Triumph TR4 experiences
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
Sir,
As a subscriber to your excellent magazine, having previously owned a TR3 and just completed a year’s ownership of a TR4, I wonder if your readers would be interested in some of my observations on Triumph’s latest addition to the TR range?
I have done 12,000 miles in my particular model, which is a fixed-head coupé, rear seat version. Other extras include overdrive, Goodyear “Motorway” tyres, radio and heater. The following points might be of interest:-
1. Fuel consumption is 30 m.p.g. on regular use, rising to 33 m.p.g. on long, fast runs. This is using overdrive extensively, of course.
2. I changed the plugs right away to Marchal (341HF) and these have been highly successful.
3. Roadholding is very good, though suspension is still on the harsh side, although as the manufacturers say, the ride is softer than that on the TR3.
4. Steering is first-class, a wonderful improvement from the TR3.
5. Brakes are excellent.
6. Tyre wear is almost unnoticeable after 12,000 miles. Wheels have not been changed round at any time.
7. The transmission is a joy to operate:
8. Interior comfort leaves nothing to be desired.
9. Acceleration has recently been slightly improved by the fitting of a “Snap” exhaust extractor.
10. Oil use is negligible.
11. Top speed well over 110 m.p.h.
On the debit side the following points are noted :—
1. Forward-hinging bonnet makes the fitting of a spot-light utmost impossible and I have had to put aside a highly-valued Marchal “Fantastic.”
2. Tappets are very noisy, but have been checked regularly, and are “spot on.” They were also noisy on the TR3—perhaps this is a fault of the Marque.
3. Slight “whine” from rear axle observed.
4. Has occasionally jumped out of overdrive, but adjustment to switch should rectify matter.
5. Minor faults such as window, glove compartment and boot lock not functioning, noted and repaired.
I noticed that a previous correspondent complained about the difficulties involved in packing the front hubs with grease every 12,000 miles, viz. having to dismantle the front brake system. I note that the manufacturers say that this only needs to be done every 24,000 miles, unless the vehicle is used for competition work.
In conclusion, might I say that I am very satisfied with my TR4. I have had first-class service from the dealer the car was purchased from, and I am looking forward to many more thousands of happy miles.
J. L. M. Cotter.
Dalserf.