Triumph Stag | Spotted | PistonHeads UK

It could have been recognised as the Triumph ‘Snag’ back in the day, for the reason that of its iffy dependability, but is that honest these times? Not automatically. As with any previous motor you need to have to be on your guard when obtaining a Stag, but the thought that they’re continue to much less reliable than a comedy clown motor vehicle is unfounded. Get correct, and you need to close up with a trustworthy typical.

Let’s start with the famously troublesome engine. The 3.-litre Triumph V8 was susceptible to cooling concerns, for a variety of explanations. The h2o jacket, for instance, was not engineered as effectively as it should really have been, so if any silting restricts the move further more it receives scorching, sizzling, incredibly hot. And that is made much more possible if the antifreeze is not replaced consistently to quit the aluminium heads corroding internally.

If the Stag does run hot and ejects any h2o out of the enlargement tank, this proves extra calamitous owing to the positioning of the water pump. It’s unusually substantial up in the block, so it doesn’t just take a wide fall in the coolant degree to trigger it to operate dry. When that takes place, assume of an out-of-management nuclear reactor and you’ll get the picture.

I’ll acknowledge, this does not a lot seem like a explanation to invest in. But if you lookup for a car or truck that is been fully restored or very well cared for, and you continue on to lavish suitable treatment on it with a fantastic maintenance program, there is no motive for these types of problems. The engine’s able of 150,000 miles between rebuilds, and if it’s working proper to commence with, you’re off to a good begin.

So choose it for a extensive check push, ideally on a warm working day. You could also look at the warm-up, generating guaranteed the radiator stays cold to start with, so you know the thermostat hasn’t been sneakily removed, and when open, make certain rad will get incredibly hot all above. That’ll inform you it is not blocked. It is no lousy point to also examine the viscous lover coupling is accomplishing as it should really and installing a Kenlowe electric supporter is a good backup plan.

The other detail to adhere on your routine maintenance schedule is replacing timing chain. If which is not performed every single 25,000-30,000 miles, it can stretch. And when it does, you conclude up with interfering valves. That ain’t fantastic for your wallet, both. But again, the vital below is: if it is correct when you obtain, it’s within just your control see it stays that way.

I’m not declaring individuals are the only spots to target on, but they are some of the crucial matters to verify more than on a Stag. The rest, as with any vintage motor vehicle, incorporates scrupulously exploring out rot, listening for untoward noises from the operating equipment, and making positive the managing isn’t wayward thanks to worn factors.

So with the to-do record out the way, what about this one? The advert claims it’s been through a main rebuild with all the invoices stored with the car’s background file. Apparently, they total £52,315, with ‘a library of images to show the get the job done that is been done’. It is a good color for a Stag, far too. A stunning shade of ‘70s magenta that appears to be gleaming, complimented by glistening chrome get the job done and a pristine back vinyl interior.

It is also a guide. The advert does not say it has overdrive, but many did, and I imagine it was typical from ’73. I can also location the tell-tail button on the equipment knob that suggests it does. It is a valuable support to content cruising since the manual was under-geared for motorways.

The Stag isn’t a lithe sports vehicle, it’s much more of tourer. The V8 is sleek, torquey and ideal of all seems excellent. The delicate suspension tends to make it pliant, and it has practicality on its aspect, also. The boot is a respectable sizing and being a 2+2 helps make it feasible to share the pleasure with more than one particular member of the relatives. It also seems to be like a correct, brawny car, a person that you sit in instead than on, and it is handsome with it. It normally has been, and always will be in my brain. There are more affordable cars and trucks out there, but if you’re hunting for a Stag not a ‘Snag’ then this nicely introduced instance should establish to be a purple patch not a soreness in the neck.

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