1977 | Triumph Stag

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.

There is no early history to accompany this late, Home market Mk II Stag beyond its first registration date – in the UK – of 28 August 1977, although the chassis number confirms it to be a 1976/77 model year vehicle. Records start with a July 2002 MOT certificate which shows 41,459 miles at that time.

From 2010 we have a better picture, with maintenance and repair invoices from that point. Over the next few years we can see that some significant spend was made on the car including engine work (new timing chains); bodywork repairs and repaint work; interior upholstery (seats recovered, new carpets) and fitment of a new Mohair hood. The last UK MOT record is in June 2020, with 50,110 miles recorded.

In 2023 the car was acquired by a Jersey-based owner and re-registered in the island in September of that year. It has been well maintained but sparingly used subsequently with the most recent service carried out (by ourselves) in September of this year.

Powered by Triumph’s own 3 litre V8 – itself a development of the successful four-cylinder engine from the Triumph Dolomite – this car has the 4-speed manual gearbox with useful overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. Triumph claimed 145 bhp for the Stag and a top speed of around 120mph. Having been well maintained in recent years, this example runs and drives well. An electronic ignition unit is fitted.

This is a good looking Stag fitted with the optional hardtop. The Mohair hood was renewed in 2018. We know it underwent considerable bodywork and repaint work some 10 years ago (for which there are invoices and some pictorial evidence) and the car remains in a very presentable condition. Front and rear valances are very tidy and the underside of the car looks good. All brightwork is in good fettle, as are the original fitment alloy wheels.

The interior is in very good condition – seats, carpets, doorcards and wooden dash all looking to have received care and attention to keep them in first rate condition. A Moto Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel and modern CD/tuner unit have been fitted.

A very tidy and smart example of a late model Triumph Stag finished in white, with matching hardtop. Running and driving well with that charismatic V8 rumble, we believe the low recorded mileage to be correct (given the MOT records held). This car is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.

The Triumph is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping (worldwide) and importation processes if required.