- An important Triumph Stag being Pre-Production Car No. 9 (and the twelfth example built)

- The Belgian press launch car and believed but not warranted to have covered just 98,000 miles from new

- Treated to a photo documented bodywork restoration and mechanical overhaul last year and the subject of an upcoming article in 'Triumph World' magazine

Launched in 1970, the Triumph Stag was styled by Giovanni Michelotti and featured the monocoque construction, fully independent suspension, disc/drum brakes, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, and driveline of the Triumph 2000 Saloon from which it was developed. The chosen powerplant, however, was an all-new OHC V8 of 3000cc. A total of 25,939 Stags were produced, some 9,000 of which survive in the UK. The example now being offered is a significant link in that model chain - ie it's pre-production car No.9 and the 12th example made. It was also apparently employed for the Belgian press launch and is believed, but not warranted, to have covered no more than 98,500 miles from new, courtesy of five keepers. Having already featured in Popular Motoring magazine, it is the subject of an upcoming article in Triumph World.

This matching numbers vehicle was apparently removed from the road and placed in dry storage during 1989. The vendor acquired it in 2011 and ensured that all the pre-production detail was retained during a restoration that took place as recently as 2014 to 2016, during which: the engine was refurbished by Tynwald Triumph, plus the gearbox, overdrive and hood frame overhauled by specialists ; the rear axle and braking and suspension systems were overhauled; the seats retrimmed; brightwork rechromed; and a new hood installed. He now grades the bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, V8 engine and manual overdrive gearbox as all being in 'excellent' order, and adds: 'the engine pulls strongly and holds good oil pressure and temperature, while the clutch and gearbox operate efficiently with no apparent sign of undue wear'. This interesting and historic British classic has covered just 250 miles since all the work was completed, and is now being offered complete with both hard and soft tops, collection of invoices, Heritage Certificate and an MOT into June of next year that is free of advisories.

PLEASE NOTE: All estimates are subject to a buyer's premium of 15% incl. VAT (@ 20%)