Buying Classics Abroad

Triumph Stag

Staaag. Despite historic build quality shakiness and reliability issues, there’s a roguish charm about this Michelotti-designed four-seater tourer that’s seen it stand the test of time. The DVLA database records about 5000 still registered in the UK (out of only 26,000 built) so you can afford to be picky, whichever end of the price spectrum you’re looking at. Stags are common in the private classifieds but also popular on dealer forecourts and in various auction catalogues. There are also signs that, for the last couple of years, fewer are being laid up and SORNed for the winter, suggesting more frequent use and maintenance. That’s good news for reliability of those sometimes touchy V8s.

‘They’re not as bad as they were made out to be, so long as they’re looked after by someone who knows what they’re doing,’ says Mick Ward of Leicestershire-based Stag specialist, EJ Ward. ‘An engine that’s got trouble usually starts blowing coolant within a couple of miles.’ In previous years swapping for a Rover V8 was a cost-effective solution for engine woes, but times have changed, and cars with original Triumph engines are now worth more.

The rarer manual gearboxes give the Stag a more excitable attitude, with the added advantage of overdrive for quieter cruising and the chance to squeeze some extra economy. But while some buyers seek them out, they have little overall effect on value. Conversions to four-speed ZF auto, however, are a positive upgrade. ‘It’s a worthwhile addition that probably increases value a little,’ says Mick.

‘Body condition is the most critical thing though. A full restoration at a specialist is likely to cost about £40,000, and that cost is split roughly equally between parts and labour. I definitely recommend buying the best you can afford.’