Triumph TR4A

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Triumph TR4A
Triumph TR4A IRS
Manufacturer: Triumph Motor Company
Production: 19651968
Predecessor: Triumph TR4
Successor: Triumph TR5
Class: Sports car
Engine: 2138 cc Straight-4
Wheelbase: 2,240 mm (7 ft 4 in)
Length: 3,835 mm (12 ft 7 in)
Width: 1,460 mm (4 ft 9.5 in)
Height: 1,170 mm (3 ft 10 in)

The Triumph TR4A was built between 1965 and 1968 by the Triumph Motor Company in the United Kingdom.

The TR4A was an evolution of the TR4, updated with a new chassis. It was hoped the new, but more complex independent rear suspension would address the buying publics' desire for more comfortable riding sports cars. This version has an "IRS" badge on the rear. It's estimated 75% of TR4A were built with IRS.

But, Triumph was again hedging their bets. In response to dealer requests, approximately 25% of TR4A were produced with a solid rear axle (also called a live axle), similar to the earlier TR4. This might also have been a nod to the popularity of the cars as production racers, since the solid axle design was much more easily and less expensively prepared for competition work.

The new suspension did eventually prove itself with the buying public and in racing, with three TR4A IRS posting a team win and finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in class at the Sebring 12 Hour race of 1966.

In 1965, the TR4A IRS sold in the United Kingdom for approximately £968, with wire wheels being another £36, overdrive £51, heater £13 and seat belts £4 each.[1]

In 1968 the TR4A was replaced by the 6-cylinder TR250 (U.S. model with twin carburetors) and TR5 (UK/European model with P.I. or petrol injection), both of which continued to use the same body design.

The TR6 was in development, but not ready for production. It would sport a new Karmann body design, but interestingly still shared the TR5/250 drivetrain, TR4A/5/250 chassis, doors, windscreen and more.

[edit] Specification

  • Engine: 2,138 cc, 4 cylinder, 86 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, 9:1 compression ratio, 104 bhp (76 kW)
  • Turning circle: 10.1 m (33 ft)
  • Capacities:
Fuel tank: 53.4 L (11.75 imp gal)
Engine sump: 6.2 L (11 imp pt)
Gearbox: 0.85 L (1.5 imp pt)
  • Acceleration in top:
30 to 50 mph: 8 s
40 to 60 mph: 8 s
60 to 80 mph: 11 s

[edit] References

  1. ^ Autocar Magazine, 28 May 1965

[edit] External links