I’ll admit that I’m not a British sports car aficionado but regardless, I admire them for their simplicity and their no-frills approach to the open-top, two-seater road experience. Yes, I am aware that there can be reliability and rust foibles but I love the looks of Triumph’s TR4, such as today’s 1965 subject car, a discovery thanks to Todd K. This one is far from perfect but it appears to be in sound shape with a lot of originality. Calling Morgan Hill, California home, this wire-wheeled Brit is available, here on craigslist for $24,500.
So, the TR4 is British through and through but the eye-catching design is courtesy of Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti who penned designs for Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari, and many more. Offered between 1961 and 1965, Triumph kicked out about 40K TR4s with approximately 37K of that total heading to export markets such as the U.S.
The best thing about this TR4 is the seller’s claim of, “Floors are excellent and no rust anywhere I can find” and “Just replaced the old windshield gasket and zero rust around the windshield“, both important matters as these cars can be bedeviled by rot and corrosion. The stainless trim is complete and it, along with the chrome bumpers, both still have a nice luster. The finish, which is claimed to be original, looks pretty fair too. Rounding out the exterior are the original white folding top and refinished wire wheels.
A 99 HP, 2.1 liter in-line, four-cylinder engine, connected to a four-speed manual transmission provides a 0-60 MPH time of about eleven seconds, so no, this TR4 isn’t a speed demon but it will still provide some serious motoring fun – especially in top-down mode. The engine is said to be original and the mileage reading is recorded as 39K miles though there is no claim of mileage authenticity. The seller adds, “Runs / Drives / Stops as it should“.
The interior is a real mixed bag. The original red upholstered seats have been recovered in black vinyl but the door cards and some other interior bits are still covered in red. The seller says the carpet is original but what can be seen is either tan or very faded. The instrument panel wood trim and the Lucas gauges all present well but the switch gear is downright crusty. All in all, the interior environment is OK but it could use some help in refreshing and consistency.
The verdict? Overall, not bad, a pretty fair example. But, original California pink slip or not, an ask of $24,500? What do you think, priced right or not quite?
Its the next century and econ 101 and whatnot. Must be worth twice as much as the current asking price
Original pink slip, issued 1977. Something quite wrong here.
Way too much for rust i see here. I’ve owned 2 in the late sixties in calif. They very rust proned in the damndest places. I owned a 74 tr-6 bought brand new. Bad ass car compared to the 4. Didn’t have the hidden rust issue 4 did. Anyhow, not worth asking price.
That seems like quite a lot, you should be able to get a good driver quality car or amatuer resto for that much. If the interior were all original or as original and in a little better shape maybe. I like TR4s, but seems more than a little high on the asking price.
A very important factor overlooked here is there is no mention of this being a IRS car ? So I am assuming a solid rear axle car? But yes a high price for what it is in my opinion it does look great but there are to many issues for that price good luck,all the best
“And one more thing, I got the pink slip daddy”,,all those years, I always thought they said, “big slip, daddy”, like some kind of clutch. It wasn’t until “lyrics” became available, I saw it was “pink slip, daddy”, meaning, they raced for titles.
The TR4 is without question, my favorite Triumph. The 250 gave it some added boost, but nothing wrong with these motors. They powered a S load of British cars and trucks. I never cared for many other Triumphs, but these were just the best roadsters. At $2791 new, in ’65 it was a bargain. Again, I read, over 40,000 TR4s were made, and only about 2300 stayed in Britain, so I’d say it was an American success. British cars may take an extra amount of patience, but trust me, you can’t go wrong with a TR4.
The TR4 (and TR2 and TR3) motors were the same as the ones used if the Ferguson TEA20 tractors.
Howard, thanks for the clearing that up. I also thought they were saying “big slip, daddy”.
General consensus from the comments seems to agree, myself included. I like Tr4’s but they are not yet in the $20K+ class yet. Maybe a top to bottom full out total restore can get that from a fat wallet somewhere, but not this one. To me TR4’s and early MGB’s (pre 70) are on par for value given the same condition. The MGB’s are not really there yet either in the 20K+ class. This car still looks to be a nice example but maybe only half of what is being asked. ( my opinion only, peanut gallery!)
General consensus from the comments seems to agree, myself included. I like Tr4’s but they are not yet in the $20K+ class yet. Maybe a top to bottom full out total restore can get that from a fat wallet somewhere, but not this one. To me TR4’s and early MGB’s (pre 70) are on par for value given the same condition. The MGB’s are not really there yet either in the 20K+ class. This car still looks to be a nice example but maybe only half of what is being asked. ( my opinion only, peanut gallery!)
TR 4s did not have independant rear suspension. . .The tr 4As had an IRS option that was a POS.
I agree this 4 is way overpriced. If 3b, may be still a little high.
Had both a 3B and a 4A. Loved them both.
The 4b had typical wiring problems-Lucas-would fail to start. Crank. Push. Finally found a small pose green wire to starter(?).
4A was great
Drove both like they were stolen. Had 4a up to 105/110 trying to catch a 58/59 that passed me. Saw nothing but tail lights into the dark night.
Correct comment: should be
3b.
Fat fingers.
Unless this is truly a rust bucket project, this car is probably NOT overpriced in my experience watching them on BAT. Nice ones are going for mid to high 30s.
24,500 can get a far more better investment than that.
Perhaps a better investment for the ask is available Kraig, but what if someone just wants this vehicle for the pure joy of driving it? Why do all vintage cars have to be investments?
Well said, Kenn!