Prior to cruising Barn Finds, I couldn’t remember the last time that I encountered a Triumph TR4. Now I’m amazed at the number that turn up – they are well represented here! What’s so special about this 1962 example? I liked the color! But, I’m sure that there’s more to this stalwart British sports car than just flipping it off as automotive eye candy, so let’s look it over. This two-seater is located in Plano, Illinois and is available, here on Facebook Market Place for $15,900. Thanks to Kenneth A for this tip!
Time and again, Facebook Marketplace doesn’t surface as one of the best mediums for listing a car. The listings are often the poorest in quality with the least amount of detail and the most questionable vehicles in the first place. Not the case here, the images are great and this appears to be a very nice Triumph, though the details are typically Facebook light. The finish and presentation of this 45K mile, almost 60-year-old sports car look to be without issue. I don’t know my Triumph colors and as a result, I’m speculating as to whether this shade of blue is original. Regardless, it has a nice shine and depth. Same for the trim and bumpers – no demerits necessary. There is a folding top present but no images of it in the “up” position so its condition is unknown. Initially, I thought wire wheels would be standard on this vintage TR4, but research indicates that the steel wheels, as presented, were standard equipment with the wire version being optional. Judging by the Maine license plates, this Triumph would seem to be a relocatee to the mid-west.
Unfortunately, there is no word as to how the 105 HP, 2.2 liter (2,138 CC) in-line, four-cylinder engine operates. From what can be seen, the engine looks correct and complete but more information would be helpful. The fuel filter looks like a recent replacement, and the battery, unless it’s a side terminal design, isn’t connected. The sole transmission available was a four-speed manual and that’s what’s in place.
The interior with its blue upholstery, trimmed with white piping, looks great. I’ll run with the assumption that it is a more recent re-upholstery job. The carpet is showing some wear but the rest of the interior including the dash, instrument panel, and door cards have held up well. There is no claim or documentation professing the accuracy of the 45K mile recording, but based on observable condition, I suppose it’s possible, or certainly close.
The long string of TR4’s that parade across these web pages have shown up in all sorts of condition – this is definitely one of the nicer ones to be featured – not a show car, just a sound and pleasant driver. If one were in the market for a ’60s vintage British sports car, this example is worthy of consideration wouldn’t you agree?
No, I don’t believe that shade of blue was a factory color in 1962 (or ever). The light blue for that year was “powder blue” which is a lot lighter.
White dash?
No matter the color the dashes were always white.
I never was before drawn to these English Sports Cars, but more and more I’m starting to get drawn toward them. There seems to be a lot of them still around, so prices aren’t out of sight and parts are apparently plentiful. Here you have a little drop top two passenger oversized go Kart that is street legal to buzz around town in.
Sounds like fun to me. Okay I’m convinced, I’ll put it on my wish list for Christmas.
God bless America
The white dash was a part of the 1962 stock condition. Later model dash boards are woodgrain like my ’64’. Wire wheels or disc wheels were available, wires were an order item. That blue that the owner chose is not original, the powder blue, wedgewood blue, cotswald blue, or cornflower blue were offered.
I have to correct my earlier comment – based on the ’67’ TR4A in todays finds.
It has a white dash.
My bad.
Hard to believe the mileage
Had a white exterior, red interior ‘62. Most fun car I ever owned including 5 Vettes. Steel wheels and white dash which I rectified by finding a used wood facia, remove all gauges and switches, installing everything in the wood and placing on top of the metal dash. Piece if cake, instant upgrade.
The color is called Valencia blue. In the mg world it was called mineral blue.
Is the hole in the grill for a crank?
Probably, my mga had one and I actually used it to start the car
Yes Kenn it would be for a starting handle which was great as the car could be moved even if it wouldn’t start. It was a neat idea.
Nice car, nice color, probably worth the asking price if all’s good underneath.
Yes, the hole at the bottom of the grille is for a crank. when I was in the service a buddy of mine had a ’61’ TR3, and on bitter cold mornings it wouldn’t crank over and start. I would go out front, and with one crank it would pop over and start. Keep in mind I have my ’69’ TR6 for sale on barn finds.
thank you