Started in the early sixties Triumph with a new episode in the sports car field. The TR4 made 55 its public debut years ago at the London auto show. Technically he leaned on predecessor TR3A. Cosmetically speaking was the new one Triumph TR4 a modern leap forward, instigated by the Standard Motor Company and designed by Michelotti.
Fairly familiar, square and smooth 4 in line
Triumph had for some time to uphold a reputation in the field of sports cars. The British had confidence in the technical basis of the TR3A. The rear wheel drive TR4 got an enlarged four-cylinder TR3A engine with a displacement of 2.138 cc. The bore was increased from 83 to 86 millimeters, the stroke remained 92 centimeters. An impressive maximum torque of 172 Nm for those years was already released at 3.350 rpm, partly due to the fact that the engine ventilated by two Zenith Stromberg carburettors was rather square in design.
The chassis and brakes have also been tested
The chassis had a known configuration. The front suspension consisted of A-guides and coil springs. He also received a transverse stabilizer. The rear axle was rigid. Half-elliptical leaf springs provided the rear suspension. The track width grew compared to predecessor TR3A. Braking was possible thanks to front disc brakes and rear drums. The brake circuit was hydraulic. The gearbox had four fully synchronized forward gears. Optionally it could be equipped with an overdrive.
Great combination
The TR4 meant more than old wine in new bags. Michelotti managed to find an ultimate combination between elegance and sportiness. The long and high nose with an appealing continuous grille and large viewers was a true TR4 characteristic. And the deep seat, which offered a view of a beautifully finished dashboard with numerous meters, gave the sporty feeling extra cachet. Round shapes and sharp lines made for a great combination.
Evolution: the TR4A
In 1965, the TR4 was succeeded by the TR4A. The largest adjustment took place within the suspension system. At the front everything remained as it was; the TR4A has pulling arms and coil springs on the rear. It resulted in a more comfortable handling. In America, however, the old configuration of the TR4 was used for price reasons. Slight changes were made to the motor, which increased the power from 100 to 104 PK. From a cosmetic point of view, the extra lights on the front stood out. And the dashboard was now provided with a veneer layer. In America this was also used in the TR4. It was new for Europe. Another detail: the parking brake moved away and was now in the middle tunnel. Eventually the TR4A was succeeded by the externally very similar TR5, which was delivered with a six-in-line 2.498cc engine.
Appealing classics
Whichever version we discuss: the Triumph TR4 and TR4A were textbook examples of the combination of proven technology and cosmetic adjustments to the demands of the time. They were beautiful cars that also contributed to the appealing image thanks to participation in numerous rallies. Moreover, appealing classics, which are still capable of arousing pure desire. Coventry, will you please build such cars again?