Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford
15th Mar, 2023 13:00
1977 Triumph Stag
Only 15, 000 miles from new
Estimate
£20, 000 - £25, 000
Registration No: RHV 628R
Chassis No: LD43192A
MOT: Exempt
A mere 15, 000 miles from new
Supplied new to by Wadham Stringer (South London) Ltd
A notably nice, highly original example with low ownership
History file accompanying which includes the car's original Passport to Service and Heritage Certificate
One for the collector – find another!
Introduced in June 1970, the Triumph Stag was conceived as a luxury convertible sportscar to rival the likes of the R107-series Mercedes-Benz SL. As such, it came equipped with electric windows, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, and servo-backed disc / drum brakes as standard. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell (stylist Giovanni Michelotti had physically shortened a pre-production Triumph 2000 saloon in order to fashion the initial prototype), the newcomer featured all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front / semi-trailing arm rear) and a well laid-out 2+2 cabin. Neatly integrated, the substantial roll-over hoop that joined the B-pillars gained extra strength from a T-bar link to the windscreen frame. With some 145bhp and 167lbft of torque on tap from its bespoke 2997cc SOHC V8 engine, the model was reputedly capable of 120mph. Available with a choice of four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission all but the earliest Stags benefited from both hard- and soft-top roofs. Despite being in production for seven years during which time 25, 877 cars were made, a mere 9, 500 or so are thought to have survived.
Supplied new by Wadham Stringer (South London) Ltd, being sold new on the 23rd of February 1977, ‘RHV 628R’ was specified from the factory with a body-coloured hard top, alloy wheels with Michelin XAS tyres, inertia reel seatbelts, and headrests. The Triumph V8 engine is allied to the three-speed automatic transmission, with the Stag finished in the complementary colour combination of Tahiti Blue paintwork with Beige interior upholstery from new. Chassis number LD/ 43192-A was retained by the first owner until December 2004, when the Stag was transferred to the gentleman’s widow. Acquired by the third keeper in August 2005, the car was subsequently purchased by the late vendor in April 2014.
Benefitting from much improvement while in the late vendor's ownership, the Triumph has received overhauled carburettors, renovated master cylinder, refurbished power steering rack, brake fettling and servicing. Transferred into the name of the vendor's wife following his passing, the Triumph is now offered displaying five owners from new, across just three families. Having covered a mere 15, 000 miles from new, this notably nice, highly original example is accompanied by a history file that contains the original Passport to Service, Handbook, and supplementary sales literature, a large selection of previous MOTs, BMIHT Heritage Certificate, a collection of invoices, a later reprinted Repair Operations Manual, and a current V5C document.
A delightfully handsome sports car of the period; this surely unrepeatable low mileage example is a fine way to enjoy the coming summer days and should prove to be a worthwhile investment for the successful purchaser.
