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Although the Triumph TR4 used many of the same components as its predecessor, it’s Michelotti-designed body fresh and modern, and made for a much quieter and more practical experience than the old TR3. But even wind-up windows were controversial for the TR purists.

It wasn’t only the body that changed, though – among many other mechanical tweaks, the old Triumph engine was bored out to 2.1 liters and all the gears were now synchronized – with overdrive available on third and fourth.

Buyers quickly warmed to the TR4, however, and about 40,000 of them were made – most of them coming to the United States.

In 1965, the car got a new chassis and an independent rear suspension (the old live axle remained as an option) and morphed into the TR4A, the last TR with four-cylinder power until the TR7 of 1974. The new rear suspension not only made for better handling, it was quieter and more comfortable too. The TR4A was offered for just two years before being superseded by the TR5 (TR250 in the United States), with six-cylinder power.

Nature has been reclaiming this sad TR4A for some time, and there’s not much left to use. This image was taken as part of an extensive photo series in upstate New York, with more to come…