Triumph Stag
ENGINE 2792cc/V6/OHV POWER 160bhp@5700rpm (est) TORQUE 162lb ft@4300rpm (est) MAXIMUM SPEED 115mph (est) 0-60MPH 9sec (est) FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man +o/d MoT 12 months ODOMETER 11,892 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The specification details above are correct – this a Stag with a Ford Cologne V6 where the Triumph V8 engine should be. Many owners sought greater reliability by ditching the V8. In this case, what you have is a car that wuffles rather than burbles, but it does suit the Stag, feeling understressed yet capable of thrusting itself forward when asked. The long gearstick stirs the original overdrive gearbox purposely and although the steering feels quite weighty for minor corrections, actual turn-in is quick and precise.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Pimento Red paint has seen better days. There isn’t a panel where it hasn’t gone flat and there are blisters around the door handles and aerial. However, these can all be saved and there isn’t one area that has truly succumbed to rot. Sills, wings and floorpans were replaced nine years ago. Chromework is pitted in a number of places (front and rear overriders, for example) but overall isn’t bad. Ignore what are effectively cosmetic failings and you’ll find decent panel gaps and heavy doors that hang well on their hinges. It’s sound underneath, too. The hood is OK (barring a slightly milky plastic screen) and the new 185/70 Gremax Capturar tyres fitted a couple of years ago still have plenty of tread.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It’s no worse inside than outside; the vinyl seats are in good overall condition, being free from tears and obvious signs of wear, and the dashboard is presentable, let down only slightly by odd scuffs. There are a couple of screw holes in the wooden glovebox lid as a result of a mount from some long redundant device. The aftermarket three-spoke steering wheel and CD head unit barely warrant mention in a car without its original engine. The motors for both the driver’s and passenger’s side electric windows are sluggish. Carpets are very nice indeed.
UNDER THE BONNET
With its blue rocker covers and dizzy cap it’s not attempting to fool anyone – it’s a Cologne V6, and appears to be in rude heath, without any leaks and with the correct levels. The previous owner has used the car sparingly over the past decade (it’s covered fewer than 6000 miles in that time) and maintained its service schedule. Better still both the inner wings back up claims of this being a fundamentally solid car. It’s the sort of car that brings a concours judge tout in a cold sweat but, aside from being unoriginal and slightly dogeared, there’s not much wrong with it. It’s a rust-free, sub-£6k Stag with 12 months’ MoT – talk about the car in those terms and it’s surely an intriguing prospect? Treat it to remedial work as required and run it as an everyday classic.