1973 Triumph Stag
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**Wording and images provided by vendor**
Highlights
- Only 1 previous owner from new
- 82,000 genuine miles from new
- Well known in Triumph Stag circles featuring in previous magazines
- A car with an interesting provenance having been invited to be displayed in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and personally inspected by Prince Michael of Kent
The Appeal
The result of a styling experiment by Italian designer, Giovanni Michelotti, the Triumph Stag was launched in 1970 and sold in relatively limited numbers - around 18,000 to the UK market – during its 8-year production cycle. Fitted with a throaty V8, the Stag was a luxury sports car designed to trouble the German manufactures and compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz SL models, for example.
With its Italian styling, the Triumph provided owners with a sophisticated touring car which did indeed have it all: a delightful V8 soundtrack, practicality and comfort. With the optional hardtop, both the driving qualities and the year-round usability were increased, whilst with the roof down a T-Bar/rollbar setup was left in place to ensure the safety of its occupants.
Offered here is a very rare opportunity to own one of the earlier 1973 Stags with only one previous owner which is fitted with the desirable automatic gearbox and with extremely low mileage (Averaging less than 1,700 miles a year).
The History and Paperwork
A car like this rarely comes to the market being 49 years old and only having 1 previous owner. The car is very well known in the Triumph Sag circles as the former owner was an avid member of the Stag Owners Club and attended regular events both local and nationally. The car was well known for its extremely unforgettable number plate ‘1 HOT’ and has featured in two of the Stag Owners Club magazines with one making the front cover.
The car has had an exciting history touring around Europe and even making a trip to tour around America with the owners club. To top it all though was when the car was invited to be displayed at Buckingham Palace by ‘The All Party Parliamentary Motor Group’ and ‘The All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group’ as part of the ninetieth birthday celebrations of Her Majesty The Queen.
Ninety British vehicles, representing the cream of the British Motor Industry were lined up in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The stag itself was inspected on behalf of HM The Queen by HRH Prince Michael of Kent who used to own a Stag himself.
The car as you would expect which comes with comprehensive history of previous invoices and receipts detailing the work that has been undertaken throughout the years going back as far as 1994. As well as this, the previous MOT certificates dating back to 1983 are also provided. This validates the genuine and extremely low mileage of the car which rarely comes to the market.
The Stag is registered as a historic vehicle and so is MOT and VED exempt. Despite this the car has been regularly MOT’d and a current MOT is valid until 26th July 2023 with no advisories.
The Interior
The Stag always featured a classy interior which was entirely appropriate for a luxury sporting 2+2. This example is certainly no exception with the interior appearing in a really fresh condition throughout.
The dash and centre console veneer is all original and the dash is awash with smiths white on black gauges providing a wealth of information with working clock. An upgraded head unit was fitted along the way which works well and has a fully functioning electric aerial with additional front speakers sympathetically fitted to the doors.
The original seats are in superb order with no signs of cracks or splits. The black door cards are in lovely condition set off by the chrome door furniture. The original carpets are in excellent condition and protected by Stag embossed mats. Removing the mats and carpets reveals the original floor panels still in their original paint.
The Stag always featured a classy interior which was entirely appropriate for a luxury sporting 2+2. This example is certainly no exception with the interior appearing in a really fresh condition throughout.
All the expected Stag attributes are present from the lovely veneered dash to the signature Smiths gauges and the distinctive Stag sports steering wheel. A period-correct cabin in excellent condition and very evocative of the period.
The Exterior
The Stag left the Coventry factory finished in white. Since then the previous owner decided he wanted a more modern paint finish as a deep gleaming lustre was required. A bare metal respray was undertaken in 2012 where only a few minor repairs were required due to the car being garaged from new. We understand the chrome work is all original and as can be seen from the photos are all bright and gleaming.
The white paintwork exudes a deep shine whilst the panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical. The original 15 inch alloys present lovely with no obvious signs of damage and all tyres have lots of life still in them with a good tread depth.
The T bar cover is the original and in excellent condition. The soft top is finished in mohair and again in superb condition on a frame which appears to be straight and goes up and down effortlessly.
The Mechanics
Despite some early negative press thanks to Triumph’s questionable quality control systems, the Triumph V8 is a gem of an engine which has the glorious and unmistakable V8 burble which has only covered 82,000 genuine miles. Latter upgrades and refinements have helped the design deliver on its potential for being a potent, smooth, and reliable performer. This example throws any of these notions out of the window thanks to the extensive mechanical work that’s been lavished upon it by the current and previous keeper. The comprehensive history of work undertaken including replacement parts and maintenance will be provided to the winning bidder.
There have been many upgrades also undertaken which include
- Detailed engine bay
- Upgraded heads
- Electronic ignition
- Electronic Kenlowe fan
- Large bore stainless exhaust
- Rear Constant Velocity joint drive shafts to replace the old hook joint type
- Front suspension overhauled this year
- Air horns
Summary
This is a rare opportunity to buy a car which is nearly 50 years old with one previous owner covering a genuine 82,000 miles which has had sympathetic upgrades along the way and is probably a better car than the day it left the factory in Coventry. The new lucky owner of this car can draw reassurance from the knowledge that car has received a lot of attention along the way and is in a truly outstanding condition. If you have always hankered after a classic Stag, as many of us have, you will struggle to find a better opportunity than this car anywhere.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Triumph
- Model Stag
- Colour White
- Odometer 82,000 Miles
- Engine size 2997
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cornwall
- Country United Kingdom
16
bids
- Ch•••• £19,000 13/09/22
- Jo•••• £18,750 13/09/22
- Ch•••• £18,749 13/09/22
- Ch•••• £18,500 13/09/22
- Jo•••• £18,250 13/09/22
- Jo•••• £18,000 13/09/22
- do•••• £17,750 13/09/22
- Ch•••• £17,500 13/09/22
- Jo•••• £17,000 13/09/22
- Ro•••• £15,500 13/09/22
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