Highlights
・Fantastic sounding V8 engined British sports car
・Previously owned by former England football captain
・Entirely original car in fantastic mechanical condition
The Background
The result of a styling experiment by Italian designer, Giovanni Michelotti, the Triumph Stag was launched in 1970 and sold in relatively limited numbers - around 18,000 to the UK market – during its 8-year production cycle. Fitted with a throaty V8, the Stag was a luxury sports car designed to trouble the German manufactures and compete directly with the Mercedez-Benz SL models, for example.
With its Italian styling, the Triumph provided owners a sophisticated touring car which did indeed have it all: a delightful V8 soundtrack, practicality and comfort. With the optional hardtop, both the driving qualities and the year-round useability were increased, whilst with the roof down a T-Bar/rollbar setup was left in place to ensure the safety of its occupants.
Offered here is one of the later 1976 Stags, made rarer with its desirable automatic gearbox and low mileage. Thanks to a very recent mechanical overhaul and careful previous owners, the car is ready to hit the road.
The History
Bought in June 2020, the current keeper didn’t delay in having his new Stag booked in with Enginuity - the experts in the Triumph marque - to have a complete mechanical overhaul completed and a health check undertaken. This was done with a ‘money no object’ approach, seeing a bill of work for around £7k produced and in doing so, bringing the car into excellent mechanical health.
As illustrated by the extensive paperwork, previous owners, those of whom include the former England football captain, Gerry Francis, have used the car lightly. There’s evidence to suggest that this car was a member of the official Stag Owners Club and thus clearly owned by real aficionados of the British icon. The current seller dearly loves the car though due to his London-based location, doesn’t get to drive the car enough. Through his ownership it’s been stored in an underground carpark and subject to only a few hundred dry miles.
The Paperwork
Paperwork is extensive with this Triumph, providing credence to the mileage and extensive maintenance that’s been undertaken both recently and as far back as the 80’s. The original Stag owner’s handbook is still with the car and numerous editions of the Stag Owners club issues accompany the paperwork. The work undertaken for the recent, full mechanical overhaul is itemised and will be provided to the winning bidder.
MOT history is visible online as too are most paper copies, with the current MOT up for renewal this month which it should have no trouble passing.
The Interior
Sit down into the comfortable, supportive vinyl seats and you’re greeted by a beautifully simple leather and stainless-steel steering wheel that invites you to take a hold. The wooden dash is in fantastic condition and all dials, switches and clocks appear to be in perfect working order. The only deviation from original condition is the Pioneer CD player that’s been installed.
The rear bench seat is in excellent condition though for the person who wants an immaculate interior, getting the front seats re-trimmed would be a consideration as they have gathered the marks that you may expect over such a long period of time with some slight patches of damage to the vinyl on the rear of each seat and a split in the bolster of the drivers seat.
Elsewhere the door cards, carpets and rubber floor protectors are all in good condition with no obvious signs of aging.
The Exterior
A beautifully presented classic sports car, the exterior is in good condition by modern car standards and certainly for something that’s fast approaching half a century on the road. The classy off-white paint is generally in lovely condition and the brightwork still shining in the sun. A more meticulous eye might pick up on the small paint run can near to one of the taillights and the odd mark to the edge of the doors but, overall, the bodywork has been fantastically well preserved. Though not in show condition, it’s certainly presentable and has been cared for lovingly over the years.
The roof, which folds down flat and returns to its position without fault, is in great condition with no marks or abrasion and the vinyl window is free from any rips or holes. Though not in the same location so couldn’t be photographed, the owner assures us that the car comes with a hardtop which is in fair condition and matches the white paintwork.
The underside is – from what could be seen without getting underneath it – very clean, owing to recent decontamination and rust treatment. The sills and arches had some bodywork completed at 65,000 miles and appear solid with only minor indications of surface rust spotted around the car. Meanwhile the original wheels with their polished lips are in excellent condition and are shod in near new, matching Bridgestones.
The Mechanics
Perhaps not known for their reputation of reliability, this example throws any of these notions out of the window thanks to the extensive mechanical work that’s been lavished upon it by the current keeper. A long list of replacement parts and maintenance will be provided to the winning bidder, which details – among many other things – the following works completed in August 2020:
-A full service with all service parts replaced including spark plugs and fluids
-New electronic ignition fitted which starts on the button every time
-New, larger radiator fitted to ensure no overheating in city traffic
-Brake overhaul with replacement of discs, pads and brake lines
-Suspension overhaul with new shocks, springs, trailing arms and bushes throughout
-New power steering rack
-Replacement master cylinder
-New battery
-Full health check including engine pressure testing completed
It’s clear that this Stag wants for nothing, mechanically speaking and is in fine fettle, ready for its new owner to enjoy with complete peace of mind.
The Appeal
Ask anyone – car lover or not – for the name of a classic British sports car, or even to draw one, and the chances are that a Triumph Stag will be right at the top of the list. Synonymous with the genre, there are few left in such fantastic, useable condition as this. The bodywork, with its crisp white paint and shiny chrome work looks fantastic in the sun, while it’s not in such a condition that you’d live in fear for each potential stone chip. The most compelling reason for why anyone would choose this car though must be the recent maintenance. With every potential weak-point addressed in the comprehensive work, there’s nothing left for the new owner to do other than drop the roof, buckle up and listen to that iconic V8 roar.
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.
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