1975 Triumph Stag

Highlights

Extensive service history with invoices for major and minor works
Cared for by a highly reputable classic car garage for the past 10 years
Rover V8 engine
Recent extensive mechanical work and parts replacement

The Appeal

The Triumph Stag is often credited as one of the boldest, most fearlessly continental style cars that Triumph ever embarked upon. Penned by the legendary Giovanni Michelotti, the car was intended to fight off the likes of Mercedes-Benz. While it didn't quite achieve that, it's garnered one of the most dedicated followings out there - and we often hear of Stags that have undergone extensive restorations by those touched by them.

This finely presented example is exactly that. Previously owned by the vendor's father, this sentimentally significant car has been undergoing a rolling restoration since 2016. It now comes to us after the vendor taking it as far as he could - and it's quite a fabulous example.

Still carrying charming levels of patina, this beautifully kept sports car boasts an extensive history file, with plenty of invoices for work and parts alike. The Rover V8 engine, replacing the oft-troublesome Triumph unit, is burbling away impressively, and we understand it's proven quite the headturner.

We've no doubt this car has quite a future ahead of it. Whether you intend to take it up a notch to a top-class example, or simply use it as your weekend classic, this is a great opportunity.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1975
The DVLA records 15 previous keepers
In current ownership since 2016
This was the owner's father's car, with great sentimental value
Car has been cared for and worked on by a highly reputable classic car garage for about 10 years
Since 2016 the car has been extensively rebuilt and restored
All service invoices and works included with the sale
Full list of works identified at the start of the restoration journey
Currently indicates 24,469 miles on a five-figure odometer
Odometer is believed to have been reset when the engine was replaced

The Condition

Overall in good condition
Restoration project that has come quite some way, with needs completing
Paintwork in reasonable condition, cleans and polishes well
Chrome work carries some pitting on the bumpers
Some evidence of bubbling on the boot lid, passenger offside door, and a few other spots
Original alloys in good overall order
Underside appears solid, with some surface corrosion commensurate with age
Original interior - highly evocative with wooden dashboard fascia and black leather
Original steering wheel in good order
Seats are in very good condition with no rips or tears
Seat belts have been replaced
Dash cleans well but could use some TLC
Central console needs replacing; originally automatic, new gear lever fitted
Dials and switches are in good condition
Some air intakes on the dash are loose and need attention
Cabin lights work well
Heating unit flows but does not blow hot air
Carpets are very serviceable
Does not have the original radio, gap awaiting a retro unit
Electric windows work well

The Mechanics

3,500cc Rover V8 powerplant
Manual transmission with 5 gears
Both of these were replaced during the restoration
Engine and exhaust note are reportedly excellent
The vendor informs us that the engine pulls incredibly well
They further note that the gearbox pulls in all gears with no slipping or issues
We understand the car to be in fine, eminently drivable condition
Much of the mechanical work seems to have been done

Work completed includes:

Full check and report of vehicle and consult client
Remove alternator
Remove entire exhaust system from manifolds back
Remove the propshaft
Remove all cables, fixings, and ancillaries to remove the gearbox unit
Remove gearbox
Remove the clutch assembly and check; all shows good
Degrease and power wash gearbox unit and remove the gear linkage assembly to rectify fault

Labour to achieve:

Aligned and fitted newly fabricated exhaust bracket to the rear of the boot floor
Sealed up old fixing holes as required
Fabricated and fitted second rear pipe mounting where missing and aligned
Dummy fitted the new exhaust system supplied and fit new mounting assemblies
Assessed modifications required for best fit
Modified the new exhaust to marry up with the Rover engine, retaining as much of the new system as possible
Treat all welds as required
Helicoil exhaust manifolds as required and fit new studs
Fabricated and fitted new front pipe to gearbox support brackets
Fitted new exhaust system complete, extending and re-aligning as required
Fitted the gear stick assembly and modified the reverse gate to clear now the remote carrier is secure
Refit bonnet catch and cable, adjust bonnet to give best fit
Tighten fan belt adjustment

Parts replaced:

BPR6ES Spark plugs
Brake Master cylinder seal kit
Clutch Master cylinder seal kit
Clutch Slave cylinder seal kit
Rear Wheel Cylinder
Brake shoe retaining clips
Number plate Lamp Assembly
Drive shaft gaiter
Indicator flash unit
Ignition points set
Anti roll bar drop link bush
Anti roll bar drop retaining bush
Anti roll bar bush cup washer outer
Anti roll bar bush cup washer inner
Brake light switch
Clutch reservoir cap
075 12v battery
Power Steering V belt
MGB V8 Radiator
Power Steering Rack repair and rebuild
Various bits of welding and repair at the workshop
Gearbox mounting x 2
Gearbox rear oil seal
Remote mounting rubbers for gear lever carrier x 2
Clutch to flywheel dowel x 3
Engine mounting x 2
K3x - Powerspark Electronic Ignition Kit for Lucas 35D Distributor Early Rover V8

The vendor says:

This was my father's car and I've taken it forwards as far as I can. Cars carry large moments of life with them and this has been a very special place for me to spend a little time.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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