Triumph TR4A IRS

[jdlowery]

I've been thinking about picking one up but my British sports car knowledge in none. I know you guys have owned all kinds of cars and was wondering what are your pros and cons of owning an older model Triumph? The car wouldn't be a daily driver but would see about 3000 miles per year which would include rainy days. By the way, I'll be looking for one that has already been restored.

Thanks

[Hugh R]

Mossmotors.com is a good place for parts.

[DaveE]

I owned an old Spitfire once. The wipers would only work when it wasn't raining. The water was too much load apparently.

[75'930cab]

My first car when I was 15 (I'm 32 now)was my TR4 IRS which I still have! I drove that car in the snow and rain all of the time for about 2 years. I over heated the motor one day and put it in the back of parents garage and haven't drove it since. Someday when I grow up I will restore her!!! There is also Victoria British Motors for parts.

[jorian]

I daily drove my 72 TR6 for a few years with a full compliment of tools and spares in the trunk. I still own it and it is currently running on the 3 rd motor and 4 tranny. With the reliability inherant in some many econoboxes today I'm not sure why anyone would want to DD a Triumph anymore.

The electrical system was designed by Joesph Lucas, later nicknamed the prince of darkness.

The exhaust note is my favorite thing about the car.

[stevepaa]

Early British cars, hum. Poor electrics, water comes whipping around windshield seals, marginal heater, need oil in the carbs to work, don't like hot days as they overheat, those without rear main seals using a slinger affair leave that drop of oil every time you turn off the motor.

Ah, but the noise the tranny makes, the popping of wire wheels, and the feel of sliding in a turn makes one forget the shortcomings.


I would only get one to use on perfect days, 65-85 F, and no rain.

[911boost]

My dad drove a '66 TR4A IRS when we lived in Hawaii from 1974-1976. He loved that car and considered purchasing another one for a weekend driver.

Bill

[Drago]

My parents, pre-kids, did time-distance rallies in a TR4A.

Sold it because I came along. They loved that car. Wire wheels, cherry wood dash...beautiful red paint w/ a white interior and white top.

Fast forward 12 years or so and my Dad brings home a '75 TR6 in BRG. I only got to drive it once when I had my learners permit. They ended up selling it because I was soon to turn 16 and their stupid insurance agent quoted them what it would cost to insure me as the primary driver...I was supposed to only be a part-time driver. Anyway, by the time I had saved enough $$$ to buy one I had out-grown them, literally. I couldn't shift one without opening the door.

I don't recall the TR6 being problematic at all.

[Rot 911]

TR4's are the up and coming collectable Triumphs. The drive trains are relatively cheap to repair. On the other hand body work is no less expensive then on other cars. So make sure you find one that has addressed any rust problems. And there will be rust problems. They are great cars once sorted out.

[Chilling in VT]

Hi Jim,
We have owned our TR4A about 12 years now. They are robust, easy to work on cars with great, classic looks. You can buy every single part if you ever need to. Some of the parts are aftermarket bits but the majority are made by the British Heritage Trust which bought alot of the original tooling when the factories closed.

I disagree with the comments about the Lucas electrics. With care, they are as reliable as any. Most of the problems arise from dirty connectors. If you buy a restored car, make sure it has had the wiring harness replaced or do it your self ($350 and 4-5 hours). It is very easy to do because of the small amount of wiring these cars have. Get the factory manual to help with repairs.

The performance is about on par with a 914 (I go out for drives with my brother driving his 2.0 914 and we are pretty well matched). The car has a very torquey motor with a 4 speed. If you can get one with O/D even better.

The car will get alot of attention. It is amazing how many people either had one or knew someone who had one.

So, long story short, they are a fun and relible car. It is a great addition to a 911 coupe. I am away right now on business but will be back this weekend and will post some pics for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want to talk.

Good luck.

Joe

[nostatic]

Originally posted by Drago
My parents, pre-kids, did time-distance rallies in a TR4A.

Sold it because I came along. They loved that car. Wire wheels, cherry wood dash...beautiful red paint w/ a white interior and white top.

hmmm....and how does that make you feel?

[Steve Carlton]

I've always like the TR4 a lot. My uncle had a bugeye sprite when I was in grade school. He put a mail-order supercharger on it and said it went like hell for about a year, then it blew up. Used to think I'd chase down a TR6 for myself as well. What do you think of the TR 250?

[speeder]

I just love those cars. I worked in a British-Leyland dealer in HS in the '70s, it was in Minnesota so most of the TR-4s were already in the graveyard by then. I think that they're great looking cars, just perfect proportions. What about the in-between car before the TR-6, the TR-250? How are those? They still had he TR-4 looks w/ the 6-cylinder.

[Mike Feinstein]

Doyou know why the English dring warm beer?

Because Lucas makes refrigerators too!



Seriously, I owned a 72 TR-6 ans still regret the day I sold it. Easy to tinker with, fun to drive, and great looking. Now you've got me thinking!

[jorian]

A solid TR6 can still be had for under 10K. The english ones were fuel injected and highly prized back in the day. A mechanic I knew converted his to FI and it was a significant improvement.

The TR250 was a gap/one year only car between the TR4 and the TR6 in 1968. The euro version was the TR5 which had fuel injection. The TR4A and the 250 look pretty similar with the main difference being the motor. The 4 had a 2 litre 4 and the 250 had a 2.5 litre 6 which would show up in the TR6 in 1969. The 250 is a rare car and probably expensive.

The TR6 is still plentiful on the west coast and an underappreciated bargain in my opinion. If I was to buy a Triumph today I'd look for a 69-73 model with overdrive. Due crash standards introduced in the states in 1974 the bumpers grew large ugly rubber pads and the turn signals got a separate housing. The early cars have a much cleaner look IMO.

The cars rust. Everywhere. I doubt that an unrestored, rust-free example exists. Fortunately you can buy any part you need from a number of suppliers. I have bought alot of bits from Moss Motors in Calif. Late in 1968 Triumph produced a competition preparation manual outlining steps to make the 250 and the 6 track-worthy. It covers engine mods, cooling, braking, wheels, suspension etc and is great guide to updating the car to a more modern standard.

[Tanick]

Barry on DDK has just restored a TR4. The threads start here . I'm sure he'll answer any questions you may have.
Barry's TR4
but if you do a search you'll find all the recent stuff where he's finished it. He's a real craftsman. Hopefully I'll get to see it tomorrow at Goodwood .

[Chilling in VT]

Here are some pics as promised:

[speeder]

That is really, really sharp!! Thanks for the pics. I like that style, it looks mildly prepared for track days or just spirited, fun driving. It looks like it gets used!

Did the electric fan make a noticeable difference in power or make it rev quicker?

[twobone]

Used to own an MGB (pic attached)

It was a love hate relationship. I could never trust that it would get me from point A to B (she never did let me down it was just a trust thing)....but then I did not have the funds to keep it well maintained.

I have to say, I have a huge soft spot for TR4s. I think it is the most beautiful british car of that group (MGB/Spit/TR6, etc.)

I would say.....go for it!