- Seller: David A
- Location: Mebane, North Carolina
- Mileage: 49,420 Shown
- Chassis #: CTC56810L
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2138cc Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
UPDATE – The seller has added a video of this TR4A running and driving, so we are relisting it. Be sure to take another look and cast your high bid below.
Classic British sports cars offer one of the automotive world’s most engaging driving experiences. Most don’t deliver enormous horsepower, but their low center of gravity means they grip tenaciously on twisting roads, making every journey a joy. This 1965 Triumph TR4A is one such car, and it has the potential to be an excellent and rewarding restoration project. The owner already has one build on the go, feeling that this Triumph deserves a new home with someone who can complete what he has started. Therefore, he has listed the TR4A with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Triumph introduced the TR4A in 1965 as an evolution of its existing TR4 model. There is little to differentiate the pair visually beyond a few badges, although the biggest change was hidden below the surface. The company replaced the TR4’s Hotchkiss drive system with independent rear suspension, substantially improving handling and mechanical grip. The owner has been this classic’s custodian for many years and planned a restoration to recapture its glory days. The photos confirm that he welded in a patch in the driver’s floor sourced from Moss Motors. The remaining floors and frame are rock-solid, with only minor surface corrosion that would be easily addressed. Exterior rust is confined to the lower extremities like the fenders and rockers, but Moss Motors is an excellent source of replacement steel that is affordable and easy to install. The owner installed a good secondhand driver’s side rear fender, which only requires minor tweaks to fit correctly. There is no evidence of prior accident damage, with only a few minor panel imperfections and slight damage to the front. The Black paint is past its best, and stripping the exterior during the rust repairs would be a straightforward way to achieve a high-end result. There is no soft-top, but the bows are intact, and the owner includes a tonneau and a rain-proof TR4 car cover. The winning bidder must also source a spare wheel, although the jack and lead hammer for the knock-off centers are present.
Triumph originally planned to update the engine with the TR4A’s introduction but retained the 2,138cc four sourced from Standard. It feeds power to the independent rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The engine produces a respectable 104hp and 127 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the TR4A to perform better than many equivalent British sports cars from the period. Brute acceleration wasn’t the car’s most vital point, but topping 100mph was effortless. That made the TR4A a practical long-distance cruiser.
The owner confirms that this Triumph runs and drives but needs some work to truly be roadworthy. New tires are on the “to-do” list, and there is also a faulty universal joint. However, the owner includes six new universals, meaning the winning bidder could tackle that task in a home workshop, plus some other additional parts. The engine is strong, the transmission is smooth, and an auxiliary fan helps to keep temperatures in check. The winning bidder will welcome the included collection of new and used parts that should help them on their project pathway. Returning this classic to daily driver status shouldn’t take much tinkering.
If this Triumph has a genuine highlight, its interior holds that honor. A previous owner performed a retrim in Black with White piping, with the upholstered surfaces remaining free from wear and other issues. The owner installed a cheap carpet set to cut down the noise, and while it is serviceable, the buyer will probably opt for a replacement to lift the presentation. One job they won’t need to tackle is a dash restoration because the seller only recently completed that task to a high standard. It looks stunning, befitting a classic of this caliber. The interior retains the factory radio that has never been connected, but the remaining switches, gauges, and lights work as they should.
Older British sports cars enjoy a strong following in the classic world, and the 1965 Triumph TR4A is no exception. Although values are only climbing slowly, the fact that they are increasing consistently demonstrates that people like these little gems. They also represent excellent project candidates because, with elegantly simple engineering and construction techniques, a competent enthusiast can perform most tasks in a home workshop without investing in special tools. This car begs for love, but addressing its needs should be straightforward and inexpensive. That’s why this Triumph is worth pursuing if a project has been on your Wish List.
Bid On This Auction
James55 bid $4,250.00 2024-10-14 10:43:11
B45 bid $4,000.00 2024-10-14 10:25:13
JamE30 bid $3,500.00 2024-10-12 14:50:43- B45 bid $2,000.00 2024-10-10 09:14:33
Marinesarge23 bid $1,000.00 2024-10-08 08:58:09
My Sun Beam Tiger with its new Boss 302 had both!!
That could have been a fun car to have when I was a teenager. Maybe I wouldn’t have been able to afford to cherry it out, but it looks like making it roadworthy would have been within my skills back in the late 70s. I’d have had a blast with it.
Not so much anymore. I’m not going under there to find that damn 10mm socket that fell.
It fell because you should have used a 3/8.
Why not have the U joint replaced so it could have a test drive, from the assortment of six! Tires could be replaced by the new owner.
I’d be a little nervous driving this on the freeway. My Fox body convertible isn’t quite as low as this but with the top down, I don’t drive next to trucks or SUVs. They slide right over because they don’t check their mirrors. But a sweet little car. Didn’t these have electric problems though?
Dreaded LUCAS Electrical systems!!
These are made for the back and windy roads, not the thruway or turnpike, for sure. Yes, they are hard to see by others, especially in a dull black shade, and especially at dusk. Drive with at least the running lights on. But they are fun. Many years ago, in the late 70’s I drove a TR3 daily. It wasn’t bad in the winter if I used the tonneau cover on with just my half open. Even in the rain it was okay as long as you kept moving! This one may be a deal for someone who wants to drive and make better with time. The interior is okay already.
The problem there is you are waiting for someone to see you.
I assume they won’t see me no matter what and don’t wait to find out. Just drive around them.
I wish I had a spot for this project Car it looks very workable. I’d be in this one till about 4K.
Why would anybody drive beside a tractor-trailer for any length of time either stay well behind them to avoid the rocks, or get past them. I can’t stand someone driving along right next to a tractor-trailer for more than five seconds. It’s like what are you thinking.
Lucas Electrics … the reason Brits drink warm beer
All the Lucas greatest hits … they get funnier every time!
In truth, however, these cars have extremely simple electronics. It’s a “no frills” roadster. No A/C, no power windows, no electrically powered anything. All you need to keep these trouble free is be able to change a fuse, or find a loose connector or ground wire. The switches and gauges generally hold up extremely well, especially considering their age.
trying to place a bid, logged in and it was me to register ??? i’m already logged in why register ???
Why does this car look like it sits about 2″ to high above the tires? What am I missing?