Highlights
- Only one owner from new
- Much-loved family car
- Garaged and wonderfully original in its specification
The Appeal
Launched in 1970 and never given a direct successor, the Triumph Stag was truly one of Michelotti’s masterpieces, and was aimed at the luxury sports car market.
A genuine four-seater car, the whole family were able to enjoy top-down motoring, with added protection thanks to the ‘roll bar’ B-pillar fitted to conform to American safety standards, due to a large proportion of Stag production being destined for foreign shores.
Whilst there was never any official model designation, pre-1973 cars are often referred to as ‘mk1’ with post-73 cars being known by enthusiasts as ‘mk2’ examples.
This particular example was purchased new by the one and only owner, who has kept the car for nearly 50 years, cherishing it, using it and enjoying it as a family vehicle. A true example of a car becoming ‘part of the family’ this delightful Stag starts on-the-button and is ready to use and enjoy for many years to come.
History/Paperwork
- Purchased new by the vendor, the car was initially registered into his business’ name, and then later transferred into his private ownership, hence the V5 showing one former keeper.
- Supplied new by Octogan Motors of Warminster, Wiltshire, the car is now only being sold due to a long-term health condition preventing the owner from using and enjoying the vehicle as it should be.
- The owners manuals, V5, numerous invoices and other miscellaneous documentation is included with the vehicle, all contained in a neat folder.
- During the vendor’s tenure with the vehicle, the car has been maintained well, previously re-sprayed and has had any known corrosion issues attended to in recent years, with the underside of the vehicle protected to ensure its continued survival.
- Current MoT valid until October 2023, despite the vehicle being exempt from mandatory testing by virtue of its age.
The Interior
- Previously re-trimmed, the interior presents in very good order throughout.
- There is a small rip visible to the cover of the front passenger seat, on the inner base bolster.
- The carpets are in good condition throughout, with no heavy wear or staining noted, though some attention is required around the driver’s footwell.
- Up above, the headliner of the hard top is secure, though the trim around the rear window would benefit from some attention.
- Ahead of the driver, the dashboard is in good shape, and free of any cracks or damage.
- The high-traffic areas such as the door sill covers, steering wheel, shifter and door cards display a commensurate usage patina.
- The centre console requires some attention, with the stereo not sitting correctly and the trims around the choke being loose.
- In the boot, the rear carpet trim requires re-affixing, but presents well overall.
- The vendor notes that the radio system is not currently operating, though the dials and gauges are working as they should be.
The Exterior
- Previously re-sprayed.
- Presents well overall.
- All chrome details, fixtures and fittings present.
- The passenger door has previously been replaced, and does not quite fit correctly at the rear, and is a slightly different shade of red.
- The chrome details present well, with some light pitting around the window frames, and some more visible marks noted on the upper edges of both the front and rear bumpers.
- The passenger door handle is stiff, but works as it should.
- There are a few patches of bubbling noted on the hard top, around the rain gutters and along the lower edge of the rear window.
- The paintwork on the boot lid shows some flat areas, though these may polish out with a DA.
- Looking closely, there are some paint runs visible on the nearside rear pillar of the hard top.
- The vendor reports that the soft-top is in excellent condition, with no waterproofing issues.
- All four wheels present well, though there is some corrosion visible to the inner lips. Also comes with four spare wheel trims.
- There is no sign of any obvious accident damage, or any particularly visible scuffs or heavy wear on the body.
- Set of four wheel trims included
The Mechanicals
- 3.0-litre Triumph V8 engine in good health.
- Starts, runs and idles very happily even from cold.
- No excessive smoking or untoward behaviours noted during our photo shoot.
- The vendor reports no known mechanical issues with the engine or transmission.
- Switchable factory overdrive on the four-speed gearbox.
- The most recent MoT highlighted advisories for a small oil leak, a coolant leak, leaking windscreen washer bottle and the rear brakes being imbalanced.
Summary
With just one owner from new, this cherished and adored example of the ‘mk1’ Triumph Stag requires some TLC to bring it back to its best, though it is useable and enjoyable as it sits.
Reluctantly up for sale due to an ongoing health condition, the vendor hopes that this Stag will go to a committed enthusiast that will not only attend to any minor issues that have been mentioned, but will continue to cherish and enjoy the vehicle just as the vendor has done so for nearly 50 years.
Notice to bidders
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