1964 Triumph TR4 – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
In 1964, the Triumph TR4 combined traditional British sports car engineering with a sharper, modernized design. It retained the robust mechanical foundation of the TR3 series but introduced a new body and improved comfort. The result was a roadster equally suited to export highways and club competition.
Technical Details:
The 1964 Triumph TR4 was powered by a front-mounted inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,138 cc. This long-stroke overhead-valve unit produced approximately 100 to 105 horsepower in standard specification, depending on market and tuning. Fuel was supplied by twin SU carburetors, and power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox.
An optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit was available, typically operating on second, third, and fourth gears, improving both acceleration flexibility and long-distance cruising efficiency. The TR4 retained a separate ladder-frame chassis, derived from earlier TR models but strengthened for improved rigidity.
The front suspension used coil springs with unequal-length wishbones, while the rear relied on a live axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking consisted of front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, a configuration that had already proven effective in the TR3A. With a top speed of approximately 175 km/h (around 110 mph), the TR4 offered competitive performance within the mid-1960s sports car segment.
- Manufacturer: Triumph Motor Company
- Model Name: Triumph TR4
- Year of Manufacturing: 1961–1965
Design
The Triumph TR4 marked a major stylistic departure from the TR3A. The body was designed by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti, who gave the car a cleaner, more angular appearance in line with early 1960s trends.
The front featured a wide grille integrated into a flatter nose section, replacing the earlier upright design. The fenders were more squared-off, and the overall silhouette appeared longer and lower than its predecessor. Despite these modernizations, the TR4 retained the characteristic cutaway doors and purposeful stance associated with the TR lineage.
One distinctive innovation was the optional “Surrey Top.” This configuration combined a removable center roof panel with a fixed rear window section, offering a compromise between open-air driving and coupe-like weather protection. Inside, the TR4 introduced a more refined interior with a wood-veneer dashboard and clearer instrument layout compared to the painted metal panels of earlier TR models.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1961, the TR4 was developed to modernize Triumph’s sports car offering without abandoning the mechanical simplicity that had defined earlier TR models. By 1964, it had become firmly established, particularly in export markets such as North America, which accounted for a significant portion of production.
Approximately 40,000 TR4 units were built between 1961 and 1965. The model bridged the gap between the rugged TR3A and the more technically advanced TR4A, which would introduce independent rear suspension in 1965. In this sense, the 1964 TR4 represents the mature phase of the original solid-axle TR concept before the transition to more modern chassis solutions.
The TR4 also strengthened Triumph’s presence in club racing and rally competition. Its robust engine and durable chassis made it a popular platform for amateur motorsport, reinforcing the brand’s sporting image.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The Triumph TR4 became known for its combination of traditional mechanics and contemporary styling. Enthusiasts often highlight the Surrey Top as one of its most distinctive features, offering flexibility not commonly found among open sports cars of the era.
Like earlier TR models, the TR4 maintained a reputation for mechanical accessibility. Its straightforward engine layout and separate chassis made maintenance relatively simple. However, the live rear axle and leaf-spring suspension required attentive driving under hard cornering.
Within classic car culture, the TR4 is frequently regarded as one of the most visually balanced Triumph TR models. It retains the raw character of earlier versions while offering improved comfort and a more modern appearance.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.
Conclusion
The 1964 Triumph TR4 stands as a transitional yet fully developed example of Triumph’s traditional sports car formula. Powered by a 2.1-liter inline four-cylinder engine and supported by a separate chassis with front disc brakes, it combined durability with respectable performance. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and offered with the innovative Surrey Top, the TR4 modernized the TR range without abandoning its core identity. Today, it remains a respected classic that reflects the evolution of British sports car design in the early 1960s.
