![Ed McClean is the proud owner of this Triumph TR4A Classic & Sports Car – Your classic: Triumph TR4A](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2021-12/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Your%20classic%20%E2%80%93%20Triumph%20TR4A%20%E2%80%93%206.png?itok=iJd8Cn0h)
Back in 2008, this 1965 Triumph TR4A was part of an executor’s auction of 28 classic motorcycles, including Manx Nortons, and four classic cars.
Lot 1 had really taken my fancy: a 1958 Triumph TR3, modified for motorsport.
The more I found out about its competition past, the more I wanted it. Because the auction house was more familiar with fine art and antiques, I felt there might be a bargain to be had.
It seems others thought so, too, and come auction day there was hardly room to stand.
![Triumph TR4A by the coast Classic & Sports Car – Your classic: Triumph TR4A](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Your%20classic%20%E2%80%93%20Triumph%20TR4A%20%E2%80%93%208.png)
The bidding quickly passed the £2500-4000 estimate, but eventually the stage was reached where it had doubled its upper guide and there was only one other bidder.
I turned to a friend to say, “I’m having that TR3 come hell or high water,” but at that moment the auctioneer’s gavel banged and it was sold. It wasn’t my bid – it was the other guy’s…
I was more than disappointed. But instead of withdrawing, wallet intact, lunacy took over and I found myself bidding on the following lot, a TR4A with just over 84,000 miles on the clock. I got it for £3800.
![This Triumph TR4A was bought at auction Classic & Sports Car – Your classic: Triumph TR4A](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Your%20classic%20%E2%80%93%20Triumph%20TR4A%20%E2%80%93%202.png)
![The cabin of this Triumph TR4A Classic & Sports Car – Your classic: Triumph TR4A](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Your%20classic%20%E2%80%93%20Triumph%20TR4A%20%E2%80%93%203.png)
![Under the bonnet of this Triumph TR4A – the four-cylinder engine has had a full rebuild Classic & Sports Car – Your classic: Triumph TR4A](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Your%20classic%20%E2%80%93%20Triumph%20TR4A%20%E2%80%93%204.png)
I’d always liked the Michelotti styling of the TR4A, with the chrome side strakes incorporating the sidelights to distinguish it from the earlier TR4.