Lot 125: Triumph TR4

Standard-Triumph approached the Italian stylist Michelotti to restyle its TR range and the resulting design went into production as the TR4. The model would compete, head to head, with other new sports cars such as the MGB and Austin Healey Sprite in the all important American market but the TR4 was very well received and held up well. Underneath the neat Michelotti body hid the old 1991cc Standard Vanguard engine which was quickly changed for a more powerful 2138cc unit with twin carburettors, with the 1991 cc unit only available to special order. Four 'works' Powder Blue rally cars had this engine as did another two cars for British rally drivers. In total there were 235 cars built with this engine but 95% were exported to Japan. The TR4 came complete with wind-up windows, instead of side screens and could also be specified with a clever hardtop known as the "Surrey" top. This top consisted of a fixed rear screen and a removable centre section, thus giving the car a useful compromise between an open top and closed car. Offered here is a 1964 example of the TR4, which has the 2138cc, four cylinder engine mated to the 4-speed transmission. It is said to have benefited from an extensive restoration, in the past and still presents very well indeed. Finished in signal red with red leather interior, tan hood and chrome wire wheels, the car is a real eyeful and is said to perform extremely well. It is complete with an extensive history file has an MoT through to July 2010, plus Historic Tax through to April. A classic British sports car in need of nothing more than a new owner.