1961 Triumph Tr4 Powder Blue

1961 Triumph Tr4 – 56K original miles – Drivable Dream!

I purchased this Powder Blue 1961 Triumph TR4 about 5 years ago from the grandson who’s grandfather purchased it new in 1962. It currently has 56K original miles and had a complete mechanical overhaul after sitting 35 years in indoor storage since 1984? It currently is road worthy and well sorted and is an absolute DRIVABLE DREAM!

ing to the British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate (Birth Certificate), this TR4 was completed and dispatched to the US from Dock, on mber 29th, 1961, when at the time, the Beatles were playing at the rn club.

This very early TR4 commission number CT/1322-L is the first batch of 1500 cars the factory produced in 1961. It’s one of the earliest TR4’s in the country and being so historical I felt the need to properly recommission it and make it street worthy.

ID plates on the car match the BMIHT certificate nos. (VIN #: CT/1322-L, y number: 1348-CT and engine number: CT/1005-E). It was touched up only once in the early 80’s in its original Powder Blue that it left the factory in. The Dash, Black scuttle, gauges, all knobs and switches are original including the radio and are all operational. The door panels and Blue leather seats and rear jump seats are completely 100%. The carpet was partially replaced. The convertible top is in good working order. This Tr4 wears 72 lop spoke wire wheels that were stronger than the original 48 spoke wheels with estin classic sport tires. This car still has its original spare tire, complete tool roll,  jack and operating manual.  of all, I have the original bill of sale from the dealer in New dated February 5, 1962 for $3,100. To me that says it all…. Knowing a cars full history from day , for a car that’s 63 years old today is a rarity in deed.

Mechanicals: The engine was completely rebuilt at a cost of $7500 which included new pistons, rings, milled head, new valves, rods etc. The engine builder was Joe Gettler from nd, who is a respectable engine rebuilder for Porsche and other high end cars. Joe is an older man gentleman who is a perfectionist and engineer by trade, and one of the most accomplished talented engine rebuilders in the New area.

This car still retains its original 4 speed gearbox and rear diff. All ancillary components were replaced… including new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing, all new gaskets,  water pump and thermostat, fuel pump, new hoses, fan belt, master brake cylinder all new brake lines, clutch cylinder and slave cylinder, new clutch line and flex line. All brake cylinders are new along with new pads and rebuilt front calipers.  Radiator and gas tank were boiled and repainted as new. New fuel line and inline fuel filter added. Everything here mentioned cost about $22K in parts and labor.

The car drives great and can be driven anywhere. This TR4 is very quick off the line and an absolute blast to drive. Its one of the fastest British cars I have ever driven and revs to 6,000 without hesitation. kes, steering and suspension are spot on. The gearbox is quiet and pulls well in all 4 gears without any grinds, noise or hesitation, no white smoke or any oil leaks.  Oil pressure is 60 lbs. hifting is perfect and the clutch pressure feels great too, and it is a pleasure to shift up and down through all the gears. All synchro’s are in great shape.

n the key, pull out the choke and the car roars to life. It revs quickly with a terrific exhaust note and settles into a  smooth idle after a few seconds but takes a few minutes to warm.  The oil pressure is strong at 60 PSI and running temp is about 190 degrees when hot. This engine idles at 1,000 rpms which seems to be its sweat spot currently, before its broken it.   I only have about 200 miles on the rebuild. Its a smooth runner and a very quick starter. The carbs and brake calipers were completely rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics. The engine valves were adjusted when rebuilt and I installed new NGK plugs, wires, cap and rotor. The cooling system runs cool with all new hoses and a new7lb cap.

Steering and shocks are in good shape. Its truly a “Drivable Dream”. Headlights were replaced with Amber lens but can easily replaced with asset of new ods that will go with the car. The horn, wipers, signals, side lights and rear lights and brake lights and all gauges and heater work as they should.

The glass windshield is original and all the chrome molding is complete and intact. The rubber surround is weathered and cracked but I chalk that up to originality.  The chrome bumpers front and back are original to the car and the grill is in perfect condition as it left the factory. This car has never been in an accident or has any bondo or rust repair. Its an honest original car.

The steering wheel needs a special mention. It is a 15 inch wheel made from zilian Cherry by Michael pert at a cost of $1,000. It is truly a work of art. The original wheel goes with the car.

ou can literally drive this Tr4 60 mph all day long and it will go to 110 top speed. It has a very comfortable and relaxed cruise feel and seems so much quicker than other Triumph TR3’s , stin Healeys and MGA’s that I have owned. It doesn’t make any road noise or squeaks and just rides and runs very smooth. It is just a pleasure to drive where you don’t want to stop driving it.  I’m 6 feet 2 inches and 205 lbs and with the seat all the back I fit very comfortable.

y: y and e are solid and is rust and straight and accident free!  No bondo anywhere. The car was partially repainted its original Powder Blue in the early 80’s and its paint is starting to look a bit tired. It has great patina. What makes this car special is it’s an honest runner that has not been modified or taken apart in any way.  k area, wheel wells, frame rails, floors and toe boards and inner sills are all rust free and accident free? Doors close really nice and tight, door gap lines are as good as they get. The only minor rust that I am aware of is in the outer sill under the passenger side door. This is a small hole a bit larger than a quarter but seems contained. This is minor and can easily be repaired. I have not yet replaced the rubber around the doors, that I may do in the week to come.

Closing: This is a 63-year-old car so it is sold “AS IS” with no expressed or implied warrantee or guarantees. I am not a broker or a dealer so this is a private sale that is final. It is sold “WHERE IS” in ton, New and if transported will be the cost of the buyer. ou are welcome to see and drive the car to insure 100% satisfaction.

The very early TR4’s with the small hood bump, white painted dash and aluminum gauge panel  are very rare and very sought after by collectors and Triumph enthusiasts gerty urance Co has an agreed upon value of $35,000. Tr4’s sold on BAT range from $8K to $85K . This car is priced fair and has a reasonable it now so make me your best offer in confidence.
I have a current valid transferrable New registration. If you are a serious buyer and have any questions or need any detailed photos or videos, please  contact me. . Thanks for your interest. Dave.