Description
1971 Triumph Stag 3. 0 V8 Mk1 – Early Car, Extensive History
Early Mk1 example | Restored | Major engine rebuild | Excellent documentation
This 1971 Triumph Stag 3. 0 V8 Mk1 is a particularly desirable early example, built on 22 December 1970 and first registered on 10 January 1971 by Carr’s Auto Sales Ltd of Croydon, London. With a build number within the first 1, 000 Stags produced, it represents one of the earliest surviving cars.
Originally finished in Saffron Yellow with a black interior and hood, the car retains its correct factory specification, including the 3. 0‑litre V8 engine and 4‑speed manual gearbox with overdrive. During its most recent restoration it was refinished in Ford Bronco Yellow, a colour that suits the car well and presents to a very high standard.
The Stag benefits from an extensive and well‑organised history file, including early MOT records, restoration invoices, and full ownership details from first registration to the present day. Over its lifetime the car has changed colour (yellow, red, blue, and back to yellow), with all changes documented. The recorded mileage currently stands at 45, 600 miles, of which approximately 2, 000 miles have been covered since 2018. The car has been used only in fair weather during this period.
A comprehensive £7, 500 full engine rebuild was carried out in 2015 and the engine is internally as new.
Then follows a nut‑and‑bolt restoration which was completed to a professionally high standard. There is numerous photographic evidence of the strip and rebuild, supporting invoices are included.
Significant reliability and drivability upgrades have been carried out, including items as follows,
A brand new 4‑core Super Gill radiator with larger veins to allow maximum air and water flow,
Kenlowe electric cooling fan with digital thermostatic control, header tank,
Weber carburettor conversion with large American style pancake filter, this allows maximum cooling and air induction,
electronic ignition, uprated electronic fuel pump, and fuel pressure gauge. Cooling performance is excellent, with stable temperatures even in very hot conditions.
The underside of the car is solid, fully undersealed, and wax‑protected. Recent work includes a full brake overhaul with braided hoses, renewed rear suspension, and replacement rear differentials. Numerous additional maintenance items have been completed, resulting in a mechanically strong and well‑sorted car.
The car presents extremely well and is ready to be enjoyed.
Ownership & History, I have owned the car since 2018, using it only in fair weather, which is reflected in its excellent condition and low mileage.
Early MOT records
Detailed service and restoration invoices
Full ownership history from first registration to present day
Mileage currently shows 45, 600 miles, of which I have covered approximately 2, 000 miles since 2018.
Engine, Cooling & Performance
The car is mechanically strong and extremely reliable.
Key upgrades include:
Kenlowe electric cooling fan with thermostatic, fully adjustable digital controller
4‑core Super Gill radiator
Header tank fitted to the engine bay These upgrades provide excellent cooling performance, even in very hot conditions, with no overheating issues experienced.
Further improvements:
Weber carburettor conversion with chrome pancake filter, delivering improved throttle response, drivability, and reliability
Electronic ignition, resulting in instant cold starting
Uprated electronic fuel pump with fuel pressure gauge (2–3 lb, ideal for correct fuelling)
Oil pressure consistently around 50 lb
The engine bay is clean, tidy, and requires no further work.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
The underside of the car is solid, fully undersealed, and wax‑protected, with no structural corrosion.
Recent work includes:
Brake overhaul with new pistons, discs, pads, and refurbished callipers (finished in red)
Braided brake hoses for improved braking performance
Rear suspension renewed with new shocks and springs
Both rear differentials replaced within the last 500 miles, at significant cost
The car sits squarely on the road and handles confidently
Recent Maintenance & Upgrades
New battery
New steering and alternator belts
Refurbished power‑steering pump, belts, and hoses
New master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder
New ignition wiring loom
New coil and rev counter
This is a well‑sorted, early Mk1 Triumph Stag with extensive history, significant investment, and thoughtful upgrades that improve reliability while preserving character. It attracts positive attention wherever it goes and has been a pleasure to own.
A genuine, mechanically strong example that is ready to be enjoyed. REMEMBER THIS IS ONE OF THE FIRST 100 EVER BUILT SO RARE AND GENUINE AND IS INSURED FOR £30KI purchased the car within about 30 seconds of seeing how stunning it was. Yea... she's in excellent condition for a 55 year old car, by no means concourse, but not shabby either. She turns heads and all the shows i have been to i am astounded by the praise i receive for such a great looking well maintained car. Kids in the. street obviously dont know what cars looked like back in the 70's one youth shouted out thats sick, its a lego car. The main no regrett upgrade was the carburettor being changed from unreliable Strombergs to Stag WEBBER pancake design. It just bolts on, plug and play in modern terms. It sounds awesome, makes the car more responsive and better on fuel. No more sat around due to fuel starvation/ evapouration and unreliable starting. i would confidently say she starts first time anytime of day.
