Worth Fixing? No Reserve 1963 Triumph TR4

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

The TR4 appeared to be a complete departure from previous Triumph sports cars. With sleek Michelotti-designed curves replacing the simple Belgrove-designed TR3 shell, roll-up windows and a top that would actually keep the occupants relatively dry, it appeared Triumph had built a winner on the solid TR3 underpinnings, and they had. This example hails now from Uintah, Utah after having spent some time in Washington and has been listed for sale here on eBay at no reserve. A potential bargain awaits!

I’m guessing someone “rescued” this TR4 from storage and now is looking to “flip” the car. Nothing has been done to improve or evaluate the car’s condition, but the encouraging thing is that almost everything necessary to restore this car is available from specialty suppliers, and with body-on-frame construction, the little TR should be able to be roadworthy again as the cosmetics are worked on. The seller states there is typical TR rust in the rocker panels.

The rust in the rear of the car concerns me a little, but the fact that the edge of the trunk (boot) lid looks solid is fantastic. The Washington state plate dates from 1978-1980 to give you an idea of how long the car has been off the road.

Neither the shag carpet nor the door panels are original, and I’m pretty sure that’s not the original seat material either — not that it matters, accurate reproductions are now available.

The engine compartment looks very original and unaltered, although the can of WD40 has me wondering if someone tried to turn the engine over. Of course, the hydraulic components will need to be either rebuilt or replaced, but again, parts are readily available. One neat thing about these engines is that this is a “wet-liner” design, which means you can replace the pistons, rings, and cylinders as a matched set (currently around $550, I was looking at a set the other day).

Based on the serial number and this page of data from the Vintage Triumph Register, the car was produced sometime in late 1962 as a 1963 model. This one’s a bit far for me, but perhaps one of our more western readers would be interested? Be sure and let us know if you are the high bidder on this Triumph!

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Everything steel rusted in the engine compartment, trashed interior, and rust on the fuel tank inside the trunk tells me there isn’t much car to buy underneath. Transmission and rear end might be the only pieces left worth buying unless they went underwater.

    Like 7
  2. Larry Smith

    I love Triumph’s but this went for way to much cash ,considering the condition.

    Like 2
  3. Derek

    I wouldn’t’ve strapped it down to its front bumper, either…

    Like 5
    • bobH

      Yep, that got my attention, too. In my area, it might also get the attention of the highway patrol.

      Like 0
  4. Steve Clinton

    “No Reserve” I have plenty of reservations. Meaning the setting of limiting conditions or withholding from the complete exposition…not the Indian’s home or a table held at a restaurant.

    ( BTW, the auction ended today at $3,411.00.)

    Like 0
  5. Matthew

    Buy-em-All-Bill

    Wonder if he’s a flipper ???

    He bought it for $600 and let it go for $3400.

    Like 1
  6. Howard A Howard AMember

    This project would drain even the deepest pockets. Do people still restore totally wasted cars like this? Got to cost a fortune today. 4’s aren’t exactly rare, and I’d hold out for a nicer one.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

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.

Barn Finds