The long-term owner of this 1963 Triumph TR4 passed away without finishing his project, leaving the bank to auction it off along with the rest of his estate. The seller seems to be the lucky buyer who turned up and found the TR4 packed in along with the tractors, and lucked into what amounts to a very worthwhile restoration project. The Triumph is now located in Missouri, but those old-school California black plates tell you it lived out west for a spell. The Triumph will come with a spare long block and the original engine, but no title. It is listed here on eBay with a suggested opening bid of $3,500 and no reserve.
The TR4 looks to have belonged to an enthusiast, based on the aftermarket and period-correct wheels along with the additional driving lights mounted on the front bumper. The body panels also look quite straight, and the paint would seemingly come back to life with a good buffing. The bumpers are still largely straight, and despite what sounds like less-than-ideal storage arrangements, the TR4 doesn’t appear to be too much worse for the wear. The seller notes the top frame and seats are included (not pictured) but will need to be restored to be suited for use.
It seems likely the previous owner was in the midst of doing just that based on how the car was found. The seller says it is a very dry car with good bones and a solid frame, and this photo with the carpets and seats removed appears to reinforce that notion. The wooded dash still looks half-decent and the door panels could definitely be reused. The TR4 is a tempting project, with no major bodywork to sort out and some desirable parts already installed. I’d be willing to bet with that wheel and tire combination that there’s some upgraded suspension pieces installed as well.
The current engine that’s installed has been partially disassembled, and the seller doesn’t have any records indicating why. It sounds like this is the original engine, but no evidence is offered that the missing parts are included. The second long block that will accompany the TR4 still turns freely and the seller received some feedback that it was previously installed in the TR4 and was running when removed; no info is offered as to why a known healthy engine was swapped out. The driver’s side rear quarter is said to be “ugly,” but a used quarter panel is included. You’ll also get two new rear tires and some spare parts in a box. Overall, a great candidate for restoration, and at a good price.
In a previous life, I spent time in that part of Missouri but in a neighboring town. Always referring to Dixon MO as the “San Bruno of Missouri” in joking, regional snub as I grew up in the city neighboring San Bruno. And BOOM here’s car in Dixon that was bought new in San Bruno! That old Chevy dealership is still standing but has been a Toyota dealership for decades.
Always liked the TR4s. Good looks, good power, and in this case a good price if it stays down near it’s present level.
Looks Ike the same one from a couple days ago. Except it was from a storage area, car owner dead, money owed for storage, no title, and in St. Louis mo.
Had triumphs and loved them. TR3b and a tr4a. Both resulted in wives. Still have the 2nd wife but no tr’s. Wish I had one of them
Bill, please clarify. Do you wish that you still had both TR’s, or both wives? Or possible a combination of both wives, and both TR’s. I had one TR4A, but sold it long before my first and only wife. She is letting me keep an ’82 RX7 because if I sell it I will buy a motorcycle.
Item location:
Dixon, Missouri
Both doors open simultaneously is a good sign.
“2 new rear tires..” So, are they different from the front on these cars?
Unlike the Corvair of a few days ago, an officer from the bank will accompany you to the DMV along with the requisite sheaf of paperwork.
Chances are the seats & carpets were pulled in preparation to remove the engine & gearbox. This would also require the removal of the cardboard [yes, cardboard] trans tunnel, best replaced with a fiberglass unit. I have a feeling the car comes with an extra block because there is a problem with the one currently in the car.