Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

Stag, a new kind of Triumph, advertising proclaimed in 1970 and it was a Grand Touring V8 with aggressive features from Giovanni Michelotti at under £2,500.00 new. The design no doubt enjoyed by the bosses at Canley led to the 2000/2500 saloon adopting similar characteristics. Nearly a quarter of those produced went for export and whilst the well documented reliability issues kept the production numbers low (just under 26,000) the Stag’s popularity has increased substantially over the years. Good examples fetch a premium and knowledgeable owners cured issues due to poor engineering of the original cooling system resolving most complaints of ‘over heating’. Like most seventies Midlands built cars, Triumph’s suffered with body corrosion and the Stag was no different and with low production numbers, unmolested solid examples became a rarity. Scaring away most buyers, a comprehensive knowledge of the model was essential prior to handing over a cheque. Those that understood the maintenance requirements and took a chance when the Stag hit rock bottom are now reaping their rewards, as you are unlikely to find many cheap, unreliable examples around today. No doubt its an attractive classic, although it is something of an anomaly, neither a coupe nor a real convertible with its Targa style roll over bar. That said, the model was, and still is cherished by real enthusiasts and that is the case here…..

Obviously, Country Classic Cars are delighted to offer this extremely original Triumph Stag on behalf of the owner’s family (deceased sale) and as always, we look to carry out an in-depth inspection, identifying any issues found prior to sale. We pride ourselves on offering an honest ‘warts and all’ appraisal of every vehicle we offer for sale, this avoids buyer disappointment often resulting from a lack of detail within sales adverts. Registered 15th September 1977, this example is finished in its original Carmine Red (burgundy) the first owner enjoyed the car until 1982 before the second took charge for a decade and in 1992 the current owners began their long-term love affair approaching 30 years. The car has been in storage most of its life, used sparingly as the history file confirms and shows just 24,800 miles. The last owner requested the AA to supply a report prior to purchase, this took place on the 14th July 1992 at the time the car had recorded 16,950 miles. MOT certificates show the mileage at 23,671 in 2007 rising to 24,172 by 2011, typical of limited summer use and some years travelling just 50 miles between test dates. Whilst we cannot guarantee this is genuine, the overall presentation of this sportster plus the paperwork suggests it is more likely than not to be correct.

With the paint approaching its 45th year it’s entitled to offer some age and any interested party should be aware the boot lid finish has faded slightly. The o/s front wing top edge has been polished through in one small area and there is a scratch on the n/s front wing over the wheel arch. Overall, the finish is bright (as the images confirm) and many would find perfectly acceptable, any perfectionist will consider the paint is tired but would take heart from the straight panels that enjoy factory gaps. A very clean canvas top has many more years of service to offer and there is a matching factory hard top included, this has not been fitted since the early 90s and presents with similar originality as the rest of the car. Underneath is impressive, no additional protection has been applied over the years and viewed on the ramp we failed to find any corrosion or patch repairs, it is factory. Chrome trim is largely ‘all present and correct’ although areas like door handles offer some age. Bumpers present well but the rear has one area of impact damage to the o/s and the front features two raised areas also due to being caught on the o/s edge. Interior screams 1970’s with beige vinyl seat covers unmarked and very period. The foam support has failed on both front seat backs and will require replacing whilst the mustard carpets maybe a more recent replacement, offering minimal wear and protected with overmats. Lift these carpets to view solid original panels (images can be supplied including boot area) boasting factory finish. Trim panels have largely escaped the aging process, just slight cracking to the veneer around the gear lever whilst the rest of the dash wood is damage free but would benefit from fresh sealing. A Radiomobile LW/MW unit is installed, this crackles with good intensions but offers little in the way of in car entertainment. We tested the electric windows, remote quarter light openings and hazard switch etc and found all operating as they should. Finally, a small repairable tear was noted on the vinyl covering on the hood storage compartment lid.

Mechanically there is very little that hasn’t been improved. We were told this Stag had an overheating issue in 2020, rather than chase a quick fix the motor was removed and sent to CMES (Classic & Modern Engine Services) in Bracknell, our trusted engine builder. It was completely stripped with crank re-ground, fresh bearings etc and comes with a 12-month 12k mile warranty. Radiator was removed, pressure tested then refitted with new silicone hoses throughout, the heater matrix was also tested before flushing the system using the correct additives. We rebuilt the carbs including diaphragms and jets then did the same with the brake calipers up front with new wheel cylinders to the rear, shoes and pads obviously plus new lines. Ignition system, power steering enjoyed fresh leads and hoses plus cables for the choke and heater controls. There isn’t one part of this classic sportster that has not benefited from our attention and the evidence of that is in the drive. Instant start up, with choke from cold allowing the new motor to warm, any new owner should expect to continue the engine running-in period. The Borg-Warner automatic transmission selects without fuss and who needs a radio when this fresh V8 offers a symphony via the full-length stainless exhaust.

Our Stag is the most honest and authentic example we have seen, it has also been a joy to have in our workshop for a no expense spared overhaul …. Now it is time for a new custodian to take the reins, it’s priced to sell and therefore is expected to attract a lot of attention, so early contact is recommended. For additional information please message with your email address for multiple detailed images and walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only and within current Government guidelines and whilst inspections are encouraged, please bear in mind the changing situation especially with regards to test drives.