Triumph Stag

ENGINE 2997cc/V8/OHC POWER 145bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 170lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 117mph 0-60MPH 11.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-22mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 104,079 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The V8 starts instantly and the manual choke can be dispensed with after a few seconds. Oil pressure registers as over 50psi. The automatic transmission – which was always considered to be a little lazy – lacks any ‘bumps’ during drive-selection and works well with the V8. and the heavily-assisted steering works well. The fully independent suspension deals with uneven surfaces and the brakes work very positively. It takes little pressure with the right foot to induce more urgency and the V8 soundtrack is highly addictive.

BODYWORK CHECK

The body is finished in Java Green with black pinstriping and the finish is excellent, having undergone comprehensive restoration work from 2006. The paint is difficult to fault, even on the removable hard-top, but the roof gutter chrome trim has a small indentation on the nearside. The bumpers are showing age marks with slight fading on the front outer edges, while the vent to the bonnet rear is suffering from light pitting. The underside is well-protected. Roof options include the fitted hard-top and a recently recovered soft-top. The alloy wheels are original but have suffered no kerb damage.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The vendor is planning to improve a couple of areas inside, including the driver’s carpet panel, which requires re-securing. All the switches operate as they should, including the remotes that open both quarterlight windows. The seating is well-padded with undamaged original covers the rear bench has seen little use and the veneer finish across the dash and through the centre console is free from any blemishes. Modern touches include a removable Alpine CD player and a fob-operated immobiliser system, plus an additional switch that operates a secondary cooling fan for the engine.

UNDER THE BONNET

Remnants of Waxoyl injection remain on the top of the suspension mounts and the vendor pointed out that removing this is on his ‘to-do’ list, as is a repaint of the black PAS pump bracket, which is suffering from some light surface rust. There’s no evidence of any fluid leaks but the bay area could be improved with some cleaning. The history file is comprehensive and the car has a current (and advisoryfree) MoT and a CD featuring hundreds of restoration images, plus invoices that almost total the current sale price.

THE CCW VIEW

The previous owner has obviously lavished considerable time and expense on this Triumph. The major issues have been addressed over the past decade, leaving the car ready for a new owner to enjoy while chasing perfection.