FIVE TRIALs
We enjoy the Triumph TR4 and put it fully to the test
1 DailY DriViNG
You don’t see many people commuting in TR4s, and with good reason. It’s far too special. However, a TR4 is definitely usable in a modern road environment on the odd occasion, or if you want to drive it to work to show off your impeccable taste in a sea of contract hire Audis and BMWs. But if you’re thinking of doing any motorway work, it’s worthwhile buying one with an overdrive gearbox. With this you can have the use of seven gears as some models had overdrive on second, third and fourth. The 2.2-litre engine has more than enough power to keep up with 2018’s traffic.
2 iN tHE sErViCE BaY
The charismatic four-pot in the TR4 is a bored-out version of the TR3’s 2.0-litre engine. The bonnet opens up using reversed hinges, so although the radiator isn’t easy to access, the majority of the engine and ancillaries are. The spark plugs are within reach, as is the distributor. Oil leaks from the timing chain are quite common, and the scroll seal at the rear of the crankshaft is known for losing oil. While we’re on the subject of oil, make sure there’s no water in the oil reservoir, and check the inner wings while you’re under the bonnet – these are known to rust enthusiastically.
3 oN tHE sHoW CirCUit
The TR4’s crisp and sharp Michelottidesigned lines have been welcomed at classic shows for years, and will definitely continue be welcomed. Triumph four-pots are endlessly tuneable and customisable, so it’s very rare to see two which are exactly the same, even if a throng of TR4s arrives at the same show. All the busy Triumph clubs in the UK put on excellent events, so it’s worth signing up to one of those. And dare we say that the Goodwood Revival wouldn’t be the same without a smattering of Triumph TR4s?
4 tHE loNG WEEKEND
Period advertising for the Triumph boasted mostly about its styling and its speed, but there was a famous ad for it featuring a young couple and their dog, with a boot full of luggage. It stated that the Triumph had 5.5cu ft for bags and a spare wheel tucked away in its own compartment. This makes it a great car for a weekend getaway for two, minus dog. The doors are long, making it easy to get in and out of, even though it is low-slung. And despite this having a sports car image, it’s actually far more a relaxing tourer – the suspension is soft and supple.
5 tHE B-roaD Blast
When tearing along some twisty bits, you can feel that suspension moving and flexing. It’s comfortable, sure – but it’s no Lotus in the corners. That’s no bad thing for most people, though. You don’t need to be using racing lines and cadence braking to enjoy a TR4 on a winding stretch of B-road. It’s much more refined than that. Get the roof down and enjoy the lovely inline four. It’s got plenty of torque, so it feels faster than it actually is. And al fresco it does sound divine, raspy and meaty in a way that only a carburettor-fed engine can.