Project Description
Triumph TR4A
Triumph TR4A – barn find which has cleaned up beautifully.
Price
SOLDYear
1965Mls/Kms
6,667 milesSold in
GermanyHistory File
We were recently informed about this car upon receiving the sad news that the owner needed to sell it for health reasons. Despite the car being regularly serviced and maintained, it had been parked in a barn for the best part of 7 years. With caution, we inspected the car and, as Barn Find described, there it was in all its glory – covered in dust and cat paw prints. Clearly, it had not seen a wet sponge in quite some time. But despite its sad appearance, the car started on the button and drove nicely confirming that there had been a regular level of care but not necessarily with warm water and a cloth. Following a two day (some 150 kilometers – with dust – test drive) we decided to simply present the car as it is. Once cleaned, we were quite surprised as to how good the car is, but will continue to prepare the car with some more detailing before photography can commence. The car comes with a host of interesting Triumph literature and includes a comprehensive history file with clear entries from all 5 owners since the cars arrival in Germany in the late 1980’s. It also underwent a full restoration in 1990 which was evident once we’d removed the dirt. The last owner was in charge for some 11 years but, as mentioned, due to illness has now decided to part. A recent valuation report placed the car with Condition 2- and a higher value than our asking price. All-in-all, this is a nice example that could be improved by the right person.
Exterior
It is an earlier restoration car from 1990 with plenty of photos and invoices in the comprehensive history file to confirm the cars 1980’s arrival and German history. Thirty years later, there are a few time related marks here and there, particularly on the bonnet but, nothing to deter any future new owner. The car is what it is and presents well and will make a wonderful example for the right person who would look to drive and invest as time goes on. Chrome has stood the test of time since the restoration, but one should perhaps consider changing the unusual mirrors which are not the most attractive we’ve come across. The original red Triumph bonnet badge is still in place and both side chrome elements are in good condition. The PVC hood is complete and damage free. The Body number displayed under the bonnet as 63963-CT is as it left the factory and confirmed by Heritage Trust in the UK.
Interior
Unlike so many of the period, this particular example is clad with black leather seats and not the usual PVC covers, which were fitted by the forth owner who also invested in new foam. Both door panels are also in superb condition and the car has received a new black carpet in the last few years. The last owner was in the suitcase business for many years and has included two almost bespoke fitting metal cases for the boot. Incredibly, they fit to the millimeter and make a great accessory when travelling away for a few days.
Documents
Engine & Gearbox
The car received a complete engine overhaul in 2007 by the well know TR-Nord GmbH in north Germany. Invoices indicate a comprehensive service and check with the car travelling very few miles since the intervention. Under the bonnet presents well as does underneath the car which has been sand blast prepared with a stainless steel exhaust. The car pulls well and was driven some 150 kilometers on testing before arriving with us at Cathedral Classics. The cars history file offers plenty of caring service invoices and information, particularly from the last three owners, going all the way back to 2000 with a complete front axle rebuild in 2002.
Wheels, Brakes & Tyres
The chrome wires are possibly what lets the car down, somewhat, with the rears in much better condition than the fronts. All 4 tyres are good in the form of Fulda 185/70 R15 with the spare wheel and tyres in almost new condition. Braking is solid, all be it a touch hard, but nothing unsurmountable.
Underneath
