Triumph Stag

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

There’s a lot of engine to turn over, but the starter soon gets the familiar 3.0-litre V8 burble going. The oil pressure sits steady as the engine warms through. ‘Drive’ selects on the auto shifter without any clonks and gentle pressure on the throttle elicits an instant response. The assisted steering is superb and the gearchanges are smooth and immediate. Pushing the car harder brings a Seventies surge that can be heard as well as felt, and the brakes bring the car to a halt correctly. There are no unwanted knocks or whines from the mechanicals – it all seems to be in very good order.

BODYWORK CHECK

The bodywork is still bright and clean following an older restoration, the only blemishes being on the nearside front wing, which is showing signs of tiny microblistering. The canvas hood needs attention – the nearside corner has detached from the frame – and once stored, it’s clear that the T-top frame it rests upon has had a small repair to its vinyl covering. The chrome bumpers are lightly pitted (the tops of the overriders are slightly worse), but the exterior alloy trim looks like it should polish up to an acceptable standard. Overall, this car still has plenty of potential.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

Both front seat back rests and bases are in need of new foam, but the vinyl coverings are in good order so any repairs could be achieved without specialist assistance. The carpets could do with a clean and the veneer dashboard needs a good wax polish, but all of the dials and gauges work correctly and the roof folds away correctly with a bit of persuasion.

UNDER THE BONNET

The block shows no signs of leaks and the cooling system operates correctly. Oil pressure is healthy and doesn’t drop away when the engine is hot. The bay would benefit from a few hours of cleaning, as would the V8 motor, which looks largely unmolested. The top hose has had an additional section fitted to the radiator end; fitting an original single length pipe would certainly improve the under bonnet visually. The factory labels for engine settings and warnings are in place and the history file contains 29 previous MoTs beginning in 1976, which verify the mileage. The previous owner had it for 12 years.

THE CCW VIEW

A sub-£10k Triumph Stag is a rare sight these days and this car will appeal to anyone who can see the potential and is willing to put in the time. Returning this Stag to concours might be stretching it, but limited investment plus a few weekends of TLC should have it looking as good as it drives.

EXTERIOR

Nearside front wing needs attention

INTERIOR

Carpets need a clean Dash needs a polish

MECHANICALS

Strong V8 Quiet auto ‘box