Description
GOODWOOD MEMBERS' MEETING
16 April 2023, 13:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood
Contact:using the button below
LOT 32
1971 Triumph Stag Fastback Prototype
GOODWOOD MEMBERS' MEETING
16 April 2023, 13:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood
£50, 000 - £80, 000
1971 Triumph Stag Fastback Prototype
Registration no. PAE 755 (original factory Reg. no. WHP 852J)
Chassis no. X 815
• Unique fastback prototype
• One of only three Fastback Stag prototypes built (only this one is known to survive)
• Single family ownership since 1985
• Professionally restored 1985-1987 and 2016
• Fewer than 48, 000 miles from new
In 1968 Triumph asked the famous Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti to make a fastback version of the Stag using his original prototype ('6105 KV'), which had so impressed Director of Engineering Harry Webster back in January 1966. Although the project showed promise, the styling was not what Triumph were looking for and Michelotti was asked to submit a series of designs for future consideration.
In early 1969 a prototype Stag bodyshell was sent to Turin for the chosen design to be made in metal. This was returned to the Canley factory and built up as a running prototype for engineering assessment. Initially, two prototypes were to be built by the Engineering Department, the first being started in April 1970 (X790) with the second, X798 (which was built from the body of X790) following close behind. In September 1970 the fastback project was shelved by parent company British Leyland, Jaguar's proposals for what would turn out to be the XJ-S being preferred by the Board. Nevertheless, the Engineering Department at Canley decided not to scrap the most advanced prototype they were constructing ('X 815') and built it up into a running car as and when time allowed.
The only remaining fast back prototype, 'X 815' was completed in March 1971 and registered for road use soon after. The car was then transferred out of the Engineering Department for use by one of BL's directors, subsequently disappearing from view before being located by Mr Alan Hart in 1985. The Triumph was then restored to concours condition over the next two years: the body, chassis and interior being entrusted to Alan Wickes of Southam, and the engine rebuild to Geoff Poyner of Evesham. On completion the Stag was displayed at the 1989 NEC classic car show. Alan Wickes' illustrated account of the restoration may be found on the Stag Owners Club's web site. A testimony from Brian Bayliss, Senior Designer & Project Engineer (1960-77) for the Engineering Department of Triumph Motors Division, responsible for the design and development of the Stag is also available together with very many book references and magazine bespoke articles about the car. The car was even displayed on the Cartier Style et Luxe Concours at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2000 (invitation letter on file), as well as in the Earls Court Motor Show Exhibition at the Goodwood Revival in 2014.
Further restoration was carried out by Stag specialists E J Ward of Leicester (all bills available), since when the car has been kept and maintained by the owner, another member of the Hart family. Numerous local and national concours events have been attended and awards won over the years, including the prestigious Bugatti Owners Club Concours at Prescott UK, yet the total mileage from new is only recorded as circa 47, 700. Described by the vendor as in excellent condition throughout, this historic Triumph Stag prototype comes complete with tools, jack, owner's manual, workshop manual, tax discs, V5C, past/ current MoT and an extensive history file.
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