Triumph Stag

ENGINE 2997cc/V8/OHC POWER 145bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 170lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 117mph 0-60MPH 9.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT October 2018 ODOMETER 108,650 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? This really is a Stag on song – it drives as well as it looks. Forget the mileage – it feels tight and utterly smooth, testament to the top-class maintenance it has received over the years. The engine sounds and runs great, and the power-assisted steering feels fluid and balanced. There is plenty of acceleration – the car never hesitates through the gears. The gearchange is exactly as Triumph intended, and the overdrive sneaks in so smoothly that you hardly notice it. The car corners as it should, with the expected understeer and the brakes appear to be set up perfectly. Oh, and that sound with the roof down! BODYWORK CHECK This Triumph may be more than 40 years of age, but the history file says that it has never had any welding – just some minor cosmetics and attention to the paint (by Causer Cars of Twickenham in 1997). There are absolutely no issues underneath the car and the original sills show no signs of damage or repairs. The front and rear bumpers have been rechromed to a very high standard and there are no cracks or scratches on the front grille or any other parts. The wheels and tyres are in excellent condition. The hood and hard-top are both in first class order. HOW’S THE INTERIOR? Also first class. We can only assume that the Ambla seats must have had covers on them because they are in a good state of preservation. There’s not so much as a crack in the wooden dash veneer and all the instruments appear to be in good condition and work as they should. The (apparently reconditoned) period Radiomobile radio sounds great and the Mota Lita steering wheel is in excellent order. The electric windows work perfectly and there are no scratches in the glass. The carpets are to original spec, but have been renewed at some point. UNDER THE BONNET The engine bay is in excellent original condition, right down to the various labels with which it left the factory; a day’s detailing could make it concours. The engine seems to run perfectly with no overheating and all the fluids look clean. The radiator looks virtually new, and the alternator was replaced two years ago. The exhaust is a recent-looking stainless affair. THE CCW VIEW This is hardly the cheapest Stag on the market, but look what you get. The huge service history shows that the car was looked after by the original supplying dealer – Weston’s of Kew – from 1975-89 – then renowned Stag specialist, Hart racing, which, among other things, converted it to run on unleaded fuel. The Stag, which has covered just 500 miles in the past five years, even comes with a six-month mechanical warranty. Nick Larkin