Lot 515: Triumph Stag Convertible

'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 By the time production commenced in 1970, the 2000's six-cylinder engine had been replaced by a 3-litre V8 based on an overhead-camshaft four - later to power the Dolomite range - already being produced by Triumph for SAAB.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.' First registered in June 1977, the automatic transmission Stag we offer comes with BMIHT certificate confirming matching numbers and build specification. The car has been in the current vendor's possession for the past 20 years, kept garaged under a dustsheet and enjoying a pampered existence, being serviced regularly and seldom venturing out in inclement weather. 'BYB 354S' has covered a little over 70,000 miles from new and only 4,400 since the original engine was rebuilt in June 1996. A re-spray was carried out and some body panels replaced in April 2003, while the most recent comprehensive service was undertaken in November 2007. The car comes with all service/repair invoices since 1989 including ones for a new soft-top and frame, assorted brightwork items, new carpets and renovated wheels. A hardtop is included, complete with support frame, and the car is fitted with an immobiliser. This Stag has given its retired owner much pleasure and is only being sold because a recent move to a smaller property means he no longer has sufficient room for it. Finished in Carmine Red with beige interior, the car is offered with MoT to June 2010, current road fund licence and Swansea V5. Offered without reserve.