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TR4/4A Where are all the 4a's?

I agree with Randall, I think the four cylinder TRs are the toughest most reliable 50s-60s sports car there is. They just seem to go and go, many neglected or stored many years examples that still start and run. Maybe part of the difference between the TR and the MGs and Healeys is the Mechanical fuel pump, as many of those cars will still go to if you bring the pump back to life. But it just seems like the TRs were always very rugged and reliable.

The TR7 was more of an attempt by BL to make a real car for everyday use than a winsome quirky open air roadster, I do agree that the engine was more likely to melt down, but also they were a "real car" and as such went down the food chain of ownership and maintenance and then were scrapped. Man I remember when the TR7 was sold new and on into the mid eighties they were everywhere, but they disappeared pretty quickly after that.
 
The TRactor motor could have easily made it into the 1990's with ease in terms of reliability. Greatest 4 cylinder made in my opinion.
 
The rough and tumble design of classic TR's attact hardcore enthusiasts who are not concerned about cup holders and push button this 'n that. That passion will keep the body on frame cars on the road for a long time.

TR7's are at a price point that attracts a buyer that sees a cheap, quazi modern look -but with no clue of the constant maintenance demands. The cars are under maintained on a non-existent budget until they rot out or suffer a catastrophic mechanical failure. Then another 7 ends up on the scrap heap.

I get that British Leyland could not pull a Morgan and keep banging out cars with antique technology. The shame is that they were built with a poor engine design at a time when UK industry was a mess.
 
We have a few TR4's and TR4A's in our club. I really like my TR4A I found last year after looking for awhile. That Bad Boy drives very differnt from my MGA and is a lot of fun.
 
I had a person inquire about our touring group...
they have a TR4a!

- Doug
 
MarshgrassA said:
We have a few TR4's and TR4A's in our club. I really like my TR4A I found last year after looking for awhile. That Bad Boy drives very differnt from my MGA and is a lot of fun.

The front suspension on the TR4 and 4A is really amazing. If properly maintained and kept up with, the IRS is also pretty amazing. I certainly would have rather had a solid axle 4A, because it's simpler and let's be honest...8 or 9 of 10 of us don't "need" IRS. But, having said that, it's a remarkable little system!

I found that my late MGB felt extremely solid because of it's unibody construction, but I found the handling to be lackluster. Lots of body roll and almost boat like.

The TR4A is by no means a "solid" car, and has all sorts of idiosyncrasies because of the body-on-frame construction, however, I have found the handling to be SUPERB compared to my MGB.
 
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