We have covered dozens of Triumph TR4s at Barn Finds, but this one deserves a prize for “Longest Slumber.” Here on craigslist is a 1962 Triumph TR4 along with a bevy of parts – hopefully, related to the same TR4 – with an asking price of $2500. This poor car needs a savior to put it back on the road after a flurry of work followed by forty years of inactivity. The seller relates that he bought the car in 1982 and proceeded to disassemble it, sandblast and paint the frame, perform amateur bodywork, and acquire plenty of spares. The engine was also rebuilt during those early, enthusiastic years of ownership. The car was stored in his father’s garage in Estell Manor, New Jersey, and now his father has passed away and the car must move on. Thanks to T.J. for this sleeping beauty of a tip.
The engine is in its cradle, but not much accompanies it. The seller doesn’t say if he’s tried to turn the crank, but since the rebuild occurred a few decades ago, the new owner might want to flush the oil, pop the valve cover off, and maybe the pan to take a look before doing much with it. If this is the original 2138 cc four-cylinder, it will – someday – make about 105 hp. That’s good enough for a top speed of 110 mph and a relatively swift sprint to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds. The gearbox is a four-speed, and since this is a “build from scratch”, might as well use an overdrive unit.
Disassembly is easy; the hard part is reassembly. I’ve torn apart more than one car for bodywork and paint, and inevitably the panels that flew off so easily take days to refit. Then there’s the quirky knowledge that the new owner won’t have, like which corner of which fender was really reluctant to part ways with its fittings or which door had a super narrow gap on its leading edge. If this mess of parts were dropped in my driveway, I might refit everything while the panels are ratty, just to see what I’ve got.
Did I mention this sale includes a lot of parts? The new owner will need an assembly manual – no wait, those don’t exist! Ok, you can consult the Moss Motors catalog and a TR4 shop manual, but your best bet is to line up a buddy who owns a TR4 for reference. Another source that might be helpful is the “Original” series book for the TR4 by Bill Piggott. But there are at least a couple more routes to go with this project: forget the concours restoration, just tack it together and finish the mechanicals and drive it, sans paint; or, part it out. What direction would you take with this one?
IKEA Triumph,only without the instructions.
Well,at least it makes it easier to inspect for rust.
Had one similar to this – yanked the drive train and installed a 302 and a top loader. Rewired the car (since Lucas is the “Prince of Darkness”) and reassembled the body. The engine was a mild 200 horse but in this car would run a hole in the wind. She wasn’t pretty but sure was a lot of fun. I’m sure you’ve heard this before children and 2 seat convertibles don’t mix.
Lucas! Here we go. Why do the British drink warm beer? Lucas refrigerators. Why do the British not have Capital punishment? Lucas electric chairs. The Lucas lighting switch has three settings dim flicker and smoke. We were telling Lucas jokes once in a Birmingham pub after Beaulieu. They were not amused. Birmingham is the home of Lucas.
For this asking price this could be a real enjoyable rest, or project provided you are working with decent body frame, engine, etc. I am thankful it’s a long ways away from my area. I must have ridden 5K miles in a red one of these in the early 1970s. Always a joy.
More like a “suspended reject”.
Price is now listed at $2800? I don’t know, I used to really go for projects like this. Kind of makes me sad seeing it all in pieces, but like “angliagt” said, it makes it easy to inspect for rust. Much better than finding something sitting out in a field. I guess that the asking price is reasonable especially if the motor was properly “rebuilt”. Rebuilt means different things to different people.
Had a TR-4 years ago, wonderful car. Got married, had a newborn, couldn’t fit all the paraphernalia that travels with baby, sold to a neighbor who couldn’t drive stick, gave driving lessons til wife got jealous, bought a 4 door Rambler American, yikes!
Miss that walnut dash.
Silly Lucas jokes aside, I can see why this stalled. It is in overwhelming disassembly, especially for an amateur DIY. Where to start, and what is the expected result? Way too many unknowns and a long path forward. If the price stays “low” it may work for somebody, at least for some parts.
The cost of rebuilding these engines is really high (I just did one) so if the engine was actually rebuilt decently this is a great buy.
I guess the owner never heard of “bag and tag” before he ripped into this thing.
Back in 1985 I almost bought a Porsche 911 that was in a similar state of disassembly. $1,100 without the engine. Hindsight is 20/20, I should have bought the Porsche. Instead I bought a Triumph TR4A in driving condition for a couple hundred more than the Porsche.
My first thought at looking at the top picture… who took a picture of a junkyard? The other pictures didn’t help that impression either.
Wow quite the basket case ! Could be a fun project but lots of pieces and nuts and bolts to figure out where they go. I’m more interested in that garage! That can hold some toys and lots of tools!
These cars are a blast to drive hard, and there are most all replacement parts available in the aftermarket…..that being said, it would take one hell of a punt by the new owner, who must crave “a big challenge”….
Best of luck to the new owner, Cheers!
Now I will raise a pint of warm Newcastle in honor of the new owner! 🍺👍
I shall raise a warm pint with you to honor the Triumph. Either by experimentation, accident, or looking it up on the internet, people could learn the following. “All beers should be served between 38-55° F. Lagers are served colder than ales. Stronger beers are served warmer than weaker beers. Darker beers are served warmer than lighter beers.”. Give me a Stout, or a Porter, best served around 55° F.