1974 Triumph Stag                                 Registra...

Estimate

£8,000 - £9,000

1974 Triumph Stag                                

Registration Number: ULC 932M
Chassis Number: LD30674BW
Recorded Mileage: c.6,000 Miles since restoration

The Triumph Stag, much like its predecessor, the Triumph 2000, was the brainchild of the renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. His artistry shaped the Stag’s elegant lines, while the car’s engineering was rooted in the same advanced monocoque construction, independent suspension, and power-assisted rack and pinion steering that defined the 2000 saloon. However, the Stag set itself apart with its all-new 3,000cc overhead-cam V8 engine, which was fed by dual Stromberg carburetors. This sophisticated power plant endowed the Stag with a distinctive character, and when it debuted in 1970, the model was met with enthusiastic acclaim, marking it as a significant evolution in British automotive design.

This Stag, finished in a striking shade of Pimento Red with a classic Black vinyl interior, is a remarkable example of British motoring heritage. First registered to a London doctor on New Year's Day 1974, this Stag has traversed the UK, making its way from the bustling streets of London to the serene countryside of Herefordshire, with stops in Essex and the Home Counties along the way. The car’s history has been meticulously documented by a previous owner, who compiled a detailed record of its journey and  over the years.

The vehicle’s extensive history file includes numerous invoices from marque specialists, highlighting a commitment to its upkeep and preservation. Notable work dates back to 1998-99 when, at approximately 90,400 miles, the Stag underwent significant restoration.

The original V8 engine, a hallmark of this classic model, remains in excellent condition, starting and running smoothly with no leaks. The unit underwent a complete rebuild between 1999 and 2000 at 90,000 miles, with invoices and photographs totaling over £2,350.

Work also included the installation of a new hood and seat covers, the replacement of the wiring loom and radiator, and the overhaul of the carburetors. In September 1999, the brakes, steering, and suspension systems were rejuvenated with new discs, pads, braided hoses, a power steering rack, track rod ends, and Spax shock absorbers. The car has since then been stored for many years, with only sparing use.

In December 2005, with the odometer reading around 101,000 miles, the engine received a further overhaul. James Paddock Ltd supplied new pistons, big end bearings, timing chains, and sprockets, with photographic evidence documenting the process. Since this substantial mechanical refresh, the Stag has covered a mere 4,000 miles, and the odometer currently shows just 5,717 miles.

In 2024, the current owner ensured its continued reliability by fitting a new power steering rack and carrying out a gearbox reconditioning with all-new seals, costing £840 at Autoclassico. Additional updates included new engine oil, sump seals, and further seal replacements at a cost of £1,010.

The current owner has continued this legacy of care, recently addressing a host of mechanical aspects to ensure the car’s continued reliability and performance. The Stag now benefits from new radiator hoses, power steering pump seals, rack seals and gaiters, a fresh engine sump gasket, oil filter, and oil change. Additionally, the rear crankshaft seal, gearbox seals, and prop shaft UJs have been replaced, and the brake system has been upgraded with new cunifer hard lines and hoses. The differential extension has been reinforced in accordance with recommendations from the Stag Owners Club (SOC) forums, and the car is equipped with modern enhancements such as an electric fan and Lumenition ignition system. The car is fitted with a good hood, though the perspex side panel is damaged; it does not leak. The car does not include a hardtop.

Accompanying the car are its original handbook and a huge file of invoices, old MOT certificates and historic documentation, photographs of the engine overhaul and historic V5c document.

This Triumph Stag, with its meticulously maintained engine, extensive history and recent mechanical updates, stands as a testament to its careful stewardship over the years. A soulful, family-friendly GT car that still turns heads, as much for its burbling V8 sound as its beautiful Italianate lines. Factor in exceptional parts backup and one of the biggest, friendliest owners clubs in the country, and it's a great recipe for a motoring experience that only a Stag can offer.