1973 Triumph Stag

Apparently restored and repainted in the late 1990s (HPI check shows a colour change in 1997, though the invoices in the history are missing) this Stag appears to be ready to take on whatever trip its new owner can envision. Its gorgeous, Italian-penned looks, big V8 engine driving the rear wheels and luxurious cabin certainly help, and its these elements that make the Stag an ideal classic touring machine for the whole family. In fact, the vendor’s been using this one for just that… In his seven-year ownership he’s enjoyed many a family outing around the country lanes of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

In addition to regular use, the vendor also reports that he’s embarked on a programme of rolling restoration of the mechanical components. There are several big bills for various bits of the running gear backing this up in the service history. Though sadly the history doesn’t extend back too far, but the car’s condition seems to make that largely irrelevant anyway.

As this Stag requires the driver to change their own gears it’s quite different in character to the automatic version. The auto suits the laid-back driver who’s happy to trundle along enjoying the scenery. The manual Stag is a lot sportier in nature, amazingly, a manual transmission really does alter the whole character of the car. Thankfully, Triumph knew a thing or two about making a rewarding sports car and pushing a Stag a little harder proves hugely rewarding.

Although there’s no bills to prove it, we can well believe that the car was repainted just over twenty years ago. The DVLA was made aware of a colour changed to this attractive shade of red back in 1997 and it seems to be holding up very well indeed. The vendor tells us that he’s avoided using this Stag in the winter, instead opting to keep it in the garage under its cover and only turning it over from time to time. The paint is still impressive but it’s not beyond reproach. There are a few light marks on the driver’s door and some chips on the tops of both sills – visible with the doors open. The front end appears to be lovely and straight with even minor marks hard to distinguish. Though we did spot a small patch of touched-up paint behind the grille on the offside and a pinhole dent to the top of the offside front wing.

Generally, the wheels look decent, but would all benefit from some light refurbishment. The offside front is the worst, missing paint in the centre and displaying some kerb marks. We also know that tyre choice isn’t great for a Stag, but surely the Chinese ‘Routeway’ tyres could be improved upon. The panels all appear to be very straight with their gaps lining up better than new – an easy visual reference is provided by arrow-straight pinstripes on both flanks. The original rear light lenses look a little scratched now, yet seem to function fine. The chromework is looking very good, but sadly isn’t perfect. There are a couple of patches of corrosion on the top of the rear bumper (offside). The hood is looking snug and rip-free, though there’s no hard top to accompany this Stag.

Again, according to the vendor, the interior has seen some recent remedial work, with both front seats receiving a retrim – the condition of their vinyl certainly backs up this claim. The seats look very good, though aren’t free of all marks. The outer shoulder of the driver’s seat for example has a small worn patch to its rear. There’s more wear seen on the top of the passenger side door card, but it’s not too severe. The rest of the cards appear to be in great shape though the passenger side also needs attaching properly along its trailing edge. The speakers fitted within both cards are also missing their cover grilles. They’re also barely held in, with the driver’s side trusted to stay put with the aid of just a single self-tapping screw – while only one more holds the passenger side in place.

The trim generally is looking really good, as is the wood veneer, though we did spot a little wear to the electric window switches, particularly noticeable on the driver’s side. The wheel has been upgraded with a nice Mota-Lita wood-rimmed alternative and the stereo, although not standard, is a near period Philips cassette deck – though sadly, it’s not currently working. We saw some aftermarket speaker grilles in the rear door cards, though no speakers remain fitted. Carpets look fine and lifting them doesn’t seem to reveal any nasty holes or surprise corrosion. The boot floor also seems good and strong. The only bit of iffy repair work we could find was a very small patch on the passenger A-pillar, just showing some awkward welds.

Like any product of the 1970s, the Stag likes to return to its ferrous state, but we’re pleased to report that this one seems to be resisting that urge. We’ll start with the Stag’s showpiece, its engine bay. There’s some corrosion to the brake booster, though its reservoir and master cylinder look near new. It’s nice to see things like the bellows for the cold air feed on the intake are still intact. Looking through the invoices, there’s a bill for a new intake from 2016, which explains that one. A battery cut-off has been added to the offside inner wing for both extra security (there’s also an immobiliser fitted) and to limit the chance of a flat battery during those long winter layups.

Getting a look under this sleek low tourer isn’t easy, but we managed to shimmy under just the same. The general look of the underside is very good, with plenty of underseal still keeping the elements away from this Stag’s vulnerable steel. The rear shocks look overdue a change, as their bodies are corroded though don’t appear to be leaking – their lower mounting bushes are also looking cracked and tired. The front end has clearly seen some love recently as the lower wishbone bushes on both sides look near new. There only patch of rust we could find was a little section of surface grot on the offside of the front valance (underneath). We also spotted a dent to one of the central crossmembers from some poor jacking, though other than that, it seems straight and strong under here.

Because he’s used this Stag to ferry his family around, the vendor has very wisely decided to keep up the annual MoT test – even though the car is of course, now exempt. Those recent tests have been aced with zero advisories – the latest expires in June. The car has been used at every opportunity during the dry, sunny months, though thankfully with that regular use has come plenty of maintenance and servicing as evidenced by the following work…

In 2021, Bowron Motorcare removed and sent off the seatbelts to be reconditioned by a specialist so these are as new. A new brake master cylinder, battery clamp, power steering belt and a couple of wheel bolts were fitted in 2019, again at Bowron Motorcare, at a cost of £863.84. The same local firm was also trusted to fit a reconditioned differential in 2016 as well as tracing an electrical drain to the stereo at a cost of £1343,22. Bowron also cured a poor running issue at the same time by stripping and cleaning the replacement Stromberg carburettors at a further cost of £913.68. Further back in the history folder we find another bill for work from 2008 by Full Circle Services for a replacement offside track rod, both steering rack boots, a set of anti-roll bar links as well as a wheel alignment. All done for £346.29. There’s not a lot more relevant history beyond this point, sadly.

Stags are fantastic machines when properly cared for and running well. In this Stag’s case, the evidence of the former is clear and the vendor ensures the latter. These classic GTs can genuinely be used for family days out or even driving tours, proving both swift and comfortable over long distances. This one might lack some supporting documentation but its condition speaks volumes.

The colour change seems to have been carried out very well and the vendor tells us that the engine was rebuilt at the same time (1997-1999). If you want a big, classic V8 GT that’s ready to go, there are few better options out there right now than this Stag. We think its next owner will need between £12,000 - £18,000 to enjoy it this summer.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, 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’.