RESERVE LOWERED - 1972 Triumph Stag Convertible
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
・Beautifully restored with invoices in excess of £30,000
・Stunning condition Mk1 Stag with original 3.0l V8 engine
・Treasure trove of invoices, old photos and documentation
﹒Restored by Faversham motors
﹒Restored by Faversham motors
・Includes factory hard top
The Background
Designed to go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Mercedes SL models of the time, the MK1 Triumph Stag was launched to the world in 1970, to widespread warm reception at various motor shows across the globe.
Styled by the legendary Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti - who also produced such hits as the BMW 2002, Ferrari 225S Coupe and Spider, and a number of other hits for Triumph such as the TR4 and GT6 - the Stag is unusual in being a four-seater cabriolet with a roll-bar, which was dictated by strict US-market rollover standards.
Despite this technicality, the Stag is a fantastic looking machine, with a mix of brutish charm from head-on, and flowing, Italian lines along the side and towards the rear of the car, resulting in the now instantly-recognisable silhouette of the Stag.
The monocoque construction was fitted from the word go with a 3.0l V8 engine of Triumph’s own design, along with MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-trailing rear arms, rack-and-pinion power assisted steering, and front disc brakes.
With only 25,877 cars produced during the Stag’s short lifespan of seven years (1970-77) only 19,097 remained on UK shores, making them a relatively rare sight by modern standards, and even more so today.
Factory options were limited on the Stags, with the choice between a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission or manual transmission derived from the TR2. The factory hard top was a popular option, and given the impressive kit list from the factory included items such as electric windows, power steering and power-assisted brakes, the majority of ‘options’ were mostly cosmetic.
With around 9,000 Stags believed to have survived in the UK, the Stag remains a vital part of British sports car history, and still retains a cult following to this day.
The History
This particular car is a 1972 example, which the seller has christened a ‘MK 1.5’ on account of the car technically being a MK1 Stag, but fitted with several updated parts from the MK2 which was produced from 1973.
The most notable upgrades are the headrests and stripes that travel along the side of the car, but otherwise we are told that most of the other parts are original Triumph examples.
That originality also extends to the engine bay, where the factory-fitted 3.0l, 145hp V8 can be found, albeit in significantly ‘dressed up’ condition. This is now a sought-after piece of originality on the Triumph Stag, as many owners converted the cars to various other V8s, notably those from competing company Rover. While this was a popular modification ‘in period,’ cars retaining the original Triumph powerplant are now becoming sought-after, with the original engines alone commanding an impressive sum on the second-hand market.
Despite the originality, however, this is a car that has been truly loved and cherished by her owners. Fully restored in 2013 by Faversham Motors with an impressive amount of paperwork to back this up, this Stag is in pristine condition throughout, and shows only 18,300 miles on the odometer. Striking an excellent balance between having been used enough not to require cocooning away, while being in such a condition it could enter many classic car shows and draw a crowd, this is a prime example of a true thoroughbred British sports car.
The Paperwork
In terms of paperwork, this Stag comes with just about everything you could dream of finding with a restored car such as this. Old photos of the car prior to restoration, invoices amounting to a generous five-figure restoration cost, parts receipts, and no less than twenty old MOT certificates are all part of the package, giving this particular Stag an impressive back story.
The Interior
Inside, it is immediately obvious that this is a truly cherished example of the classic V8-engined British sports car. The first thing you notice is the condition of the seats - the coverings look as if they’ve hardly been sat in, such is the condition of the material.
The interior woodwork also appears to be in outstanding condition, with a deep gloss to the finish and no outwardly visible marks or scratches that we can see. Usual high-traffic areas such as the carpets in the footwells also seem to be blemish-free, which is testament to the high level of care and attention that this car has received throughout its lifetime.
As previously mentioned, there are a number of MK2 Stag updates that feature on this particular example, the most notable of which inside is the addition of the seat headrests, offering improved support and safety, along with modernising the interior appearance.
Such is the condition of this car, that even the boot is immaculate as far as we can see, including the soft top for those warm sunny days when the hard top will likely be stowed away in the garage.
The Exterior
The immaculate nature of the interior is also reflected on the outside of this Stag, which presents in resplendent condition. The red paintwork has an impressive shine to it, and the chrome trim around the car all appears to be in equally excellent condition, with no visual or reported signs of damage or scratches, with the vendor describing the car as being in “showroom” condition.
As previously mentioned, the black stripes along the side of the car come from the later MK2 models, but feel perfectly ‘at home’ on this MK1, adding a touch of modernity and unique styling to this early Stag, and contrasting well against the radiant red paintwork.
The intricate wire-spoked wheels of this era are notoriously tricky to clean, but it appears that hasn’t disheartened this vendor, who has kept them in seemingly box-fresh condition, with absolutely no visible kerning or scratches to report.
With many customers opting to enjoy the soft top of their Stag, the inclusion of the original factory hardtop (also in excellent condition) with this sale is an attractive proposition, as it turns this convertible classic into a perfectly feasible ‘all-weather’ car, offering additional comfort over the foldable soft-top, and looks absolutely fantastic in the process of doing so.
The Mechanicals
Under the hood, the Triumph V8 engine has benefitted from a significant dressing-up, with plenty of chrome to make it stand out. The engine presents in visually excellent condition and, according to the seller, drives absolutely ‘perfectly’ out on the road, with no reported faults or issues.
The ‘dress up kit’ on the engine will certainly set this Stag apart from the crowd at any event or classic car show, with the chrome covers, ‘Stag’ detailing and V8 badging offering an attractive, yet unique, appearance to the factory-fitted 3.0l V8 engine.
As you would expect for a car which has been looked after to such a high degree, there are no known faults, issues, or leaks reported by the vendor, and that is backed up by photographic proof of what must be one of the cleanest and tidiest Triumph Stag engine bays in existence. According to the seller, the car “drives perfectly” and is now ready for the next owner to enjoy it.
The Appeal
If you fancy a stunning, restored, ready-to-go classic British sports car, you can’t go far wrong here. From the glorious sounds of the V8 engine up front to the stylish Michelotti bodywork in fantastic condition, this Stag is ready to enjoy for the Summer, and every other season in-between.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Triumph
- Model Stag
- Colour Red
- Odometer 18,300 Miles
- Engine size 2997
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
13
bids
from 7
bidders
- ea•••• £23,700 19/05/21
- GH•••• £22,750 16/05/21
- ea•••• £22,500 15/05/21
- Ma•••• £9,500 15/05/21
- sp•••• £9,000 15/05/21
- Ke•••• £8,700 15/05/21
- Ke•••• £8,600 15/05/21
- Ma•••• £8,500 15/05/21
- M7•••• £7,000 15/05/21
- Ke•••• £6,866 14/05/21
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.