Description
In the hands of just 2 long-term keepers for some 45 years, this stunning Mk. 1 Stag has covered less than 63, 000 miles from new having spent most of its sheltered life in Northern Ireland. Mechanically rebuilt (the original 3. 0 litre V8) around 12 years ago and repainted in Carmine Red shortly afterwards, the car presents extremely well and drives even better. A great example of a really honest and very useable 4-seater convertible with nice provenance. Superb value.
Introduced in 1970, the Stag was a luxury 4-seater sports car aimed directly at the SL-class from Mercedes Benz. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, the car featured unitary construction and was fitted with a newly-designed 2997cc V8 engine mated to a choice of either Borg Warmer Type 35 automatic or 4-speed manual gearbox with Overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. Power assisted rack and pinion steering, a combination of disc and drum brakes and fully independent suspension all featured but options on early cars were few. The Stag was warmly welcomed by the motoring press at the time although it quickly gained a reputation for unreliability and in particular, over-heating owing to water pump failure or clogged-up radiators owing to a lack of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant. Modified pumps and proper maintenance have resolved issues for the 8, 300 Stags still on UK roads today and it remains one of the largest single model Clubs with a strong and enthusiastic following.
Our car was first registered to a gentleman in Co. Down, Northern Ireland in May 1972 and was supplied in Saffron Yellow with Black Interior. He retained the car for some 24 years, selling it to a neighbour who enjoyed the car for a couple of years before selling on again to a gentleman in Newtownards. Our 3rd keeper used the car sparingly (just 5000 miles from 2005-2017) during which time the engine was rebuilt (new main and big ends) and the car repainted in Carmine Red. In 2017, the Stag changed hands again moving to North London and on again in 2019 to Staffordshire, where it remained until around 12 months ago. Whilst In Staffordshire, the car was fully serviced and fitted with a reconditioned steering rack, clutch slave cylinder, 4 new tyres and new battery. At the same time, the cooling system was flushed through. For the past year, the Stag has lived in Lyme Regis with a Triumph enthusiast who has decided after much thought to thin-out his collection.
The car presents just as in the photos with a deep lustre to the Carmine Red paintwork. A few age-related blemishes do not detract from a crisp-looking Stag with good panel fit, clean 5-spoke alloys and nearly new tyres all `round. Glass and trim are very good other than some pitting to the chrome-work on the rear bumper. The interior is clean and smart with recently re-foamed front seats, excellent rear seat and tidy door-cards and black carpets. The Stag benefits from a very good soft-top which would appear to be watertight and trouble-free. On the road, the car is a joy with light but positive steering, good brakes and plenty of performance. The V8 burble is addictive and on a sunny Thursday afternoon, I could have happily driven the car to the South of France but Bridport had to do! It feels tight as one might imagine for a low-mileage example and everything would seem to work perfectly including that all-important Overdrive on 3rd and 4th.
The Stag comes with its original NI logbook, many NI MoT Certificates from 2005 to 2017, a UK MoT Certificate from 2017 when it moved across to England, sundry bills, old tax discs, an original Handbook, a Sales Brochure and a Repair Manual. Being 50-years old, the car is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt. It further benefits from an excellent Cream hardtop.
A really honest and crisp-looking example with low ownership and low mileage. What`s not to like!
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
