Triumph Stag

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In better shape than ever and so many to choose from BL’s cut price SL are great buys

Why buy?

This ‘British Mercedes SL’ had it all back in the 1970s, save for reliability but half a century on, thanks to consistent development by a growing army of specialists and a fantastic owners’ club, the ‘Snag’ is now the car that it should have been.

Driving

Stags are so soothingly satisfying – once sorted. It’s no sports car, but tailor-made for long distance jaunts, especially in tall-geared overdrive mode although the bulk are automatics.

What to pay

Scruffy ‘Snags’ start from well under ten grand but will be a veritable money pit or a badly bodged Rover V8 convert and both are best avoided. Decent examples sell from £13,000 while truly nice ones now change hands for £20,000 plus from Stag specialists. The once favoured, non standard V8 converts are now worth up to 25 per cent less and so are bargains if carried out properly.

Body and chassis

Rust can be rampant; Mk2s worst due to thinner steel. Sills and floors are badly hit. Outriggers, jacking points, subframe supports, front and rear valances are also rotters as are slam panels and the A posts.

Engine

Overheating remains biggest fret but can be eradicated. Timing chains and tensioners need changing regularly or they’ll stretch and strip with dire consequences.

Transmission

Biggest worry concerns the quill shaft housing; is it okay because if it breaks serious damage will be done. Driveshafts wear as do hub bearings. Modern driveshaft design can remove famous ‘Triumph twitch’ under power. Clutches are TR6 and can give trouble so check. Non operating overdrive is usually lack of oil or an electrical fault such as wiring or switch but most are autos and are reliable in service. Jag XK8 auto unit adds welcome ‘overdrive’ and may well be fitted as a result.

Best model?

Original with man/o/d

Worst model?

Poor engine conversions

Budget buy?

Automatic

Ok for unleaded?

Needs additive

Spares situation?

Generally very good

Diy ease?

No problems

Club support?

Simply superb

Appreciating asset?

Good ones soaring