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Original Survivor: 1965 Triumph TR4A

The TR4A was an evolution of the TR4, a sports car built by Triumph Motor Co. in the UK. It had a short production life of just two years from 1965-67. While the TR4 was a popular car, it was often criticized for its rough ride. The TR4A improved on that by switching to an independent rear suspension. This 1965 edition comes with ownership details and is original cosmetically but has been refreshed mechanically. Located in Huntington Station, New York, this Triumph is offered here on eBay where bidders have raised the no-reserve ante to $9,400.

Suspension changes were the biggest differences between the TR4 and the TR4A. Revisions to the chassis changed the exterior dimensions of the car only minimally (less than an inch wider and the wheelbase was slightly shorter). Besides the new suspension at the rear, extensive changes were made to the side members and cross-bracing. The corrections were well-received, with reviewers says that the overall ride comfort was improved although they were neutral on any improvements to handling.

The 2138cc inline-4 largely remained the same except that for changes to the cylinder head and manifolds that would result in slightly higher output, i.e. 104 hp (up 10%). Background on the seller’s car goes back to when it was originally purchased new in Long Island, New York. The first owner was a stickler for perfection, so he had a few run-ins with the dealer that resulted in Standard Triumph having to intervene. The second owner turned out to be the president of the local Triumph club, who put it into 20 years of storage in a dry/warm garage.

When the third owner came along, we’re told he was entertaining a complete restoration, but decided to just focus on mechanicals as the body and interior were too nice to touch. His work focused on the brakes, fuel tank, tires, and a rebuild of the front suspension, which included new control arms, spindles, bushings, steering ends, shocks and springs. Based on 10-year-old records, this car may have been one of less than 800 still registered, according to DLVA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency of the UK). The stated mileage is under 83,000.

This ’65 sports car looks good for being 56 years old. Sure, it’s not perfect, but presents well although the seller mentions there is some minor rust that could stand attention. The paint looks good enough to leave just as it is and there appears to be no issues with the chrome or glass. I dig the New York World’s Fair license plate and hope that it comes with the car. Other than the seats getting old and cracked from age, the woodgrain dashboard looks like it’s practically new. The black convertible top looks as though it may still keep water out of the car.

Hagerty pegs the average resale value of one of these cars at $19,000 and you could double that for one of the nicest examples still around. As we get the impression this is a turn-key car that you wouldn’t have touch right away, it’s probably worth much more than the current bidding. This one is worth watching to see what the winning bidder settles on.

Comments

  1. Avatar James Christir

    The 4A in the US wasn’t always equipped with IRS, which I believe was an option. The US dealers wanted the TR to remain a bit hairy chested and requested that it be supplied with leaf springs.
    Many of the 4As coming back to Europe are equipped with this configuration which is infinitely preferable, the Independent Rear Suspension not being without its own problems.

    james

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Mrtinwoodie

    If it is equipped with independent rear suspension wouldn’t it have an IRS badge attached to the rear?

    Like 4
    • Avatar ccrvtt

      @Mrtinwoodie: I concur. If you put this car on lift don’t be surprised to find a live axle. If I recall properly contemporary reports panned the IRS as not really being an upgrade. Seems the lower control arms were a huge aluminum casting.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar 370zpp Member

    Barn Finds; The only place where IRS doesn’t have a negative connotation this time of year.

    Oh yeah, nice car too.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar misterlou Member

    I think he might’ve bought this car with the money he made from The Odd Couple?

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Melton Mooney

    When I was a teen I looked at and drove a 68 TR250. I liked it a lot, but peer pressure drove me to a 68 camaro, which, incedently, I also liked a lot.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar bobhess Member

    Not a big fan of green but am a big fan of the TR4s. One of the best designs of any of the British car makers. Didn’t the IRS cars have the chrome spears on the front fenders or was that the 250s? Either way, they are one of the few cars I never got to have because of overload of inventory that we just couldn’t resist buying. So many cars, so little time (and money).

    Like 2
    • Avatar Brian M Member

      4a and TR250 had the spear and little light on the front fenders. The IRS had IRS on the boot lid under TR4.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar matt

    If it was IRS as new it would have the letters on the trunk(boot) lid.
    If it was a TR250 (TR5 with FI in England) it would have the combination turn signal lamps (side lamp in the catalog) on the front fenders.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Matthew Wardrop

    Are you saying this car was owned by the ” Neil Simon” ?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Glenn Reynolds Member

    Was it a true IRS? I thought it was just swing axle like early Corvairs

    Like 0
  10. Avatar dave

    I owned a 1966 TR4A but did not have the IRS. Fun car, leaked oil like crazy.

    Like 0

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