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TR4/4A I am now a Triumph person

Sarastro

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Started with a Bugeye Sprite, sold it, restored an MG TD, sold it, now just bought a TR4A to restore. The ad on Hemmings is still up, as of today, but will go down soon:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/triumph/tr4a/1871325.html

It has some obvious rust to deal with, but it is in running condition, has an overdrive transmission, and comes with a spare engine. There are a few bits missing, like the front bumper and all overriders, but it's still remarkably complete. I don't have it in my driveway yet; still arranging shipping.

My plan is to do a frame-off restoration with the goal of a mechanically solid, reliable (yeah, OK; I know it's an LBC), good-looking car, but not a show car. I'll use the existing engine for now, then eventually rebuild the spare, at my leisure, for added performance. I'd like it to be tractable for the street but to put out a few more HP. I'm totally unfamiliar with what's available for TRs these days, so I'd be interested in any suggestions about things to use. Nothing extreme; just the best improvement for the money.

As I've done with other cars, I'll create a web album of my progress. Not that I expect anyone will care, but it's for me as much as any other purpose.
 

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Steve,
Welcome to the dark side! I'm in the process of restoring a 67 TR4a IRS, but I like the solid axle car better...I had one in college and it's my all time favorite LBC. I can't wait for you to begin your web album!
Rut
 
I am unclear if congratulations or condolences are in order, but I am happy for you. A new challenge is always good.

There are many options for a few more horsepower, but I'm keen to know why you think it needs them. At the VTR autocross last week, I had the doors blown off my TR3 by one claiming to be completely stock. I built mine in an attempt to be more reliable. Not without exception, I am happy with what I have.

Welcome to your new life, Triumph person.
 
Congrats on the acquisition - I look forward to seeing the progress.

...There are a few bits missing, like the front bumper and all overriders, but it's still remarkably complete...

Just so you know, the bumper and overriders are one of the things that is quite different between the TR4 and 4A. I mention it as sellers don't always know what they are selling.
 
Steve,

Glad you found your TR4A. It's about 125 miles from me.

We will have to make you an honorary Buckeye!

Looking forward to following your progress & your superb documentation.

mgf
 
Thanks, guys. Actually, this isn't my first TR4A--I had one in my wild and profligate youth. The picture below was taken just short of...ummm...50 years ago. So, I have to confess to a certain nostalgia.

As for the increased power, it was just a thought. Might change a lot over time. With my earlier TR4A, I plied the east coast, often back and forth between Washington, DC, where my girlfriend (now wife of 45 years) lived, and Philadelphia, where I did. Seemed to do OK. I once pushed it up over 100 MPH on the Altantic City Expressway. Still, this is LA, and the freeways are fast and unforgiving.
 

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Welcome aboard--- 2 of my kids live in Long Beach; it is beautiful. Maybe I will see your in town when we go down to see the, I think, Formula One Race through Long Beach.
 
Yes, the Long Beach Grand Prix--usually held in April. Ironically, I've never attended it. Seems like something always gets in the way. But even where I live, six miles north, I can hear it. And Shoreline Drive, which is used as the race track, has tire marks on it for the next six months.
 
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