Description
A really honest example with superb provenance. Presented in rare and desirable Emerald Green with Black trim and sitting on later 5-spoke alloys, this stunning Mk. 1 comes with extensive and rather interesting history. The subject of a comprehensive bodywork and mechanical rebuild when just 10 years old, the car has covered less than 65, 000 miles since and has obviously enjoyed a cossetted life with just a handful of long-term keepers. Priced to sell.
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. With a 7-year production run, the model featured two generations referred to as Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 identified through the VIN number sequencing with earlier cars carrying a pre-20000 chassis number. In truth, there was little to distinguish between the generations other than pin-striping, interior lights, dashboard detail and wheels. Power assisted rack and pinion steering, a combination of disc and drum brakes and fully independent suspension always featured albeit 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 6, 000 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 supplied new in May 1972 and it is understood was sold to a Director of Richard Shops, a well-known ladies fashion store of the era. The history file picks up the story from June 1977 with the car, living in London, being maintained by a garage in Tower Hamlets. With a recorded mileage of 55, 200, the Stag underwent considerable mechanical work at this time with a new short engine, timing chains and tensioners and new steering rack. Early in 1980, it was sold to a leading light in the Stag Owners Club who invested heavily in the car starting with a new hood and after an appraisal in July 1980 by Hart Racing Services (reputable the World`s leading Stag specialist at the time), a full mechanical rebuild. This consisted of a new short engine, replacement gearbox and differential, all new ignition parts and ancillaries and new exhaust. We understand that after this work, the mileometer was set to zero and this is indeed noted on mileage recorded in MoT inspections at this time. In February 1981, the car returned to HRS for gearbox mounts, suspension bushes, an overhaul of the cooling system with new radiator, various trim items and window rubbers. A year later, the braking system was effectively rebuilt with new servo and master cylinder whilst HRS were instructed to fit electronic ignition, track rod ends and a new fuel pump. With a full carpet set and new chrome over-riders featuring soon after, the car was subsequently sent off in March 1983 to the body-shop at C D and L Autos in Edgeware for comprehensive restoration and repaint. After a complete strip-out, front wings, doors, top panel and radiator support panel were removed and replaced with items from SNG Barrett and following a complete repaint in the original Emerald Green, all glass was replaced with Sundym units including the main windscreen, whilst all new mirrors, wiper arms, trim and filler cap were sourced to complete the job. Back on the road, the Stag was cherished and enjoyed becoming a regular sight at many Club events through the 1980`s. After a full service at HRS in August 1988 (now 24, 789 miles since the rebuild), the car was sold to a lady in London who retained the Stag for just a year before selling to an enthusiast in Dunstable. During his ownership, timing chains and tensioners were replaced whilst other invoices reflect the fitting of stainless-steel sill covers, a new alternator and replacement head gasket. With 34, 900 miles on the clock, he sold it after some 8 years of ownership to well-known MG and Triumph specialists, GB Sports Cars of Leighton Buzzard. Sporting a price tag of £4495, the car was advertised post-preparation in January 1989 and was purchased by a retired engineer and classic car enthusiast from Buckingham who traded in his 10-year-old Peugeot 405 to complete the deal. This was the start of a 24-year partnership that was to see around 1000 miles covered annually and detailed owner maintenance. The bills and receipts from this period are extensive but mainly reflect ignition items, a new brake servo and master cylinder, a Kenlowe Engine Pre-Heater, a full carpet set, a replacement drivers seat base, track rod ends, a new radiator and regular brake parts (shoes, discs and pads) and service items. Recent notable work has included a new half shaft, all new wheel cylinders and brake master cylinder and the fitting of an hi-torque starter motor. In 2022, the Stag was sold to Paul Merryweather of Parkside Motor Company, business known for high-end classic car and rally preparation. We understand that it was purchased simply as a classic 4-seater to enjoy over the Summer, the car being sold again in January 2023, moving West to Upton on Severn in Worcestershire. Now owned by a company known to trade in classic tractors, it was once again put up for sale and purchased by a local businessman. He has retained the Stag to this day using it for local trips out over the summer months. The mileage (post restoration) is today a recorded 64, 885. Since acquiring the car, we have done very little but carry out a simple health check, polish it and enjoy it. As such, we propose to undertake a full oil service at point of sale to include checking and replacing, if deemed necessary, both engine and gearbox seals (prone to drip with age!).
The Stag presents just as can be seen in the photographs. It is a typical older restoration with straight panels and very presentable Emerald Green paintwork showing just a few age-related blemishes (some light cracks, stone-chips and scratches) but all totally commensurate with a car painted some 40 years ago. Chrome is truly excellent, as are the 5-spoke Triumph alloys shod with Marshall Radial tyres, whilst the Black soft-top (replaced again over 40 years ago) is in superb order being both tear and snag-free. Inside, the cabin tells a similar story with Black seating in excellent condition, complemented by Black carpets, perfect door-cards and a very good wooden dashboard, with full array of working dials. Turn the key and the beefy 2997cc V8 fires straight into life, sounding sweet and purposeful, settling down quickly off-choke to a low burble. On the road, the Stag drives just as one would expect of a cossetted, well-maintained example that evidently has benefitted from a sheltered life. Smooth gearchanges from the automatic gearbox, light yet precise steering and wonderful road manners encourage the car to be driven. On a sunny Spring afternoon, I took it for a spin across the West Dorset Downs and enjoyed every second. Ever since I was 17, being a passenger in my Uncle`s Stag, these classic Triumphs have always been a firm favourite. Plenty of power, a comfortable cabin and a soundtrack that never disappoints. It is easy to see why as a model they remain so popular today.
The Stag comes with a substantial history file documenting maintenance and ownership changes from 1977 to the present day, a large quantity of MoT Certificates (around 30 covering the period 1980 to 2016), a quantity of useful spares, a current V5C and set of keys. Being classed as Historic, it is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A really genuine example with superb provenance. Great value too.
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. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
