1971 Triumph Stag Mk 1

Offered from the trade, this particular 1971-registered, MK1 Stag, originally automatic but now converted to a four-speed manual (with overdrive) is finished in the unusual, eye-catching original colour combination of Sapphire Blue bodywork over a Shadow Blue interior, and was the recipient of an extensive body-off restoration during the 1990s, several decades before it came into the hands of the current owner.

During this restoration, numerous panels were replaced, including the rear valence, boot floor, both full rear inner arches, both full sill panels, offside front wing, both front inner arches, the front lower valence and the lower rear wing panels, along with the car being resprayed back into its delivery colour, Sapphire Blue.

Interestingly, the engine was also changed to a Triumph six-cylinder offering around this time, and the car was then exported to the Philippines during the 90s, where the then-owner enjoyed some success in various timed rallies (with the timing printouts included in the history file) before the car was re-imported to the UK around 2013, when an invoice for a full new interior was discovered.

Following its arrival back on UK shores, the next owner began another round of restoration work during 2020, including the fitment of a re-conditioned 3.0-litre V8 engine, sourced from a MK2 Stag. This engine was fitted with new heads and gaskets, new top studs, new timing chains and sprockets, a cleaned inlet manifold and a reconditioned starter motor, with the car now being ‘on the button’ for the next owner to enjoy.

In addition to the engine mechanical work, the cooling system was also overhauled and fitted with an improved radiator, and other miscellaneous items such as new insulation, carburetor needles, handbrake switches, four-row front headlights etc. were also fitted.

Our vendor took the car in during late 2020, as the previous owner sadly had to let the car go due to failing health. The vendor then continued the restoration from a cosmetic standpoint, with the engine receiving an impressive aesthetic overhaul and a re-check of the timing, along with more new gaskets.

The chassis has been entirely refurbished and overhauled, with the components blasted back to bare metal, painted in 2K epoxy paint, and re-assembled with upgraded ‘poly bush’ bushings used for longevity, along with the fitment of new rear struts, top mounts, dust covers, driveshaft/propshaft bolts and new subframe bushes.

Of course, the braking system is vital, and our vendor has also given this plenty of attention with a new brake booster and refurbished master cylinder, along with new bolts, front brake calipers, discs and pads, and the rear brake drums also being fitted with new copper lines and unions.

In addition to the mechanical and chassis work, the car also benefits from a new fuel tank, pump and lines, new stainless-steel exhaust system and mountings, an upgraded EJ Ward stainless-steel radiator with electric fan, new carpets/mats in the cabin as well as boot, new windscreen and seals, a reconditioned soft-top frame, new MK1 Mohair hood supplied by Aldridge Trimming (fitted August 2021) and new stainless-steel trim as and where required.

Thanks to its recent and older restoration work, this MK1 Stag presents wonderfully well, with no outwardly visible signs of any major wear, scuffs, dents or impacts that we could see.

The paintwork is so good, in fact, that we barely noticed any stone chips or light marks to be expected from a car of this era, even one that has been re-sprayed during its lifetime.

The bumpers were replaced during the vendor’s restoration work and present fantastically, whilst on the whole the chrome trim is either new (as mentioned above) or in great condition with an excellent finish and only the lightest pitting.

The aforementioned new windscreen looks OE, whilst the side windows still bare the registration etchings, suggesting these are still the original items. The new Mohair soft-top fitted in August 2021 is in excellent 'as-new' condition. When the gallery images were taken the hood had been freshly raised, so they do show some light storage creases to the rear and side windows. Following the shoot the vendor has kept the hood up and has assured us these temporary creases have since smoothed out, and the very light scratches to the window picked up by the photos have improved after he spent some effort applying light heat and polish. The vendor has supplied some images which we added to the gallery to show how the creases have since flattened out. 

All four of the Rostyle wheels are new-old-stock Rostyle hubcaps; the wheels have been refurbished by blasting to bare metal and sprayed in two-pack silver, and the tyres are new Radar Classics. All have less than 50 miles on them so they are as new.

The Shadow Blue interior is certainly unusual, but we reckon it suits this Stag fantastically, and it presents in wonderful condition throughout, having only been fitted in 2013.

The seats show no sign of any heavy wear, deep creases or scuffs, whilst there is no sign of any damage to the covers and they have had new foam and webbings fitted. The brand new mats and carpet, and around the other high-traffic areas such as the door jambs and centre console, are in excellent shape.

Ahead of the driver, the dashboard is in superb condition with no damage to the wood inlays, though the vendor notes that the mileage is more likely 118,000 (as opposed to the 18,XXX indicated) judging by the MOT history, with the odometer having simply ‘rolled over’ when it reached 100,000 miles.

As far as we could tell, and to the best of the vendor’s knowledge, there are no faults with any of the vehicle’s electrical systems, switchgear or instrumentation. The soft-top mechanism is also impressively smooth, and the correct brand new Mohair roof with the rare rear quarter lights was installed, which is water-tight and taut throughout.

Having covered only c.50 miles since the vendor completed their work on the vehicle, this is probably as close as you’ll find to an ‘as-new’ Stag without commissioning a specialist, full-on restoration.

The underside is virtually immaculate throughout, with plenty of photographs in the gallery below to illustrate this. There were no signs of any oil or fluid leaks that we could see, and no other untoward issues that set any alarm bells ringing.

The engine and bay are both in excellent condition, again showing no signs of any unwanted fluid leaks or stains. The car starts ‘on the button’ with no struggle, and has an excellent V8 soundtrack, as all Stags should.

During our photoshoot, the car happily started numerous times, shuffled around and drove without any issues. 

Owned by a Stag Owners Club (SOC) member for numerous years, the history folder that is included with this particular example is impressive, spanning two A4 ring binders.

There are numerous older invoices from the restoration in the 90’s, along with various publications from the SOC and other period documents, along with the handbook and owners manual for the vehicle.

More recently, there is the aforementioned rallying timings from the car’s jaunt in the Philippines, and invoices for all work and parts fitted by both the vendor and the previous owner, which are available to view in the gallery below.

The V5 is present showing 8 former keepers, though it should be noted that the vendor has not put the car in their name, due to being a motor trader.

Old MOT certificates are included, though the car is correctly registered as a historic vehicle, and is MOT exempt.

Extensively restored and refurbished, with significant recent expenditure and an interesting history thanks to its time in the Philippines, this is a well-travelled and enjoyed example of the MK1 Triumph Stag, benefitting from numerous upgrades including a later-model MK2 Stag V8 engine.

Presented in excellent condition throughout and ready for the next owner to use and enjoy to their hearts desire, we’d estimate a value of £25,000 to £30,000 when the hammer falls.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is with the vendor in Monmouth, Monmouthshire. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.