Triumph unveiled the TR4 in 1961. This TR4 was a capable open-top sports car to become one of Triumph’s best-loved cars. Style wise the TR4 was quite a departure from the TR3. Gone were the low-cut doors and large grille of its predecessor, and in their place was a more modern design courtesy of Giovanni Michelotti. A spacious boot, high beltline, full-sized doors with roll-up windows, and a revised front look brought the company into a new era.
Mechanically, the car possessed the same 105-hp, 2138cc, inline four-cylinder engine that was offered during the TR3’s later iterations; though buyers who were looking race their Triumph in two-liter classes could opt for the 1991 cc mill. The TR4’s chassis was initially the same as its predecessor, though the track was wider and steering was through a rack and pinion set-up.
In 1965, Triumph released the TR4A. The car marked the introduction of a completely new independent rear suspension, and the TR4’s ride benefitted greatly. Popular options on the TR4 included overdrive and a “Surrey” top that resembles what is today called a Targa roof. TR4A buyers could also opt to replace their independent rear suspension with the TR4’s solid rear axle. Just over 40,000 TR4s left the Coventry factory and only a handful trickled into Malaysia. Today, finding a good well restored unit for sale is hard and almost unheard of. Collectors will not let go of this car.
