Every time I think maybe we need some additional, affordable two-seat sports cars like we used to have back in the ’60s I think about MG’s, Austin Healeys, Sunbeams and Triumphs. And then I reconsider it and think well there’s really not enough bottoms for the current crop of Miatas or the Fiat Spiders anyway, so maybe it’s just better to reminisce about the past. And that’s what is going on here, a ’66 Triumph TR4A, located in Delmar, New York and available here on craigslist for $3,900. Thanks to Bill C. for this tip!

The TR4A had a pretty short life span, only three years, ’65 to ’67. It was a follow-on to the TR4 and a predecessor to the Triumph TR5 (in the U.K) and TR250 (in the U.S.). The biggest difference between the 4 and the 4A is that the later came equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS).

In the case of this Triumph, there’s a lot going on. The body has undergone some repair and panel replacement, specifically the passenger-side quarter panel, trunk lid and rear roll pan. There is very little detail in the listing regarding the overall status of this TR4A. There are some salient issues that I’ll get to but as far as the body is concerned, what you see is what you get. Speaking of that, the convertible top and rear plastic window actually look like recent replacements so there’s a positive for this Triumph.

Issue number one, the seller states that the frame is rotted out. No worries, this Triumph comes with a replacement frame including rear IRS, differential and front suspension.  All you have to do is figure out how to replace it.

Issue number two, no word regarding the engine. It is a 2.1 liter, in-line, four-cylinder engine good for 104 BHP. The accompanying images would lead one to believe that it doesn’t run, there are no air cleaners/airbox and it just doesn’t look as if it has run in some time. It may turnover and may not; inquiries would need to be made. As is typical, this TR4A is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission.

No word regarding the interior and there is only one image. What is revealed are ripped leather seats but the rest of it appears to be there. It would be nice to know about the operability of the Smiths gauges. Since the frame is shot, it is logical to think maybe the floors are as well but again, no reference regarding that real estate.

The seller suggests that this Triumph is a project car for restoration or parts. Speaking of parts, the missing rear bumper etc. comes with the car. Anyway, this TR4A would seem to be too good just for just parts status but there are so many unknowns due to the paucity of detail in the listing. More specificity and accompanying images of the mysterious underside could help to get a potential buyer over the hump on the entire frame obstacle, a big issue to consider and one that will need help to seal the deal. However, there is issue number three to consider, the seller states that he doesn’t have a transferable registration, which I think means the title, just the VIN tag. OK, so are we at game-over? Among the unknowns including the engine status, the frame switcheroo and now this title debacle, there’s a lot of stuff to get around. So, what do you think, worth the challenge for $3,900?