RESERVE LOWERED - 1973 Triumph Stag
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
• Much recent expenditure has brought this car up to an excellent standard
• Three-litre V8 a delight on the open road
• Automatic gearbox for easy driving
• Superb interior
The Background
The Triumph Stag brought something new to the British motoring scene on its launch in 1970. Triumph’s established Spitfire and TR-series were sports cars in the traditional sense, two-seaters which derived their sporty characteristics from light weight and nimble handling more than brute power. The Stag was built to an entirely different formula. An American would have called it a ‘personal luxury’ car – one capable of seating four in comfort but intended primarily for the enjoyment of the driver and their companion. It wasn’t a rival to American cars, though. It just enjoyed a corner of the British market all to itself.
The heart of the Stag was a rumbling three-litre, overhead-cam V8, lazy at low revs but harbouring some considerable energy, waiting to be released at the command of the driver’s right foot. The majority of Stags were fitted with a Borg-Warner Type 35 gearbox from the factory. That allowed it to be driven quite effortlessly, and the Stag’s combination of size, comfort and power made it the perfect car for long-distance, open-road runs. Built as a convertible, but with the option of a (later standardised) hardtop, it was a car you could enjoy in any weather, too.
The heart of the Stag was a rumbling three-litre, overhead-cam V8, lazy at low revs but harbouring some considerable energy, waiting to be released at the command of the driver’s right foot. The majority of Stags were fitted with a Borg-Warner Type 35 gearbox from the factory. That allowed it to be driven quite effortlessly, and the Stag’s combination of size, comfort and power made it the perfect car for long-distance, open-road runs. Built as a convertible, but with the option of a (later standardised) hardtop, it was a car you could enjoy in any weather, too.
The engine was the subject of some considerable interest at the time as it was intended for wider use across the Triumph range. Unfortunately, motor-industry politics put paid to that. Halfway through the engine’s development, Leyland Motors, which already owned Triumph, acquired Rover as well. Rover already had its own proven and popular 3½-litre V8, and any V8 saloons Triumph might have had planned would have been in direct competition with its Leyland stablemate.
As the Stag was moderately expensive when new, it sold well but not in vast numbers. Around 19,000 were sold in Britain from 1970 to 1977, but they have survived well to become one of today’s most popular classics, with a thriving club scene and good parts availability.
The History
According to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, UYT 989M left Triumph’s Canley works on 30th August 1973, finished in New White with a Black interior and hood, and was registered in the south-west part of Greater London. Its specification from the factory included the Borg-Warner automatic gearbox, Sundym laminated windscreen, heater, inertia-reel seatbelts, hardtop and five-spoke alloy wheels.
The history is picked up in 2017, when we find the Stag owned by a gentleman from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. The vendor acquired it in 2019 from a seller in Lincolnshire. It looked very good at first glance but closer inspection revealed that it left a bit to be desired, with some filler here and bad paint there.
The vendor intended to keep the Stag for the long term, so wanted it well protected against corrosion. He took it to ADM Vehicle Solutions to be stripped to bare metal and resprayed in the correct New White, while the underside of the car was stripped and sprayed with protective paint. The mohair hood was replaced around the same time. The vendor couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out but, sadly, illness forces the sale.
The history is picked up in 2017, when we find the Stag owned by a gentleman from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. The vendor acquired it in 2019 from a seller in Lincolnshire. It looked very good at first glance but closer inspection revealed that it left a bit to be desired, with some filler here and bad paint there.
The vendor intended to keep the Stag for the long term, so wanted it well protected against corrosion. He took it to ADM Vehicle Solutions to be stripped to bare metal and resprayed in the correct New White, while the underside of the car was stripped and sprayed with protective paint. The mohair hood was replaced around the same time. The vendor couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out but, sadly, illness forces the sale.
The Paperwork
The Stag boasts an extensive paperwork file, much of which consists of receipts and invoices for goods and services obtained since 2017, including some from noted Triumph specialists Rimmer Bros and Robsport International. There is also a comprehensive MoT history dating back to 2006, which shows that it has been subjected only to very light use in the past 15 years, and, of course, a V5.
Also included is a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, period Stag owners’ manual in very good condition and a run of Stag Owners’ Club magazines from November, 2020, to June, 2021. The Stag’s repaint was photographically documented and the photographs currently exist in a digital format. The vendor will be happy to transfer them to a disc for the buyer.
Also included is a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, period Stag owners’ manual in very good condition and a run of Stag Owners’ Club magazines from November, 2020, to June, 2021. The Stag’s repaint was photographically documented and the photographs currently exist in a digital format. The vendor will be happy to transfer them to a disc for the buyer.
The Interior
The Stag’s interior is outstanding given that the seats, mats and carpets are believed to be all original. As stated, the dash has been refinished in non-original walnut, but that certainly does not detract from the car’s appearance. Although an aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel is fitted, the original steering wheel is included in the sale. A pair of aftermarket ‘Stag’ mats lie on top of the original floor mats, giving them some extra protection.
The vendor advises that all the dash lights and gauges work perfectly, although the clock was not showing the correct time when we inspected the car.
The only deviation from period is the stereo system, which has recently been upgraded with a Pioneer DAB radio and CD player with two Pioneer speakers in the front doors. A hardtop is included, which is in excellent order but had acquired a substantial tear in the headlining, which has since been stitched up.
The vendor advises that all the dash lights and gauges work perfectly, although the clock was not showing the correct time when we inspected the car.
The only deviation from period is the stereo system, which has recently been upgraded with a Pioneer DAB radio and CD player with two Pioneer speakers in the front doors. A hardtop is included, which is in excellent order but had acquired a substantial tear in the headlining, which has since been stitched up.
The Exterior
After such a thorough cosmetic refresh, the Stag presents very well. Apart from a few small chips and blemishes at the bottom of the front and rear valances, the paint appears to be spotless, and the wheels are just as good as the rest of the car.
The Nankang tyres were new in 2017. The chrome, too, is excellent, giving a deep, mirror-like shine. Having been replaced in 2019, the mohair hood is still very much like new, although there are some very small splits in the vinyl of the padded T-bar.
The detachable hardtop is also in superb order, painted in a black which nicely complements the white body. After its extensive rust prevention treatment, the underside can be seen to be not only solid but also extremely clean.
The Nankang tyres were new in 2017. The chrome, too, is excellent, giving a deep, mirror-like shine. Having been replaced in 2019, the mohair hood is still very much like new, although there are some very small splits in the vinyl of the padded T-bar.
The detachable hardtop is also in superb order, painted in a black which nicely complements the white body. After its extensive rust prevention treatment, the underside can be seen to be not only solid but also extremely clean.
The Mechanics
A short run along local roads reveals the Stag to be in excellent mechanical order, as befits a car with such low mileage. It starts on the button for us, and settles into a contented, burbling idle. It accelerates and brakes responsively, steers precisely and delivers an altogether very smooth, comfortable ride.
It is well known that, in the 1970s, Stags were prone to overheating, but we have no reason to suspect this one will give any trouble. Between them, the Ayrshire gentleman and the vendor have invested a lot of money in the car and renewed a number of components.
In addition to new service parts and consumables, since 2017 it has received new front and rear shock absorbers, front and rear brake discs and pads, fuel pump, radiator, alternator, headlights, number plate lights, battery, suspension bushes, tyres and rev counter. It has also been upgraded with electronic ignition.
The Stag was MoTed on 15th June, 2021, and passed with no advisories.
It is well known that, in the 1970s, Stags were prone to overheating, but we have no reason to suspect this one will give any trouble. Between them, the Ayrshire gentleman and the vendor have invested a lot of money in the car and renewed a number of components.
In addition to new service parts and consumables, since 2017 it has received new front and rear shock absorbers, front and rear brake discs and pads, fuel pump, radiator, alternator, headlights, number plate lights, battery, suspension bushes, tyres and rev counter. It has also been upgraded with electronic ignition.
The Stag was MoTed on 15th June, 2021, and passed with no advisories.
The Appeal
The Stag was a sensation when it appeared at motor shows in 1970 for much the same reasons as it is a sensation today – good looks, accessible power and all the necessary qualities of a refined touring car.
What gives it the edge over other, more traditional sports cars is that it’s just that more useable. You can get in and out of a Stag without subjecting your body to unnatural contortions. You can drive for ages without feeling the slightest discomfort. You can enjoy it to the fullest extent in youth or retirement without worrying about children or grandchildren, as they can be satisfactorily accommodated in the back.
The Stag had so much going for it, it’s a surprise the formula was never really take up by other marques. Its unique quality in this respect only adds to its appeal, and is just one factor in its popularity today. With a thriving owners’ club and excellent spares availability, the Stag has so much scope for enjoyment, and being tax-free and MoT-exempt just makes it that little bit more satisfying.
Whether your particular preference is for enthusiastic driving, chatting with other owners at the pub or quietly tinkering in the garage, you can do it with a Stag.
What gives it the edge over other, more traditional sports cars is that it’s just that more useable. You can get in and out of a Stag without subjecting your body to unnatural contortions. You can drive for ages without feeling the slightest discomfort. You can enjoy it to the fullest extent in youth or retirement without worrying about children or grandchildren, as they can be satisfactorily accommodated in the back.
The Stag had so much going for it, it’s a surprise the formula was never really take up by other marques. Its unique quality in this respect only adds to its appeal, and is just one factor in its popularity today. With a thriving owners’ club and excellent spares availability, the Stag has so much scope for enjoyment, and being tax-free and MoT-exempt just makes it that little bit more satisfying.
Whether your particular preference is for enthusiastic driving, chatting with other owners at the pub or quietly tinkering in the garage, you can do it with a Stag.
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 1973
- Make Triumph
- Model Stag
- Colour White
- Odometer 28,855 Miles
- Engine size 2997
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
34
bids
- al•••• £18,950 16/07/21
- ad•••• £18,700 16/07/21
- is•••• £18,500 16/07/21
- ad•••• £18,000 16/07/21
- is•••• £17,750 16/07/21
- ad•••• £17,500 16/07/21
- is•••• £17,000 16/07/21
- ad•••• £16,500 15/07/21
- is•••• £16,000 15/07/21
- ad•••• £15,500 15/07/21
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.