Description
Production of the Triumph Stag commenced in November 1969 but it was not available to the public until June of the following year. Designed to be a luxury grand tourer – along the lines of the SL model Mercedes Benz – the car was well equipped and featured a new 3 litre V8 engine and sharp styling by Michelotti of Turin. A 2+2 seater, sporting a soft top and T-bar in standard trim, an optional hard top was also available. Electric windows and power steering were standard fitments, with either an automatic or manual plus overdrive gearbox available. With a view to becoming a large seller in export markets – particularly the USA – factory-fitted air conditioning was also an option.
The car received good reviews on its international launch and was an excellent seller in the UK, where it found favour with young executives and the upwardly mobile. The prospects looked good for the car but a series of unfortunate reliability issues – mainly related to the engine overheating – quickly earned it a poor reputation, particularly in the all-important US market. These issues could have been and can be readily avoided but the damage was done and sales fell away after a few years with production halted in June 1977, by which time a little over 25, 000 cars had been built – with roughly 2/ 3 Home market cars and the remainder exported.
The Stag changed very little over its production run, but there were sufficient alterations made to its appearance to lead to Mk I and Mk II versions. These changes related to the colour or covering of the sills; the colour of the tail panel; the addition of coachlines; the style of wheels fitted and some modest changes to the interior. There was also a smattering of minor mechanical updates made.
This Home market Mk II Stag was first registered new in the UK in January 1974 and the chassis number indicates it was a 1973 model year build. We have no early history for this car but know it to have been subject to considerable restoration work in 2010, commissioned by the current owner, prior to its importation to Jersey that year. Subsequently it has been kept in very good order and regularly maintained, with any replacement/ refurbished parts fitted when required.
The restoration work of 2010 included a full mechanical checkover and fitment of new ancillaries where required. The speedometer was replaced at this time and electronic ignition fitted, together with a revised cooling system header tank. It has subsequently received a reconditioned torque convertor and gearbox (2015) and most recently, a new Hi-Torque-type starter motor and new rear brake cylinders. Having received a further service in the last few months, the Stag runs and drives very well, the auto gearbox changing smoothly.
We have a small number of photographs relating to the restoration work which indicate the considerable extent to which the Stag was stripped and refurbished. The tail panel and sills have been refinished in body colour, rather than black as found on most Mk II vehicles. The bodywork and white paintwork remain in very good overall condition. There is no hard top with the vehicle.
The interior of the car is very smart – the dash woodwork received a full refurbishment in 2010 and the door cards and seat back foams were replaced in 2019. A modern CD player unit is fitted. The only minor negative to report is that the hood has a small tear in the rear of the driver’s side.
A very tidy and solid Mk II Triumph Stag which, whilst an older restoration now, still looks good and drives very well. Whilst we have no early documentation, we do have a good service and maintenance invoice history following its importation to Jersey.
The Stag is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.
