1976 Triumph Stag Mk2 V8 *Sold £17,250*

Description

• Previous owner for 18 years
• Full restoration
• New hood
• New interior
• Original V8 engine overhauled
• Extensive photographic history
• Part of a major private collection

V8 power, four seats and Michelotti styling; the Stag has it all.

The Stag is a flawless Grand Tourer cruiser. The V8 mated with a rarer auto box, like this one, is an almost perfect classic car.  It is practical and comfy. Around town the V8 auto makes life easy, open it up on dual carriageways and the Stag is effortless. Around country lanes with the torquey 3.0ltr V8 bubbling and the exhaust barking away, it is undiluted enjoyment.

Of all the British classic cars built, the Triumph Stag has an amazing survival rate. According to the well-respected Stag Owners Club, of the 17,819 UK registered, 46.% are still around. That surely puts to bed a number of inaccurate myths about Stags.

In 1964, designer Giovanni Michelotti asked Triumph whether it would be possible for Triumph to donate a car to him. Michelotti wanted to produce a one-off Turin Motor Show special to showcase his designer talents. Triumph’s chief, Harry Webster, readily agreed.

Michelotti worked his magic. He produced a shortened version of the Triumph 2000 making it an open-top sportster. The gorgeous convertible overwhelmed Webster. Triumph immediately took the designs in-house. Michelotti never got to showcase his design at the Turin Show. But nevertheless he’d produced an icon.

This classic Stag has had an extensive body AND engine restoration, so any myths anyone may hold about the brilliant Stag should just melt away. This particular classic Triumph Stag is probably one of the best restored ones we’ve had our hands on for a long while.  We think it is easily capable of winning the odd rosette or two at a classic car show too.

Engine & Transmission

A correctly rebuilt and serviced V8, like this one, is a delight.

A Stag with an original, fully functioning 3.0ltr V8 is a rare find. One that has been fully overhauled like this one is a big plus point.

The V8 Stag engine was a highly advanced OHC unit pushing out 145bhp. This is above its peers on the market at the time such the 3500 Rover V8 producing 143bhp. The unique tooling created by BL for the new V8 was done with the intention of that tooling being used for the development of a complete range of banked V engines.

As that time drew near, the chief architect, Harry Webster, had been moved to BL’s Austin-Morris Division. Spen King was appointed from Rover to develop the Stag for launch. Spen increased the V8 from 2.5 litres to 3 litres and reverted to carbs, away from fuel injection. The Stag V8 was born. And ask anyone that really knows, they’ll tell you it is a marvellous engine.

The engine and gearbox were removed as part of the extensive renovation. The engine was stripped and inspected. Pictures in the image gallery confirm the extent of the work and the good condition of the classic V8 Stag engine. The cylinder heads was stripped and checked. For completeness a couple of valves were changed and the heads were skimmed.

Critically, the timing chain, tensioners and sprokets were replaced with uprgaded German JWIS kit as opposed the to the ROLON chains. These JWIS chains (sometimes pronounced as IWIS) are universally recognised by the experts as very best kits.

The entire engine bay, with that V8 now has to be one of the best we’ve seen on any Stag. With the work carried you can pack away any concerns you might have had. And just to make double sure, an advanced electronic fan and sensor has been fitted which guarantees the engine stays cool whatever the condition.

Exterior and Hood

The multitude of images in the gallery do tell their own story, but it’s worth picking out a couple of points.

When the Stag arrived at our collectors workshop, the first thing to do was get all the external fittings off and fully assess the bodywork. As you can see, even in the usual water traps on the Stag, it was in good condition.

Our collector is not one to take half measures. The paintwork was sanded back and any areas of deterioration were dealt with. Then several coats of primer were applied and finally it was lavished with top coat and lacquer. The result is striking looking classic Stag.

The hood is new and you can see images of that being bespoke fitted to the Stag. Doing it this way ensures fit and finish is just how it should be. On top of that is rare hard top, which makes the already very practical classic Stag a genuine all year round car.

Finally. We did say our collector doesn’t do things by half. After renovating the Stag, the whole body structure was very extensively waxoyled to protect all that hard work. You’ll note evidence of that everywhere.

Finally, the shiny bits. The bumpers are all new and any brightwork that wasn’t up to our collectors exacting high standards were replaced.

If you haven’t already, do go and spend some time on the images. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Interior

The Stag is a genuine four-seater, which makes the classic Stag a supremely practical classic.

This one has had a decent amount spent on the interior. The balance with any restoration is keeping the classic originality that makes the Stag so attractive in the first place, but in doing so making sure the restoration is to good standard.

We think the balance on this is just right. It is not ‘over-restored’ where any of the enduring character of the car is lost, but inside it is very enjoyable experience.

The seat foams were replaced, giving the seats a sumptuous feel. New covers were purchased in original colour. These give the interior a freshness without making it feel fake.

The original door cards were in good condition, but nevertheless has been refreshed very nicely, even down the careful pleats on the elasticated door pockets.

The dash is in good original condition as are the clocks. Where possible, the restorers kept original the switchgear and buttons, to give that lovely balance of originality and ‘old car feel’. It works seamlessly well. You can just jump in and enjoy this Stag.

Wheels, Tyres & Suspension

All Stags left the factory with two great options which single them out from many other classic cars; power assisted brakes and power steering. They make a world of difference.

As part of the restoration, everything was checked and none of the robust Stag mechanicals were found wanting. Just to be on the safe side, our collector fitted a new set of brake pads. Other than that we are told it drives very well.

Our view

Our collector was looking for some time for a ‘good Stag to make into a great one”. He discovered this one that had been with an owner, based in Liverpool, for over 18 years. The enthusiast owner had kept the Stag in good condition. Our collector didn’t hesitate to scoop it up.

He then set about turning it into a simply stunning classic Stag. You’ll judge for yourself to what extent you think he has succeeded.

We’ve inspected this Stag ourselves and confirm it is probably one of the best restored Stags we’ve seen for a considerable time.

Stags have been under-valued for some time now. In the last two years, the market prices are reflecting the attractiveness of a British built open-top sportster. We don’t see prices retreating, especially not for stand-out cars like this one.

This one has the reserve set at an temptingly sensible price given the work it has had carried out on it and the current market values of exceptional Stags.

Vehicle Location: Peterborough– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

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