Distributordoc electronic ignition system were installed. In addition, a performance exhaust system was fitted, along with new twin SU carburettors and all new suspension components.

While it is exempt due to its age, this TR4’s last MOT test was conducted on 13 March 2017 at an indicated 24,161 miles, which it passed first-time without any advisories. All four wheels are fitted with Yokohama tyres, which have around 6mm of tread remaining and are in good condition.

The car will be accompanied by its correct owner’s manual, a certificate of authenticity from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and a number of past service invoices, MOT test certificates, and tax discs.

This Triumph TR4 is a wonderful example of the popular classic sports car, which has been carefully restored and upgraded, and is offered in excellent cosmetic and mechanical order. Now powered by a 2.2-litre ‘fast road’ spec engine, this Triumph offers a driving experience over and above many of its contemporaries, and will make a fantastic addition to any collection of British classics.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.