Triumph Stag

ENGINE 2997cc/V8/OHC POWER 145bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 170lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 9.5 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual + o/d MoT February 2019 ODOMETER 95,217 miles

The 3.0-litre V8 pulls strongly in all gears with ample performance. Keep the revs over 3000rpm and the engine responds emphatically. It doesn’t overheat or complain in any way and feels very stable at speed. The V8 growl is gorgeous, too. The clutch and gearbox feel fresh and handle the power well with no slipping or grinding gears, and the overdrive works as it should. Pushing the car into corners is a joy and it holds the road well, feeling extremely solid. The steering can feel a little notchy at times but the car goes directly where you point it.

BODYWORK CHECK

This Triumph has obviously been cherished and well maintained. The history file shows only two owners from new, and the condition of the car is testament to that. The paint and body are very well presented, and looking underneath reveals nothing but straight lines and fresh stonechip paint. The factory wheels are in lovely original condition with tyres that show even wear and good tread. Both the hard and soft tops are in excellent condition and the bumpers, overriders and other trim pieces are spotless.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

This is in excellent condition. The original seats have worn exceptionally well with only a single repair on the driver’s side to mention. The aftermarket Moto-Lita steering wheel really complements the wooden veneer-covered dash and centre console, though the original is also supplied. All carpets are very tidy and and show no sign of water leaks. The door cards are top notch, and both gear and handbrake gaiters look fresh. All of the gauges function correctly and provide accurate information to the driver. All other switches and electrics, including those for the power windows, work perfectly and the car retains its original radio.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay is tidy and corrosion-free, even in the corners where water can sit, and the sound-proofing on the underside of the bonnet is clean and intact. The engine is spotless and free from leaks, having covered only 1000 miles since a £5k rebuild four years ago. An inspection of the power steering system and differential returns the same verdict. There are no issues upon starting the engine and that glorious V8 soundtrack is the only sound emanating from the exhaust system. Other receipts show that more than £12k was spent on the car between 2012 and 2016 and that it has covered just 3301 miles in the last 13 years.

THE CCW VIEW

This fantastic Stag MkII has warranted mileage, has had only two owners from new and thousands of pounds spent on it. It represents a fun and usable classic British open-top tourer and should be a good investment.