BF Auction: 1965 Triumph TR4A

Seller: David A nderson

Location: Mebane, North Carolina
Mileage: 49,420 Shown
Chassis #: CTC56810L

Title Status: Clean
Engine: 2138cc Inline-4
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

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 it isn’t currently roadworthy. New tires are on the “to-do” list, and there is also a faulty universal. However, the owner includes six new universals, meaning the winning bidder could tackle that task in a home workshop. 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. It shouldn’t take much tinkering to return this classic to active service in its current form.

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.