Topless 1962 two-seat sports car used by Essex Police to chase criminals set to go under the hammer 

A two-seater sports car used by police in the 1960s as a high-speed pursuit vehicle is going under the hammer after being completely restored. 

The white Triumph TR4 was delivered to Essex Police in May 1962 to help keep pace with the rapidly increasing top speeds of cars on British roads.  

However, between 1934 and 1967, the only speed limits on British roads were a restriction of 30mph in built up areas. Outside towns and villages, cars were only limited by the power of their engines and the ability of the driver. 

This glorious Triumph TR4 was delivered brand new to Essex Police as their ‘fast pursuit vehicle’ – even though it was lacking things normally found in a police car, such as a roof, seat belts and a place to hold a suspect

The Triumph TR4 was chosen as it was capable of reaching 110mph and able hit 60mph in a little over 10 seconds

The Triumph TR4 was chosen as it was capable of reaching 110mph and able hit 60mph in a little over 10 seconds 

The car was powered by a 2.2-litre four cylinder engine. The engine bay, pictured, has been fitted with a bell, which would be used to alert miscreant motorists that they should pull over

The car was powered by a 2.2-litre four cylinder engine. The engine bay, pictured, has been fitted with a bell, which would be used to alert miscreant motorists that they should pull over  

In the case of dangerous drivers, police required something with sufficient pace to keep up with the offender.  

The Triumph TR4 was a popular pursuit car in the early 1960s as it boasted a 2.2litre engine which had a four cylinder engine producing 100bhp and capable of hitting 110mph. 

It could sprint from 0-60mph in a little over 10 seconds – which was very brisk for the early 1960s. 

The car was in great demand by officers in Essex Police, according to  

The newly restored Triumph TR4 will be sold with H&H Classics on July 24 in Buxton. Amazingly, the car – which cost more than £60,000 to bring back to life – is being offered with ‘No Reserve’ – meaning a bid as low as £1 could buy it.  

Inspector W H Jobson, pictured beside the Triumph TR4, which was delivered to Essex Police in May 1962 and has recently been fully restored back to its original glory

Inspector W H Jobson, pictured beside the Triumph TR4, which was delivered to Essex Police in May 1962 and has recently been fully restored back to its original glory 

The car has been restored to how it looked while with Essex Police - including the rather large VHS Pye Vanguard radio system

The car has been restored to how it looked while with Essex Police – including the rather large VHS Pye Vanguard radio system

The radio was fitted into car originally by Essex Police's own mechanics, however it was removed when it was sold to the public after the car was retired. The team behind rebuilding it sourced the original-type radio for the restoration

The radio was fitted into car originally by Essex Police’s own mechanics, however it was removed when it was sold to the public after the car was retired. The team behind rebuilding it sourced the original-type radio for the restoration 

The front grille and boot have the original Police signs - as it was impossible to fit a blue light to the top of a convertible

The front grille and boot have the original Police signs – as it was impossible to fit a blue light to the top of a convertible 

Roger Nowell of H&H Classics, said: 'This fabulous TR4 was supplied to the Southend-on-Sea Constabulary in May 1962 as a fast pursuit vehicle. It comes with pictures of it while in service with two officers seated, copy of the Police book, "advanced driving explained" which it is featured on the cover with Inspector W H Jobson , the author and various letters and emails from the officers who drove the car whilst in service'

Roger Nowell of H&H Classics, said: ‘This fabulous TR4 was supplied to the Southend-on-Sea Constabulary in May 1962 as a fast pursuit vehicle. It comes with pictures of it while in service with two officers seated, copy of the Police book, “advanced driving explained” which it is featured on the cover with Inspector W H Jobson , the author and various letters and emails from the officers who drove the car whilst in service’

According to documentation being supplied with the car, Superintendent Bill Burles wanted Triumph as a ‘fast pursuit car’. It was driven on average 150 miles a day – up to 1,000 miles a week. 

When first supplied, the car had no seatbelts with the passenger being forced to hang on to the seat when involved in a fast pursuit. Such was the force used, the seat was wrenched form the floor, so mechanics had to held in place heavier plates to the chassis and use bolts to attach the seats. 

The car was restored by Revington TR and has been fitted with working signs, Winkworth bell, air horns and spot lamps. 

In the boot, a VHF Pye Vanguard radio has been fitted. The enthusiastic driver will be pleased to know the car has been fitted with an overdrive. It even has its original registration number.  

When the car was originally delivered to Essex police, it was not fitted with any seatbelts

When the car was originally delivered to Essex police, it was not fitted with any seatbelts 

Original-style police lights were fitted to the front and the rear of the car when it was restored in 2013

Original-style police lights were fitted to the front and the rear of the car when it was restored in 2013

The driver only had very basic instruments on the dashboard, including the rev-counter, right

The driver only had very basic instruments on the dashboard, including the rev-counter, right

This emergency bell would not have been fitted to the car when it originally left the factory in 1962

This emergency bell would not have been fitted to the car when it originally left the factory in 1962

Officers would have communicated with their base using this telephone handset, listening out for calls over the speaker

Officers would have communicated with their base using this telephone handset, listening out for calls over the speaker

Roger Nowell of H&H Classics, said: ‘This fabulous TR4 was supplied to the Southend-on-Sea Constabulary in May 1962 as a fast pursuit vehicle. It comes with pictures of it while in service with two officers seated, copy of the Police book, “advanced driving explained” which it is featured on the cover with Inspector W H Jobson , the author and various letters and emails from the officers who drove the car whilst in service.’ 

‘The car received a comprehensive restoration by Revignton TR at which point all the correct Police items were refitted. 

‘In 2013, the TR Register confirmed a restoration of this magnitude would cost in excess of £60,000. This is surely a unique opportunity to acquire a TR4 Police car with superb history. Code named “Zest”, the TR4 was introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the TR3A. Though based on the chassis and drivetrain of its much-loved predecessor it cut a far more modern dash, thanks to an all-new Michelotti-styled body.

‘Power was provided by Triumph’s proven OHV four-cylinder engine. The capacity was, however, increased to 2138cc. Other mechanical updates included a wider track front and rear, rack and pinion steering and an all-synchromesh gearbox.

‘The optional overdrive was now made to operate on second and third gears as well as top. There was also the option of a unique hardtop with fixed glass rear window, integral rollbar and removable centre section.’ 

 A total of 40,253 TR4s were manufactured between 1961 and January 1965.

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