Project Description
Triumph TR4
An original Surrey Top TR4 - trophy winner from the nineties
Price
SOLDYear
1962Mls/Kms
8138 miles (showing)Sold in
GermanyHistory File
This older restoration TR4 example is confirmed by British Motor Industry Heritage Trust as being an original Surry Top car shipped to Hong Kong in September 1962 as a personal export to Mr Ting Chi Ieung. Interestingly, the car was originally issued with a Coventry registration of 2565 WK and bodes the question as to what happened to this potential personal plate? DVLA confirm that the car was re-imported on 10.11.1988 and it would appear to be a – typical for the period – 1990’s restoration. The last owner bought the car in 2009 from Classic Marques in Norfolk who sold it with a UK registration number MSU 588 complete with several Concourse trophies won in the Burnley area. The last owner, who resides in Germany, exported the car there in 2009 and enjoyed it for a number of years before investing over €13,000 in a comprehensive mechanical restoration in 2016.
Exterior
This earlier restoration example, in its original factory garb of Flame Red, suits the car well and is still looking great today. One tiny area on the passenger side sill may need some treatment at a later stage; interestingly, it was highlighted in a valuation document back in 2015 but has not deteriorated since. A typical red paint 1990’s restoration. An original factory Surrey Top car: all roof elements are present including a spare Surrey top and, what would appear to the original frame too. Interestingly, according to the Heritage Certificate, the car left the factory with a white Surrey top! The recently fitted and rare TR5 chrome mirrors are a nice exterior finishing touch. Not necessarily visible but, just as important, is the extensive but nicely applied underside waxoil treatment which has set the car in very good stead.
Interior
The snug but comfy 1960’s interior has been nicely restored in period black imitation leather with white piping and new black carpeting. The black treatment is extended to the door cards again with matching white piping, contrasting nicely with the cars original white dashboard. Heritage Trust have also confirmed that the car left the factory with a heater (which is still working) and windscreen washers which, incredibly, both were factory options. A recent addition is the well fitted seat belts for a little more secure feeling in today’s modern driving. A Moto-Lita steering wheel has replaced the original wheel which is still with the car and pictured above in the Interior section.
Documents
Engine & Transmission
Our charming early example was mechanically completely overhauled in 2016 with a replacement period block which was fully stripped down and overhauled by a Triumph specialist in Hamburg Germany. The work is comprehensive and frankly, far too much to list, with the appropriate invoices available in the neat owners file. The car also received new front springs in May 2019 which do make the car sit perhaps a little high, but should settle in time. A comprehensive service in May 2020 secured this year’s drive and it must also be mentioned that the car does drive superbly well. A stainless steel exhaust has also been fitted.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
In addition to the mechanical overhaul in 2016, this charming Triumph TR4 received a new set of 5 MWS chrome wires along with quality 165 R15 Vredestein tyres. Naturally, with all four corners exposed, a complete brake overhaul was completed and further backed up in May 2020 with further brake maintenance giving now superb stopping power.
Underneath
