TR4 MODEL-60TH ANNIVERSARY

The evolution of the TR2/3/3A resulted in the release in 1961 of the TR4. The body design was by Italian Giovanni Michelotti, but the mechanicals and chassis were a minor evolution of the earlier models. Fortunately, among the few mechanical improvements were the rack and pinion steering and greater engine capacity of 2138 cc. The engine was a further development of the wet liner engine that was used in the TR2 through TR4A models. When first introduced, the TR4 featured 2 SU H6 carbs but later a trial run of 1 000 cars using Zenith Stromberg 175CD carbs was introduced. Although developed during the Standard-Triumph days, the TR4 production was released after the Leyland takeover.

When introduced, advertising for the TR4 featured a cutaway drawing of the car (below) that touted its new features as:

1. Wrap-around bumper with 10” overriders, salt-proofed aluminium grille, aperture for staring handle, powerful headlights hooded for anti-dazzle, coil spring I.F.S with screwed bush vertical link location, and a 4 ft. 1 in. track for greater stability.
2. Detached fenders for easy repair, safety hinged hood revealing large opening for easy tune-up, rack and pinion steering (2 ½ turns lock to lock), 11” disc brakes at the front for fade-proof stopability, 2 138 cc 4 cylinder engine delivering 105 bhp, long life wet liners and lead indium bearings.
3. Roll-up side windows, laminated glass windshield, detachable for sporting events, ground clearance 6” (high, yet low overall build), separate rigid box-section chassis giving a low centre of gravity, vulnerable underside components mounted high for obstruction clearance, and long gearbox extension giving a short whip free propellor shaft.
4. Well defined tail lamp assemblies for driver visibility, 46 ½” wide trunk opening to 5.6 cu. ft. of luggage space, combined number plate and trunk illuminating light (overrider mounted), separate yet secure spare wheel storage, 14 (US) gallon fuel tank with Le Mans filler cap, and rear springs (41” long for flexibility) and wide mounted for stability.
5. Alternative top design (soft or hard), luxurious pleated, padded and piped PVC trim, individually adjustable well radiused bucket type seating, easy access to occasional seating via hinged passenger’s backrest, rigid scuttle bracing via central floor to fascia extension, lockable glove box to fascia and map pockets in doors.
6. Comprehensive instrumentation including tachometer, foam padded and cowled facia with built in passenger’s grab handle, impactoscopic safety steering column with 2” wheel adjustment, independent fresh air control for driver and passenger, all synchromesh 4 speed close ration gearbox, and fly-off parking brake.

In all, 40 253 cars were built between September 1961 and January 1965 when it was replaced by the TR4A.