1972 Triumph Stag Convertible
Registration no. TTC 860L
Chassis no. LO135170
Engine no. LF29618HE (see text)

'The great feature of most V8 engines is the inherent flexibility, and the Triumph engine is no exception, pulling from less than 20mph in overdrive top with no shudder or transmission grab... It is... an attempt to enter the highly competitive luxury grand touring class of motoring. We hope it succeeds.' - Motor Sport, July 1970.

Stylish, fast and practical, the Stag began life as a Triumph 2000-based styling exercise by Italian carrossier Giovanni Michelotti. A 2+2 convertible, Michelotti's design featured a quad-lamp grille and sculpted front and rear ends, the latter destined to appear on many future Triumphs. By the time production commenced in 1970, the 2000's six-cylinder engine had been replaced by a 3.0-litre V8 based on an overhead-camshaft four - later to power the Dolomite range - already being produced by Triumph for SAAB. A padded, 'T'-shaped roll bar bracing the door pillars and windscreen was one of the Stag's most distinctive features, and the model could be had in soft-top, hardtop, or soft-with-hardtop forms. Motor Sport described the Stag's interior as, 'well appointed, having all the usual instrumentation one would expect in a high performance car.'

One of the final 'MkI' models produced, this Stag convertible has the desirable manual/overdrive transmission. 'TTC 860L' was restored by the previous owner in 2005, including a bare metal re-spray, new roof, engine rebuild and a new interior. The car was purchased by the current vendor in 2010, since when a cylinder head rebuild has been carried out. Serviced and MoT'd annually by Malmesbury Specialist Cars, the Stag has been used to attend local classic vehicle shows and has been much enjoyed by the vendor. The car drove very well when inspected by Bonhams and is only offered for sale because of the owner's ill health. It is described as in generally good condition and comes with a V5C registration document. Although not original to this car, the engine is a standard Stag unit, number 'LF29618HE'.