Triumph Stag | Spotted | PistonHeads UK

It could have been identified as the Triumph ‘Snag’ back in the day, because of its iffy dependability, but is that honest these times? Not necessarily. As with any old motor you need to be on your guard when purchasing a Stag, but the plan that they are however a lot less reputable than a comedy clown car or truck is unfounded. Buy proper, and you need to finish up with a dependable vintage.

Let us begin with the famously troublesome engine. The 3.-litre Triumph V8 was susceptible to cooling concerns, for a assortment of reasons. The drinking water jacket, for instance, wasn’t engineered as competently as it need to have been, so if any silting restricts the circulation more it will get hot, incredibly hot, hot. And that is created extra probably if the antifreeze is not changed consistently to stop the aluminium heads corroding internally.

If the Stag does run sizzling and ejects any water out of the growth tank, this proves more calamitous because of to the positioning of the h2o pump. It is unusually substantial up in the block, so it doesn’t consider a wide drop in the coolant stage to cause it to operate dry. When that comes about, feel of an out-of-control nuclear reactor and you are going to get the photograph.

I’ll confess, this doesn’t a lot seem like a cause to invest in. But if you search for a car or truck that is been absolutely restored or perfectly cared for, and you continue on to lavish correct care on it with a good upkeep regimen, there’s no motive for this sort of complications. The engine’s able of 150,000 miles among rebuilds, and if it’s running ideal to begin with, you’re off to a good get started.

So acquire it for a very long check push, if possible on a heat working day. You could also check the heat-up, making absolutely sure the radiator stays cold to start out with, so you know the thermostat hasn’t been sneakily taken off, and when open up, make guaranteed rad will get sizzling all over. That’ll convey to you it’s not blocked. It is no lousy detail to also examine the viscous enthusiast coupling is undertaking as it should and putting in a Kenlowe electrical supporter is a great backup prepare.

The other matter to adhere on your maintenance program is changing timing chain. If that is not finished each individual 25,000-30,000 miles, it can stretch. And when it does, you end up with interfering valves. That ain’t fantastic for your wallet, both. But again, the vital right here is: if it is appropriate when you purchase, it is within just your command see it stays that way.

I’m not stating all those are the only locations to emphasis on, but they are some of the key items to verify about on a Stag. The relaxation, as with any classic vehicle, contains scrupulously exploring out rot, listening for untoward noises from the working equipment, and producing guaranteed the handling is not wayward due to worn components.

So with the to-do checklist out the way, what about this just one? The advert says it is undergone a significant rebuild with all the invoices held with the car’s record file. Seemingly, they total £52,315, with ‘a library of photos to exhibit the function that is been done’. It is a wonderful colour for a Stag, also. A attractive shade of ‘70s magenta that seems to be gleaming, complimented by glistening chrome operate and a pristine again vinyl inside.

It’s also a guide. The advert does not say it has overdrive, but lots of did, and I feel it was common from ’73. I can also place the convey to-tail button on the equipment knob that states it does. It’s a beneficial assist to satisfied cruising for the reason that the manual was below-geared for motorways.

The Stag isn’t a lithe sports auto, it’s much more of tourer. The V8 is clean, torquey and greatest of all appears superb. The soft suspension makes it pliant, and it has practicality on its facet, way too. The boot is a good dimension and remaining a 2+2 will make it possible to share the joy with a lot more than one member of the family members. It also seems to be like a right, brawny car or truck, a single that you sit in rather than on, and it’s handsome with it. It always has been, and usually will be in my intellect. There are less costly vehicles out there, but if you’re on the lookout for a Stag not a ‘Snag’ then this properly introduced illustration need to prove to be a purple patch not a pain in the neck.

Motor: 2,997cc, V8, the natural way aspirated
Transmission: 4-velocity handbook (with overdrive), rear-wheel generate
Electricity (hp): 150 @ 5,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 167lb ft @ 3,500rpm
CO2: N/A
MPG: 20-26
Recorded mileage: 81,000
12 months registered: 1974
Price tag new: N/A
Yours for: £28,995