The Triumph TRs – The Triumph TR4A

The Triumph TR4 was built until January 1965 when it was replaced by the Triumph TR4A.  From the outside the Triumph TR4A appears very similar to the Triumph TR4.  Visually the differences are primarily a slightly revised front grille and side flashing indicators.

In order to see the differences between the TR4 grille and the TR4A grille, it is best to see them at the same time as the difference are quite subtle.  Below is a view of the grille on a TR4.

Note the Vertical Bars on this TR4 Grille

The car below is a Triumph TR4A.  Note the absence of the vertical bars in the grille.

View of the Grille on a Triumph TR4A

The differences beween the TR4 and the TR4A are mainly in the chassis.  I found some great images of these differences in a very informative book “The Triumph TRs – A Collector’s Guide” by Graham Robson.  Graham Robson is not only a very good author regarding a wide variety of cars, he was the Competition Manager at Standard-Triumph for a few years.

The image below shows the chassis of the Triumph TR4 which was essentially the same as the chassis for the TR2, TR3, and the TR3A.

The Triumph TR4 Chassis

The image below shows the chassis of the Triumph TR4A.  As you can see there are considerable differences between the two cars.  Not only does the Triumph TR4A have independent reat suspension, it appears that the chassis is a little more stout and stiffer.

Triumph TR4A Chassis

The details of the independent rear suspension are shown below.

Rear Suspension on a Triumph TR4A

The changes in the chassis added about $150 dollars to the cost of the cars.  The information that I have shows that the price of the TR4 in 1962-64 period was $2,849 at the port of entry.  Standard-Triumph’s distributors in the northeast, Bud Forman and Les Genser were concerned that car sales of the TR4A would suffer if the price was raised by $150.  They successfully lobbied Standard-Triumph to produce a lower price 1965 TR4A with a straight rear axle.  The price information that I have notes that the price of the TR4A cars in 1965-66 was $2,840, or virtually identical to the price of the older TR4.

Rear Suspension on US Triumph TR4A Models

It seems that some Triumph TR4A cars were available in the US with the true independent rear suspension.  I understand that it was listed as an “option”, but as you can see, it was a little more than just a traditional “option” that is added to a base car.  The Robson book indicates that TR4A cars with a Commission Number that starts with “CTC” have independent rear suspension, while those cars with a Commission Number that starts with “CT” have the straight axle.  That said, if you are thinking of buying a Triumph TR4A, I would take a look at the rear suspension, so that you know what you are buying.

Standard-Triumph built 28,465 Triumph TR4A cars from January 1965 to August 1967.

In past postings about the Triumph TR cars I have included some images of Triumphs participating in the major rallies of the day.  It seems that Triumph did not have works competion cars based on the Triumph TR4A.