Description
This is absolutely stunning. With just 4 keepers from new (2 local gentlemen for the past 45 years), this fabulous Stag presented in Triumph Black with Black interior sitting on period Cobra Sunburst alloys is a sight to behold. The subject of recent light recommissioning after sitting for 10 years in storage, the car has covered less than 7, 000 miles in the past 30 years and drives just as one would imagine. Smooth and precise with that glorious V8 rumble. This is a Stag to savour and with a little detailing could be to show-standard. Come and see for yourself.
Introduced in 1970, the Stag was a luxury 4-seater sports car aimed directly at the SL-class from Mercedes Benz. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, the car featured unitary construction and was fitted with a newly-designed 2997cc V8 engine mated to a choice of either Borg Warmer Type 35 automatic or 4-speed manual gearbox with Overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. Power assisted rack and pinion steering, a combination of disc and drum brakes and fully independent suspension all featured but options on early cars were few. The Stag was warmly welcomed by the motoring press at the time although it quickly gained a reputation for unreliability and in particular, over-heating owing to water pump failure or clogged-up radiators owing to a lack of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant. Modified pumps and proper maintenance have resolved issues for the 8, 300 Stags still on UK roads today and it remains one of the largest single model Clubs with a strong and enthusiastic following.
Our car was sold new in London in January 1972. After just 7 years and 2 keepers, in 1979 it moved to Weymouth and remained with its 3rd owner for the next 22 years covering around 1, 000 miles annually. In August 2001, it was sold to a local gentleman with just over 84, 000 miles recorded and subsequently was enjoyed sparingly covering just a few miles between MoT inspections. Sundry bills from this period confirm routine maintenance work including a replacement clutch master cylinder, brake parts and bushes. Around 10 years ago and coinciding with the last MoT inspection at 85, 382 miles, the car was effectively mothballed owing to long-term illness of the owner and has remained garaged until just 3 weeks ago. Now sadly the subject of a deceased estate, we were contacted by a family friend and former mechanic entrusted to undertake a programme of light recommissioning to see if we were interested. Without hesitation, we acquired it recognising under the layers of dust just what a good example it was. Since being with us, the Stag has benefitted from a deep clean and polish and is currently in our workshops to resolve a couple of electrical niggles. But viewings are very welcome whilst such work is ongoing.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Whilst the solid Black paintwork is an older repaint (probably from the 1990`s), it polishes up beautifully and benefits from a deep lustre. Years in storage and covered with sheeting have preserved both paint and bodywork exceptionally well albeit has resulted in a slight paint reaction to the top of offside rear wing. Ideally this would be repainted to make perfect but doesn`t detract from what is still a very sharp car. The body and underside are remarkably rust-free and we have taken additional photographs of key areas available upon request. Period Cobra alloy wheels shod with Nankang 185/ 90/ 14 tyres are in excellent order and give the Stag a real muscle-car stance, whilst all external trim including chrome is very good. The car benefits from both a colour-matched Black hardtop and Black soft-top, the latter suffering from a small tear but this is booked-in with a trimmer locally for a professional repair (a section of hood to be replaced so no patching evident). The interior presents well with Black vinyl seating, matching Black carpets and a blemish-free wooden dash with the correct Black dials and original oil-pressure gauge in place of the clock (as seen on the later Mark 2). Turn the key and that glorious V8 fires into life sounding very sweet but purposeful. On the road, the Stag drives just as one would expect of a cossetted, low mileage example that evidently has benefitted from a sheltered life. Smooth gearchanges, light yet precise steering and wonderful road manners encourage the car to be driven. On a rather cloudy August afternoon, I took it for a spin across the West Dorset Downs and despite the lack of sunshine, enjoyed every second. Ever since I was 17, being a passenger in my Uncle`s Stag, these classic Triumphs have always been a firm favourite. Plenty of power, a comfortable cabin and a soundtrack that never disappoints. It is easy to see why as a model they remain so popular today.
Our car comes with sundry bills and receipts, old MoT Certificates from 1994 to 2014, old Registration Documents confirming the long-term ownerships of the present and previous keepers, a current V5C and an original Repair and Operation Manual. Both hard and soft-tops are included in the sale. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A sharp-looking Stag with superb provenance. What`s not to like!
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
