1966 Triumph TR4A

Description

Introduced by the Standard-Triumph Motor Company for the 1965 model year, the TR4A was a refined successor to the TR4, designed by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti. While it retained the sharp, elegant lines of its predecessor, the new TR4A introduced a revised grille with a central Triumph badge, slightly more refined interior trim and fittings, a “TR4A” script, and wider bodywork at the rear to accommodate the new independent rear suspension some versions received. 

Under the hood, the TR4A featured a 2.1-liter inline-four engine producing around 104 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission, delivering a spirited performance and a satisfying driving experience. The car also offered optional overdrive, enhancing its touring capabilities. Approximately 28,465 TR4A models were produced between 1965 and '67, with a portion — including this car — built with the original solid axle (“live axle”) for the United States. 

This 1966 Triumph TRA4 received a frame-off restoration between 2005 and 2010, when it was media blasted and refinished in two-stage Wedgewood Blue paint. The sports car’s engine was fully rebuilt and balanced in 2016 and includes 89mm pistons, a BPNW road cam, lightened flywheel, 11 row oil cooler, external cylinder head oil feed, high-capacity water pump, and a Delco alternator conversion. 

Highlights 

• 2013 Vintage Triumph Register Gold Certificate of Excellence (389.5 or 400 points) 

• Best in Class at 2013 Triumph National Concours and at 2023 Ironstone Concours 

• Restoration performed between 2005-2010 included: 

  • Refinished in two-stage Wedgewood Blue paint with black top 

  • Black interior trim with white piping 

  • Refinished walnut dash 

  • All mechanicals overhauled or replaced during restoration 

  • Powered by a rebuilt 2.3-liter inline-four engine with compression raised to 9.5:1, estimated output of 125 hp (less than 5,000 miles since rebuild) 

  • Factory flywheel lightened from 32 to 20 pounds 

  • Custom roll bar using NASCAR spec tubing 

  • Rebuilt differential 

  • Rebuilt four-speed manual transmission with a Laycock de Normanville Type A overdrive in second, third, and fourth gears 

  • Radiator and fuel tank flushed and coated 

  • Triumph sway bar front, Addco sway bar in the rear 

  • Auxiliary electric fuel pump in addition to factory mechanical pump 

  • LED lighting on all gauges 

  • Halogen sealed beam headlights  

Features 

• Solid (live) axle car for U.S. market 

• Side wind deflectors 

• Headlight grilles 

• 120 mph speedometer and 6,000 rpm tachometer, with gauges for oil pressure, fuel, coolant temperature, and volts 

• AM radio with USB port 

• 15-inch, 60-spoke wheels 

• Vredestein Sprint Classic 165HR15 tires (replaced 2022) 

Known Imperfections 

• Small paint crack in hood on driver’s side 

• Small dent and paint crack in trunk lid 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack with knock-off hammer 

• Tool roll 

• Fire extinguisher 

• Triumph TR4A owner’s manual 

• Triumph TR4 & TR4A Bentley workshop manual 

• All restoration and maintenance receipts 

• Miscellaneous parts 

Ownership History 

The California seller of this three-owner 1966 Triumph TRA4 purchased it in September 2004. The seller describes it as "a combination of a highly finished and dependable car, which has made numerous trips over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as through the Mojave Desert. It has accumulated approximately 20,000 miles in the 21 years I have owned it. Clean, rust-free car with current California title and registration.”