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British Engineering Excellence on Display
The Motor Museum of Western Australia is proud to showcase the rich heritage of Triumph cars, a marque synonymous with British engineering, style, and innovation.
A Legacy of Innovation and Style
Founded in 1885 and transitioning to automotive manufacturing by the early 20th century, Triumph became known for producing stylish saloons, sports cars, and tourers that combined performance and elegance. Triumph’s tradition of craftsmanship and engineering excellence made it a respected name in both road cars and motorsport.
A British Sports Car With Italian Style
The 1963 Triumph TR4 on display at the Motor Museum of Western Australia represents an important step forward for Triumph’s much-loved TR sports car range. Introduced in 1961 as the replacement for the ageing TR3A, the TR4 combined familiar Triumph mechanicals with a dramatically more modern body designed by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti.
Michelotti was commissioned by Triumph in 1957, and his final design for the TR4 was settled in mid-1960. The result was a lower, wider and more refined sports car than its predecessor, with cleaner lines, improved driver comfort and a more contemporary appearance that helped the TR4 appeal to a new generation of buyers.
Designed for a New Era
Although the TR4 retained the same wheelbase as the TR3A, its track was substantially wider, 104mm at the front and 64mm at the rear, giving the car a more planted stance and improved handling. The TR4 also introduced rack-and-pinion steering, while its four-speed gearbox featured synchromesh on all forward gears.
The car’s 2,138 cc four-cylinder wet-liner engine produced 100 bhp (74.6 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 127 lb-ft (172.2 Nm) of torque at 3,350 rpm. Twin SU H6 carburettors fed the engine, while the optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive on second, third and fourth gears made relaxed touring more comfortable, a particularly useful feature on longer Australian journeys.
An Australian-Bound Triumph
This example, carrying Commission Number CT17805O, was most likely built in December 1962. Although the factory microfiche records for that period are missing, its shipping history provides a fascinating connection to Australia: the TR4 departed King George V Dock in London on 28 December 1962 aboard the vessel Woodarra, bound for Australian Motor Industries Limited in Port Melbourne.
It is finished in Spa White, its original factory colour. Spa White was discontinued and replaced by New White in early 1963, making this car a particularly interesting example of the transition period in Triumph’s colour range.
Triumph TR4 Specifications
Year: 1963
Commission Number: CT17805O
Engine: Four-cylinder wet-liner
Capacity: 2,138 cc
Power: 100 bhp (74.6 kW) at 4,600 rpm
Torque: 127 lb-ft (172.2 Nm) at 3,350 rpm
Carburettors: 2 x SU H6
Gearbox: Four-speed synchromesh
Overdrive: Laycock de Normanville, second, third and fourth gears
Brakes: Front discs, rear drums, with optional power assistance
Steering: Rack and pinion
Original colour: Spa White
A Popular Triumph
Production of the TR4 ran from July 1961 to January 1965, mainly at Standard-Triumph’s Canley factory near Coventry. A total of 40,253 examples were built, with 2,592 retained for the British domestic market and 37,661 exported. This is an indication of just how strongly the TR4 appealed to international buyers, including those in Australia.
The TR4 remains a favourite among classic sports car enthusiasts for its honest driving character, attractive Michelotti styling and practical touring ability. It bridged the gap between the traditional British roadster era and the more refined sports cars that followed.
On Display For A Limited Time
Please note that many of the vehicles displayed at the Motor Museum of Western Australia, including these iconic Triumph cars, are on loan to us from private collectors and enthusiasts, with this particular display changing every 3 months.
Our displays change regularly to showcase a wide variety of vehicles and motoring history, so if you want to experience these rare and extraordinary cars in person, we encourage you to visit us soon.
Whether you are a passionate car lover or simply curious about automotive heritage, the Motor Museum offers a unique and engaging experience that evolves throughout the year.
Visit Us
For more information about visiting the Motor Museum of Western Australia, including opening hours, ticket prices, and current exhibitions, please visit our Visitor Information page or contact us directly.
We are open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM (closed Christmas Day) at Whiteman Park, 233a Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman, WA 6068.
Tickets can be purchased online for your convenience or directly at the museum entrance.
For enquiries, group bookings, or special events, please call us on (08) 9249 9457 or email manager@motormuseumwa.com.au.
We welcome visitors of all ages and motoring interests and look forward to sharing Western Australia’s rich automotive history with you.
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