Manufactured between 1970 and 1977, the Triumph Stag was a 2+2 sports tourer designed and styled by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. It was developed as a luxury sports car and was intended to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz SL class models.

In order to meet proposed American rollover standards of the time and for structural rigidity, the Stag came equipped with a B-pillar ‘roll bar’ hoop attached to the windscreen frame by a T-bar – especially unique for a four-seater convertible coupe.

Initially the Stag was intended to utilize a 2L six-cylinder engine, however the engineering director Harry Webster wanted the use a new Triumph-designed overhead cam 2.5L fuel-injected V8. In 1968, the engine was enlarged to 3L to increase the power available. In order to meet emission standards in the US market, fuel-injection was dropped in favour of dual ‘Zenith-Stromberg’ carburettors instead.

The car was launched nearly two years later than planned in June 1970 and was an immediate success in the UK.

Over the course of its 7-year production cycle only 25,939 Triumph Stags were built.

THE CAR

Lovingly restored over long-term ownership since 1993, this 1975 Mark II example Triumph Stag is in great condition and shows 32,108 kms on the odometer.

The car’s data plate reveals it is numbers matching with its Delft Blue (code 136) paint in excellent condition and a fully refurbished and outstanding Black (code 11) knitted vinyl interior.

Boasting a water-cooled Triumph 3L V8, the engine is powerful and has a wonderful exhaust note. This is coupled to an automatic transmission which is very smooth and somewhat rare – only 1,523 automatic examples were produced in 1975. The vehicle is equipped with power steering and the handling is clean and direct - the car is an absolute joy to drive.

The convertible top is in excellent condition with only one minor blemish. The woodgrain and interior are both in excellent condition, as is the chrome, stainless steel and the wheels. All of the gauges work – including the clock. An aftermarket Bluetooth-enabled stereo has been fitted.

A classy and stylish example of British manufacturing. Currently on historic registration in SA.