Standard-Triumph knew many years before the TR4 was introduced in 1962 that they needed to bring their aging TR3 design up to date, but when the stunning Michelotti-designed TR4 was introduced in 1961 it surprised a lot of folks. And yes, I said stunning — Triumph introduced roll-up windows when most of it’s competition (MG, Austin-Healey) were still selling side curtains. Only Sunbeam among the lower-cost British manufacturers offering a convertible rather than a roadster. This example with a complete and interesting history is listed for sale here on eBay. It’s located in Franklin, Wisconsin and bidding is starting at $5,500.
We learn a lot about the original owner Nick Loffredo in the ad listing, which makes me really wish that I could have met him. He purchased the car directly from Standard Triumph in September of 1962 when he was working in England and then shipped the car to the USA in October 1963. As you can see, the sills are pretty rusty — it’s a good thing TR4s are body-on-frame construction. New replacement sills are included with the auction. Being a TR4, there are probably some other rusty spots as well (it looks like they have been spray-painted), but replacement parts are available from specialists.
The original bill of sale is included in the listing. As the car was equipped with leather, overdrive, and the rarely seen occasional rear seat, this is about as well equipped as a TR4 got with the exception of the “Surrey Top” targa-type hardtop and wire wheels.
I don’t know if the original interior can be saved, but I’d sure want to try, even if certain panels would have to be replaced.
Under the bonnet looks extremely stock as well, with the common exception of an AMCO plastic battery box. This is one Triumph that I’d love to own — do any of you share my desire? Let us know in the comments!
When I am eventually done with my Spitfire restoration, I would like to take on another resto job, and the TR’s sure are tempting. Triumph support is good, part prices affordable, and the machines are fun to mess with.
Wow, heater was an extra?
Heater was extra on American cars in 1962, too.
YES The heater was extra because they shipped many of these cars to parts of the British Empire at the time where a heater was not needed. Think Egypt, Bahamas, South Africa and much of India. That is the reason stated in their sales information that I saw when a Triumph dealer closed and I got into the stuff the public generally never gets to see.
The Bahamas would be the only one of these countries under any British “protection” by the time of the TR4. The Empire was a memory, Egypt was an enemy under Nasser, India was closed to car imports and South Africa embargoed by anti-apartheid sanctions….. So I think it´s just that in early 1960s UK, cars were listed without heaters just to keep the base price low. It would be a long wait to actually get one.
Most of these were exported to the USA.
If you look at automobile classified ads from before 1970 a lot of them will emphasize R&H(radio and heater). If the ad did not specify a heater most of time it didn’t have one. Up until the 1960’s the options on most less expensive cars was sparse.
I sold my TR3 to purchase a TR4. I really liked the TR4 styling AND the TR4 was a better road car with more comfortable seats and suspension. A 50 mile drive in
the TR3 was about maximum comfort range.
And this one is British Racing Green.
Only 50 miles in a TR3?? 40 years ago I’d drive from Socal to Flagstaff in a single day! Even today I’ve been known to drive a Cobra roadster from Portland to L.A. in a day (granted I use ear plugs in the Cobra). The only sports car I’ve ever found uncomfortable on a long-distance drive is the one most of you guys would kill to own – a Ferrari 330 Spyder, yet I still prefer the Cobra. But I did love my TR3 back in the day too!
It’s not often that you find an obituary in an ad.
Cool, well optioned car. I do have a question though. I know the British call a hood a bonnet, but I see in the bill of sale it states the car is British Racing Green/Black hood. My question is, do the British call the black ragtop a hood? Or was the bonnet Repainted green? Thanks, Mike.
Yes, the top is the “hood.”
Not trying to throw a spanner in the works here….
Thanks RayT, and I got a laugh with the answer! Take care, Mike.
And one fills the tank with petrol, the trunk is a “boot” and you spell tires with a “y”. Two countries separated by a common language ((sigh)).
But, I have never been able to locate the Near or Far side.
My MGB taught me why the convertible top is called a hood: just like a jacket, it keeps Most of the water out.
Yup, those TR4’s were an “assembly hood”, a metal frame and a hunk of vinyl with snaps. My vinyl convertible top used to blow off my TR4 at speeds over 72 mph. Solution? Drive at speeds less than 72 mph on the highways, OR drive with the top down (preferred). On trips down the Coast on a foggy day, with the top down, the accessory heater came in handy.
Mike B sad to say my 1980 MGB has had to sit outside (for the first time in his life.)
Living on Vancouver Island we get moist between Nov. and end of Feb, ; poor bug has been soaked till water came through the top. I have a new top and interior going to be installed by end of mar. Hope the electrics work this week.
I worked on many many TR4 back in the day. I owned 2. Still one my favorites among the Jags, Healey’s and Triumphs I have owned. The Ad references chassis rot, and this car is located in the rust belt. Many I saw 40 plus years ago had corrosion and cracks, especially around the front suspension mounts. Just a comment, preinspction is your friend.
Great story on this TR. I hope the rust is not so severe as to render it a parts car. Interesting that the customer took delivery in England, but the the invoice shows dollar pricing.
For the best drives in cold weather put the windows up and snap the Tonneau Cover on the passengers side. When I was foolish and 16, I used to deliver Christmas trees with the top down. I would put them in the passenger seat and after delivery I would snap the Tonneau cover on and all the hot air went over me and it was surprisingly warm drive. Cool fall mornings doing the same thing can be something truly special. I highly recommend trying one as one of the best smiles per miles cars I have every owned.
One comment about the TR-3 vs the TR-4, while the TR-4 is better the TR-4 IRS is the one you really want. Much better ride and traction. That is what I had again with OverDrive. Being side swiped by large Buick 225 against a concrete bridge walk way and narrowing the car about 6″ totally did that one in. RIP.
I have a “thing” for these cars too ! I’ve been watching it on eBay. A friend of mine in high school had one, and I always enjoyed working on it with him. Someday, but probably not this one.
That brings back memories. In high school I had an A-H 100.4 (4 speed) and a friend had a ’67 TR4A. We worked in the same gas station and after work every night one of us had to make a deposit drop at the bank. No matter whose turn it was to make the drop we’d both race up to the bank after work. Surprising to me anyway, was that the cars were pretty evenly matched in acceleration all the way to 4th gear. But it was the interior of the TR4 that really got to me. Roll up windows, wood grain dash, is seemed more like a Cadillac compared to my bare bones A-H interior.
Not a bad project, but if it spent any time in the Badger ( as evidenced by the rust) I’d look it over pretty good. And EUREKA, it has O/D!!! ( for all you cheapskates out there who ordered these, it was a freakin’ $42 dollar option for heavens sake) Favorite Triumph, and nothing wrong with the live axle rear. A lot simpler, if you ask me.
Love these, wish I had more time, money and projects, sadly going to sell my 1966 TR4A, Spring is coming and will be ready soon. Barn find feature??
At one point my plan was to swap in a Nissan Napz motor with a 5 speed as they drop in with little effort, but now these are getting valuable enough to keep all stock. I will let the new owner decide what direction they go.
If you look at automobile classified ads from before 1970 a lot of them will emphasize R&H(radio and heater). If the ad did not specify a heater most of time it didn’t have one. Up until the 1960’s the options on most less expensive cars was sparse.
Ended: Feb 17, 2018 , 10:37AM
Winning bid:US $7,850.00
[ 9 bids ]