The Triumph TR4-A differed little from the TR4, switching to independent rear suspension (IRS) during its production run between 1965 and 1967. You could opt to go back to the live axle of the TR4, but that change would cost you extra, so why not just get a TR4 to begin with? These sports cars were powered by a 2.1-liter inline-4 that used twin carburetors to help propel the little missiles up to 100 mph.
This ’66 TR was purchased by the seller a few months ago as a barn find. It had been sitting for a long time and required a fair amount of time and money to get it going again. Some of the work needed included a new battery, clutch hydraulics, brakes, a rebuild of the carbs, and an ignition upgrade. So, the Triumph is a driver now, though you might not want to make a cross-country outing just yet. It’s more suitable for Cars & Coffee and other weekend activities.
We’re told the TR4-A has the live rear axle used with the TR4. About 25% of them imported are thought to have come that way. Rust is almost non-existent on the vehicle and the paint is presentable, though it’s imperfect. If you’re into that patina look, this car is for you. It’s said to be an original automobile down to the paint, sheet metal, engine, and transmission. The canvas top is shot, and the seller has a new one that the buyer can install.
If the car doesn’t sell, the seller says he/she won’t be heartbroken. To fund some business endeavors, this car and others in his collection are on the market. The only item that may or may not be working is the windshield wipers. There is a tiny oil leak from a valve cover gasket that won’t need immediate attention. The interior is good, so fix the top and venture out with your new acquisition. Located in Eugene, Oregon, this sports car is available here on eBay where the current bid is $4,050, reserve unmet.
Oil leaks mean that there’s still oil in it. Drive it as intended!
Good one man, hey it’s still got oil! Drive it!
My favorite of the line of TRs. Everything right about the ‘4s and ‘4As. Nice car.
A store manager I worked with after HS had one exactly like this-it just looks right painted BRG. It was a blast to drive especially after driving my ‘61 Midget and driven in our imitation of Jim Clark, a laughable novice imitation being the best description. It surprised a couple of Detroit diehards on several occasions, most especially on the twisty canyon road to Lake Tahoe!
I’m not that much of an expert on the TR4 but as far as I can recall the TR4A was strangely enough available with either the IRS or the older live axle design. Whether it was a cost play or whether it was catering to purists who thought the IRS version was for sissies I don’t know.
But there’s nothing odd about a live axle TR4A and the chassis number proves that it is how it was built. CT= live axle while CTC would be IRS. L is for LHD, and there’s no O as it didn’t have the overdrive option.
By far the nicest Trumpet, for me. So, correct me then, a TR4A without the IRS, is merely a TR4, no? I read there were other minor differences, but the IRS was the biggie. I myself, think the live axle is just fine, I’d never push the limits of IRS anyway, as long as the gears screw the power to the ground. Funny, the author mentions all the things done, to a Triumph owner, these are just regular repairs, no need to get upset. I guarantee, it will need a lot more, and those British car parts houses have every nut and bolt and await your open wallet. With almost 260 viewers and price hasn’t moved much, I don’t know, you tell me, has the fizz done fizzled on these? The TR6 was nice, and the TR250, better yet, but the good old TR4 was good enough for me. I’m kind of half on the lookout for something like this, and some deals in my area show, a lot of this stuff coming up. A Midget, $1600, a MGB, $1,000, all needing work, but no takers. If I live long enough, I might be able to swing a deal yet. Even $5grand for this is a steal.
Testing
Oh, the heck with it,,,always nice to start a new day with the aggravation of the BarnFinds commenting issues.
I still have the FB Marketplace ad saved on this car, it shows last listed for $6500, curious what the reserve is now. Looked like a good car then and a bit better now after some of the work the current seller has done.
I had a TR4A with the live axle. Good solid fun car. Oil leak could be just a bad gasket, but sometimes excessive blow-by (worn rings) will aggravate leaks especially at the “slinger” (where normal cars have a main seal). Nice shifting transmissions too. If the frame is solid, it appears to be a budget friendly driver. For people who would prefer IRS, my advice is to travel a few years into the future and buy a TR6. Regardless of the condition, these are easy and economical to work on.
I love the Coniston Green Land Rover Discovery Series I in the background!