STAG POINTERS

An enduring classic:

The Stag was produced in Mk1 and Mk2 models. It’s not uncommon to find some Mk2 components in late Mk1s. Many were supplied with a Borgwarner (BW) 35 automatic gearbox or a BW65 in late-production models. The four-speed manual gearbox and the optional overdrive provide more driving enjoyment. Later models used a slightly thinner sheet steel in the bodywork so check for rust.

In New Zealand, the Stag Owners Club (SOC) is one of the largest one-model clubs in the country, with around 120 active members. Club members have discovered a number of tweaks and parts from other makes that keep the cars on the road at a considerable cost saving. Joining a club such as the SOC or the Triumph Register is a source of helpful advice and essential parts supply.

Market values:

Prices are steadily increasing. A good Stag is still a relatively cheap entry into the classic motoring world, especially if it has been sorted with life-saving upgrades and all the correct bits. Prices for tidy ones in New Zealand start at around $20K. In 2016, Webb’s auctions sold a 1975 model in white for $39,100 on an auction estimate of $23K–$26K. Top-condition models are clearly heading to the $40K mark.

A movie star:

Bond swapped the Aston for a Stag in Diamonds are Forever (1970), and a Stag also appeared in significant roles in Straw Dogs (1971), Dad Savage (1977), Second Sight (BBC, 2000–’01), New Tricks (BBC, 1974), Car SOS (2013), For the Love of Cars (2014), and High-rise (2015).

A lot of Michelotti:

From the 1950s, Michelotti had contributed distinctive and successful designs such as the Vanguard 6 and, under the Triumph brand, the Herald and 1300/Toledo/dolomite models, but hit his straps with TR4/TR5/TR6, the Spitfire, the GT6, the Triumph 2000, and the Stag, as well as other cars in the Leyland stable. His studio also produced around 1200 cars for other marques — everything from tourers to town cars, plus trucks and buses for Ferrari, Maserati, Hino, Daihatsu, BMW, Daf/volvo, Renault, and Renault Alpine to name a few. He was apparently quite fond of a bus design that he did for Leyland.