Automotive

The Allure Of The Triumph Stag

Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and manufactured by the Triumph Motor Company, the Triumph Stag was a venerable sport touring car produced between 1970 and 1977. With a 3.0L Triumph V8 under the bonnet, 2+2 seating and a curb weight of just 1,300 kg, the Triumph Stag was a spirited, if not beautiful car. That is, when it wasn’t in the repair shop. Yet, while the Triumph Stag did have its fair share of mechanical problems, even prompting Time magazine to name it one of the 50 worst cars ever made, there are many collectors faithful to the Triumph brand and the Stag model, specifically.

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Triumph Stag Design And Styling

So what was it about this troubled four-seater convertible coupé that made collectors fall in love with it? While seen by many as an affordable luxury car at the time, the higher price tags of the Mercedes-Benz SL class models and Jaguars of the 70’s began to seem more alluring when Stag engine troubles set in. Still, purists remained, and still remain, faithful to their Stags.

And why not? It had the looks, it had seating for 4 and it was a rather comfortable car for a small sport tourer. This two-door drop head was quite an eye-catcher and it had an exhaust note that could excite even the dullest of senses.

Well-Appointed Standard Features

The Triumph Stag was a well-appointed sports car for the time with electric windows, power steering and power-assisted brakes all standard. Optional features, which many car buyers chose to add a more luxurious appeal to their touring car, included Delaney Galley air conditioning, a chrome luggage rack, Koni shock absorbers, floor mats, and Lucas Square Eight fog lamps. While leather was offered as an interior option, there are no known surviving Stags with original factory leather.

A Classic Never Goes Out Of Style

The Triumph Stag has even had a few notable appearances in popular films and television shows including the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, the 2000-2001 BBC TV series Second Sight, the BBC series New Tricks, the first series of Channel 4’s Car S.O.S. and the first series of Channel 4’s For the Love of Cars. With approximately 7,000 Stags surviving in the United Kingdom, this is one classic that will never go out of style as long as the dedicated owners and restorers have anything to say about it!