Is the Triumph TR4A the ultimate incarnation of Triumph’s TR range? It’s certainly a strong contender, especially when you clap eyes on this example.
By the time 1960 rolled over on the calendar, the TR3 was beginning to look a tad dated. Step forward the styling machine that was Giovanni Michelotti, the man behind the Triumph Herald’s darling looks.
He successfully refreshed the TR image with curvy yet bulky lines that nicely masked the lack of mechanical change under the bodywork. There was improvement however, with the previous cam-and-worm arrangement replaced with rack-and-pinion steering - making the handling more precise and lighter. The standard engine also received some new life with an increase in standard engine capacity to 2138cc from the TR3’s 1991cc. This allowed for five extra horsepower and nine extra pounds of torque.
The cabin received some minor tweaks, too - including the addition of wind-up windows. It may now appear rudimentary, but back in 1961 this was highly modern.
Yet, don’t think this variant of the Triumph TR escaped the usual wayward handling woes - this was finally addressed in 1965 with the arrival of the TR4A. The live rear axle was banished in place of independent semi-trailing wishbones and coil springs, a package that had worked well on the 2000 saloons.
The biggest development in terms of usability to many was the new convertible hood, a simple lift and clamp affair over the one million and one studs to unbutton and put away.
And that’s exactly what we have here. An original UK right-hand drive example with smart paintwork and little rust, this Triumph TR4A certainly looks the part - and with a functioning overdrive it should perform with ease, coping with modern traffic without fuss. From a standstill, 60mph is achievable in under 11 seconds with a top speed of 109mph. Ford Fiesta territory perhaps, yet much cooler and a lot more fun.