In Brief:

• A striking 1966 Triumph TR4A Sports IRS
• Finished in factory-correct Royal Blue, over contrasting black interior
• Long ownership history, with just 2 former keepers
• Distinctive 'Surrey Top' conversion
• Extensively restored, with fantastic supporting file

Auctioneer's Notes:

A particularly striking 1966 Triumph TR4A Sports IRS, presented in factory-correct Royal Blue over a period appropriate black interior with contrasting white piping. The current registered keeper has owned the car for approximately 20 years, and with just 2 former keepers recorded, it represents an unusually long-held and clearly cherished example.

The car presents in stunning condition, with its deep Royal Blue paintwork complemented by bright chrome, Minilite-style alloy wheels and the particularly desirable Surrey Top configuration. Inside, the black seats with white piping, wood-veneered dashboard and wood-rim steering wheel create a suitably sporting period cabin.

Maintenance & Condition:

The accompanying file is substantial, containing a wealth of technical information, instructions and invoices amounting to over £9,000. The current keeper advises that the car has undergone an extensive body-off restoration, with attention paid throughout to both presentation and mechanical usability.

Notable documented work includes the Surrey Top conversion and backlight frame in 2017, a TR4A twin exhaust system fitted in 2008 and a replacement bumper set in 2014. Further expenditure has included a replacement clutch kit, brake calipers, thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan, new carpets and underfelt, a retrimmed centre console and numerous further sundries and consumables.

Further improvements detailed by the keeper include a re-cored radiator, upgraded water pump, narrow-belt conversion, alternator upgrade, four-branch stainless-steel exhaust manifold, suspension bushes, wiper motor and electronic ignition. The overdrive is also stated to have been rebuilt. The result is a very well-sorted TR4A which combines period character with a number of sensible upgrades intended to improve reliability and everyday usability.

History:

With just 2 former keepers, this TR4A benefits from notably settled ownership. The information sheet within the file describes the car as having been owned for the previous 20 years, with the current keeper now reluctantly offering the vehicle for sale.

The history file contains extensive supporting paperwork, technical literature and invoices charting considerable investment in the car over the years. The keeper's notes also state that the chassis and panels are rust-free following restoration. The recorded odometer figure should not be regarded as warranted, however, as the keeper believes a speedometer change may have taken place at some point in the car's history.

The Model:

Introduced in 1965, the Triumph TR4A developed Giovanni Michelotti's handsome TR4 design while introducing a number of refinements, most importantly independent rear suspension on the majority of examples. Powered by Triumph's well-proven 2,138cc four-cylinder engine, producing approximately 104bhp, the TR4A combined strong performance with considerably improved ride and road-holding over its predecessor.

The Surrey Top arrangement is one of the most distinctive configurations associated with the TR4 and TR4A. Its fixed wraparound rear backlight frame can be combined with a removable centre roof section, providing considerably greater versatility than a conventional roadster hood while retaining the option of open-air motoring. It remains one of the most recognisable and desirable features available on the Michelotti-styled TR range.

Sale Insight:

This is an especially appealing TR4A combining long-term current ownership, just 2 former keepers, extensive restoration work and more than £9,000 of supporting invoices. Finished in the quintessentially British combination of Royal Blue with Black trim and white piping, and enhanced by its Surrey Top conversion, Minilite-style wheels and thoughtfully chosen mechanical upgrades, it presents as a particularly attractive example.

The quality of presentation, depth of accompanying paperwork and obvious expenditure make this a TR4A worthy of close inspection, offering the next custodian a beautifully presented and well-sorted example of one of Triumph's most enduring sports cars.

Estimate:
£10,000 - £12,500