advice on buying a classic Triumph TR4

[twobone]

Hi,
I'm reasonably adept at buying classics. I've owned two 911s (81 & 84), an MGB and currently a Caterham Super Seven.

I recently came across a very pretty TR4A IRS. Restored 6 years ago with an engine out overhaul 2 years ago.

The owner told me he bought an old race car and brought it back to street trim. The engine post refresh is slightly over-bored with a mild street cam. It has the overdrive. I get the sense he is not a hack and has lovingly put time and money into this car and now wants to turn his attention to his E-type restoration.

He is asking ~$23K USD.

The car seems super clean and strong running, with new brakes, nice new panasports, etc.. Am I out to lunch to pay that kind of money for a recent restoration. I want a turn key summer roadster and the TR4 is one of the few cars I'd be willing to sell my Caterham for.

The Caterham is just to compromising for me. I don't use it enough.

Advice on price, negotiation strategies and potential other areas of concern, would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[vash]

sahweet!!

what was the question again? whatever..pretty sure the answer was "buy it".

i love those...i would trade my 911 for one in a heartbeat..

[Rot 911]

Looks nice, but he is asking show car restoration price. The TR4's have really been going up in price, but for what he is asking it should show and drive as new.

The engines and transmissions are quite stout in these cars. Rust is the big deal killer. While it is a frame on car build, the body is also partially a support member. Look everywhere for signs of rust. Sills, frame mounts, etc. Look for even gaps around the doors.

Unless you have driven old British sports cars, you may be in for a disappointment. The are slow, noisy and built with the same quality they built tractors. But if you accept their limitations, they can be great cars.

Unless it looks like this car, I would not be paying $23K: Triumph Other Convertible | eBay

[twobone]

I believe that the vehicle will meet that standard, but will ensure it is fully checked out.

I'm going to shoot for closer to $20K in an effort to see if he is motivated to sell before the long and cold Canadian winter

[dennis in se pa]

I had 3 of these "back in the day" ie. early seventies. Great fun to drive even though they were slow by today's standards. "Skin and bonsey" is the best way I can describe them. I would want one with wire wheels. They are very rare in nice shape. I have seen decent ones for $15K.

[Embraer]

I still have my '62. Have you driven one? A 1965 Porsche will feel 30 years more refined then a 1965 Triumph. 23K is prime money for that car....and honestly, I think black is the least flattering color on these cars.

[vonsmog]

It would have to be a TR250 for me to look at it for that kind of scratch! I think he is a wee bit high on his price.

[Embraer]

I'd only be interested in a Dove TR4 for that price.

[t-tom]

23G seems about 5-7k to much to me. You can buy nice drivers for 8-10

[zelrik911]

Compared to your Caterham, women will like riding in a TR, so you will have a lot more company and a lot less 'suggestions' about selling that little car you never use.

They are primitive for sure - but in a good way. Good ones drive well and are easy to maintain, part prices are trivial compared to P. cars.

Any rust bubbles anywhere - stop looking now!! & go find another better one.

Have a good look underneath at the IRS & rear drive train, especially the diff mounting bolts as these tended to pull out of the frame. Also check out the soft-top frame for slop & header rail above the windscreen for rust.

Good luck.

[porsche4life]

I'll store that super seven for you!

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I'll store that super seven for you!

That's a helluva sacrifice you're willing to make there, Sid.

[Gretch]

I've a '74 TR6 that was body off restored........ It does not look quite as nice as the one in the OP, especially in the engine bay, but it is close.

These cars are lucky to bring $10 to $12k........ fully restored.

[Nickshu]

I agree, at that price you should be looking at a TR250 (a much more desirable car than a TR4 IMHO). Dad has a fully restored '72 TR6 (also generally more valuable than a TR4) and could probably get $15-20K max for it if he decided to sell it.

Cool cars, personally if I were in the market I'd be looking for a TR250 or early TR6 (before the emissions stuff hit the TR6's in '73 or '74).

[lgb240]

Here's another one in your area (not a fan of the colour)

FOR SALE: 1966 Triumph TR4A Convertible (Red) | classic cars | Hamilton | Kijiji

I was at Bronte on Sunday and saw the car in question. It`s nice, but expensive.

Keep the Caterham ...you will regret selling it.

[twobone]

Took it for a test drive.

I must be spoiled with my Caterham. The TR4 crashed and rattled over every pavement imperfection. The steering wheel bounced around. The play in the steering was significant. This on a top notch restored TR.

Drove like a tractor....looked like a million $$. Kind of like dating the hot girls whose crazy

[porsche4life]

At least the crazy chi k is fun to.. Ride. ;(

[Sunroof]

When I returned home from Vietnam I desired to purchase a Triumph TR-4A IRS. That was back in 1969 when British Leland dealers were as common as Chevy dealers on the avenue. British sports cars were the rage and I had to have my red sports car venturing into college. I already sold my 1958 "Bug eyed" Sprite so I was ready for an upgrade. The 1967 TR-4A IRS pictured here cost me $2,395.00 back then and it only had 16,500 miles on it.

I drove it for over five years but I must admit that I had my share of issues with it as with any British car back then. The Lucas gauges would fog up, the car would literally "die" when it rained, the vast number of U-joints (hence IRS - Independent Rear Suspension) would loosen and "clank" and a host of others problems (mostly minor)were the norm in its day.

The car was a blast to drive when everything was all was in order. It hugged the corners, had plenty of pick up and handled the highway speeds. I took it everywhere including a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on Route 66. Buts that's a story unto itself.

If you have a chance to own and drive a great sports car...the TR-4 and TR-4A are wonderful cars.

Bob
73.5T

[twobone]

I have never driven a body on chassis classic. Certainly an eye opener. My caterham is a tube frame chassis.

There is no flex. All the inputs and reactions are immediate. Carving thru turns is like down hill skiing.

Also the impact of low weight make my lowly 125-130 HP seem massive.

[Nickshu]

Bob do you still own your TR4? Cool story!