1965 TRIUMPH TR4A

Here is my 1965 Triumph TR4a IRS in signal red with black interior and overdrive. Originally a California car (documented by its Production Record) it was imported to the UK in 1990 and converted to RHD and restored over the next few years. Being a California car it was in a dry climate for the first 25 years of it's life. I have copious amounts of paperwork (including some that cover it's time in the US) that covers a lot of this and subsequent repairs/ modifications over succeeding decades (see photos). Two A4 folders full.

The chassis is in very good condition as is the bodywork having had at least one repaint since import (receipts for paint are in the documentation). The car was originally supplied with wire wheels. These have been replaced by period Minilite replicas. Easier to clean! I think they suit the car but is less bling though.

Chromework is good. Shut lines aren't bad either (see photos). The mohair hood looks almost new and has no wear marks, rips or tears. There is a tonneau cover as well as a half tonneau to cover the folded hood. Both in good condition.

The fitted windbreak is surprisingly effective and is in good condition. Electronic points are fitted for reliability. A stainless steel luggage rack is fitted but can be removed if necessary. There is also an alloy sump fitted.

The previous owner has changed the gear lever to one from a Triumph Stag. This has the overdrive switch on the top which makes engaging the overdrive very quick and effortless. The original gear lever and overdrive switch are available should the purist wish to revert to the original.

Those sharp eyed amongst you will note from the photos that the drivers windscreen wiper is off the glass. That happened when I was cleaning the glass and forgot to put it back! Only noticed when reviewing the photos!

Work done by me. I was very concerned to learn about rear hub failure on this era Triumph IRS cars and have heard of at least three failures where a rear wheel has come off. I had the rear half shafts and hubs replaced with CV jointed ones with beefed up hubs made by Classic Driving Developments.

I have recently had the valve guides rebushed and the head skimmed by 10 thou (past documents seem to indicate a previous 20 thou skim).

The car is fitted with MX5 seats which work very well in this car. There is also an electric radiator fan.

As already mentioned there are two folders full of paperwork documenting things done to the car over the years. They make interesting reading. There is a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate to document the original build specs and original export destination as Los Angeles.

While writing this advert I have discovered that the registration number may be worth something. Possibly 4 figures. I don't have the time to pursue this as I need to sell the car. So any new owner could have the advantage of this.

I was originally looking for a TR6 and tried a couple at TRGB. While I was there I saw some customer's TR4as and fell in love with the look. I subsequently changed my search criteria and concentrated on looking for the best chassis'd (?) car available. I bought this one privately in February 2025. So why change it so soon you ask? My previous classic was a 1974 Morgan. Since buying the TR I have come to realise that I miss the Morgan and the TR does not give me the same buzz! That's a personal thing of course. So I'm on the lookout for another Morgan. I only have space for one car. But I still love the look of this iconic Michelotti designed car.