Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

No Reserve: 1964 Triumph TR4

Classic British sports cars remain a firm favorite amongst people who want to tackle a hands-on restoration. It is easy to see why because their engineering and construction are generally relatively uncomplicated, meaning that most tasks can be tackled with ease by a competent person. Parts are also readily available, and in most cases, they remain affordable. Barn Finder Ikey H has had his radar working overtime, and he has spotted this fantastic 1964 Triumph TR4 for us. So thank you so much for that, Ikey. It is located in Ballwin, Missouri, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding sits at $3,600 in a No Reserve auction.

Triumph only offered the 1964 TR4 in five paint shades, and this car wears one that was imaginatively known as White. I believe that this is the vehicle’s original color because I can’t spot any evidence to the contrary. It appears that the little Triumph has been parked in a barn since around 1971, and all that the current owner has done is to wash off the accumulated dirt and dust. The greatest fear when it comes to restoring these little beauties revolves around the question of rust. This TR4 isn’t exempt, but the news is generally quite positive. There is some in the outer rockers and a few minor spots in various locations around the body. These are small enough that they could be addressed with patches rather than the wholesale replacement of steel. When we delve under the car, we begin to appreciate what a wonderful find the Triumph is. The frame carries little more than some surface corrosion, and what we can see of the floors looks to tell the same tale. I would still be inclined to completely dismantle the vehicle to clean everything properly because the last thing you would want is for it to deteriorate a few years down the track. All of the trim is present, although most of it will require restoration. The windshield is badly damaged, but the seller includes a pair of replacements as part of the deal.

It isn’t clear whether the Triumph is numbers-matching, but given the short amount of time it spent on active duty before it was parked, I wouldn’t be surprised. Powering the TR4 is a 2,137cc 4-cylinder engine, which Triumph hooked to a 4-speed manual transmission. That didn’t make it the fastest car on the planet, but its 0-60mph time of 10.9 seconds wasn’t bad, and it could wind its way to 103mph. This engine has pretty humble origins because Standard initially developed it for use in a Ferguson tractor. That’s a world away from a life in a convertible British sports car! It isn’t clear whether the engine turns freely, but that’s a positive for potential buyers if it does. These pushrod motors are about as basic as they come, and if it does need a rebuild, it shouldn’t be a difficult or costly exercise.

When a classic roadster without a top spends five decades in a barn, there’s every chance that the interior is going to suffer badly. This TR4 doesn’t disappoint there because it will take some work to return it to its former glory. However, it does appear to be complete, so at least the buyer will be starting with some good foundations for a restoration. All of the parts to return the interior to its former glory are available, but this is one area where the buyer will need to break out their wallet. A carpet set, interior trim, and seat upholstery will leave no change from $2,000. The walnut dash could potentially be an issue because there is some noticeable deterioration. I would consult a specialist to see if they can undertake a restoration because replacements can be hard to find.

The Triumph TR4 is a perfect candidate for a DIY restoration, and for any first-timers, it is not a car that they will find so complicated that a labor of love can develop into a chore. This one shows a lot of promise, and it would seem to be well worth the effort to return it to its best. Pristine examples can quite easily sell for around $30,000, and if the buyer completes the restoration correctly, it should be capable of threatening that sort of figure. Stepping back and admiring a classic car that you have restored with your own hands is one of life’s most satisfying experiences, and that could be what awaits the next owner of this little Brit.

Comments

  1. Avatar Terry

    You have to admit, that windshield provides “astro-ventilation”. This car is going to take some serious work. If I wanted a project like this, I’d rather have the TR-250, which was the 6 cylinder version of this.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Had Two

    My ’64 was BRG with wire wheels, solid rear axle, a blast to drive.
    It was easy to work on. Still wish I had it.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Jim

    Lots of big $$$$$$$$needed to get this one back to showroom condition. Big deep pockets will produce a nice roadster!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar banjo

    I had a 66 4A solid axle. So much fun to drive. Great around town. That old TRactor engine has a ton of low end torque, and is quick off the line. not to mention a Monza exhaust gives these a great throaty growl! This could be on the road fairly cheap, then fix it further while you drive it. as Jim said, it’s gonna take a lot of green before this is ever concourse ready.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Neil

      I rebuilt one of these engines many years ago. Simple and solid.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Charles Sawka

    So many posters in the gallery that have no clue what this car is. Definitely worth restoring.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar matt

    I had a ’62’, back in the day, now I have a ’64’ and the floors, inner and outer rockers are finished, and I got it started with some points and plugs cleaning the second day home. I am having a local Triumph garage friend do the carbs because it was starving so bad the day I got it started. I’m keeping it instead of my TR6 because likeBanjo said, the solid axles are so much fun!
    matt

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Marc

    I have a 64 as well, in white like this one. I’ve had a ton of cars over the years and change up my rides often. This is the car I’ve kept the longest due to the fun factor. And, designed by an Italian- Michelotti. He created quite a few iconic cars.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Jess P

    I had a ’66 TR4A solid axle, I paid $600 for it in 1974, my first car. It had a rough idle because it was a over 2000 cc engine, but it always ran, nowadays large displacement four bangers have balance shafts to even out the weight for a smooth idle. But when you got it over, I think it was 4000 rpm, the engine was smooth as butter. I wish it was still mine like so many others.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Daniel Gavin

    I hope the new buyer has very deep pockets……this is a BIG project!!
    Have driven TR4s and yes……they are fun rides.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Neil Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.