Old Flames – The Triumph Stag

As cars go the Triumph Stag is a bit of an enigma. By rights it should have been consigned to the dustbin at British Leyland labelled ‘Failed Projects’ by the time the first engine blew up. But here we are 40 years later talking about a car that seems to get more desirable as the decades roll by. The problematical early days are well-documented but no longer seem to matter. It is believed that up to 9000 examples out of the original 25k made are still on the road today and after MG the Stag has one of the most active owner’s clubs around. 

So how could such a problem-child turn into a classic icon?

Just park one up in the street, stand back and watch. Wager a bet with your mate that nobody will be able to pass the car without even a slight sideways glance. Giovanni Michelotti created a masterpiece. He was a bosom pal of Triumph’s boss, Harry Webster, and he was responsible for most of the company’s designs during their heyday. The Stag was his best effort and today it looks stunning.

Although the engine is the bit that most negative commentators tend to focus their attention on it is also one of the best bits. It is true of course that BL should have taken more care in its development but that doesn’t mean it is anything like an old nail. Just check the coolant regularly and change the oil every 3000 miles. There are plenty of original V8’s that have never been rebuilt so don’t believe all of the scare stories. We should know – we ran one for two years without any issues. RMK 922R where are you now?

So why is it also one of the best bits? Well, stroll back to your parked-up Stag and fire it up. The kids will drop their bikes and run up to the car begging you to give it some throttle. The noise gives you goosebumps. The tight bass-line ‘woofle’ of the V8 sounds like it was built yesterday. If you were wearing a blindfold you would never guess the car you were listening to was built in the 1970’s and the aural sensory pleasure it gives will make you want to drive the car all day with the roof down while looking for tunnels.

If BL had not skimped on important design and build issues then this V8 could have been an all-time great and it is without a doubt a perfect compliment to the super-smooth looking Stag. Forget all of the Rover V8, Ford V6 and 2.5 six-cylinder conversions - they are naff. The engines are all fine of course but the Stag’s chassis, suspension and brakes are set-up for its own V8 so weight distribution is perfectly balanced. Converted Stags are cheap for good reason so buyer beware.

The basic design was so good that the car needs very few modifications to make it a perfectly useable every day car. How about this for a specification? Front disc brakes, fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front, power assisted brakes, power steering, electric windows, front headrests, optional aircon, a choice of Borg-Warner automatic or 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive and alloy wheels came as standard on the Mk2.

Over the years most owners have opted to switch to electronic ignition, polyurethane bushes and larger capacity radiators with electric fans to aid cooling. Many have installed new hoods, leather interiors and walnut veneer dashboards which only add to the car’s appeal. Don’t be tempted to fit low profile tyres though because the ride will suffer and gearing will be affected adversely.

A properly cared-for Stag should be an absolute joy to drive. Although a sprited set of performance figures are on offer – 145bhp, 0-60mph in less than 9 seconds and a top speed close to 120 – the Stag is a comfortable cruiser and a four-seater convertible to boot! The hood folds away neatly and completely under a hide-away cover and the clever ‘T-bar’ support ensures that the car remains tight with little noticeable scuttle shake. As with any classic you tend to get what you pay for and well-sorted examples fetch the best prices.

Stag’s seem to have a bit of a reputation in the film industry too because ever since the car was launched it has been a firm favourite with film producers to this very day. Diamonds Are Forever, Straw Dogs, Randall and Hopkirk, Murphy’s Law, Hazell, Second Sight, Dracula AD 1972, Carry on Emmannuelle, New Tricks and more recently on Ladytron’s ‘Ghosts’ video. Not all timeless classics granted but it just goes to show the effect of the Stag’s ‘cool car’ status.

OK, so now you want to buy one we know of a stunning, restored, two owner Pimento Red example showing only 23,000 recorded miles which even comes with the original dealer pack and ‘Passport’ to Service’ book. Click here for a Slideshow of images. Give us a call on 0845 643 2047 to find out more.

2004 BMW M3 SMG Convertible

It’s impossible to dislike the M3. In fact, we would go as far to say that it is probably the best car ever made. Well, if you don’t need a carry-all for the kids or a 4×4 to climb mountains (or Chelsea pavements) then this ‘wunderauto’ is an act that is hard to beat. From its intial inception as the E30 the M3 has raised the bar consistently when it comes to road-going high-performance cars that Joe Public can use without the need for special tuition on a track. The E30 is a rare old bird now and collectors will pay silly money for a nice original example (if they can find one!). The E36 came along next in 1992 with a nice sharp suit and performance figures that truly embarassed the likes of Ferrari and Porsche. The straight six-cylinder on steroids eventually pumped out 320 BHP and saw the introduction of the revolutionary SMG gearbox.  This car really did put the cat in the birdcage. It could even be said the ‘horsepower wars’ started when this car came along. Suddenly the M3 was the benchmark that had to be beaten and 300-plus BHP was soon to be de-rigeur for any sports car to be taken seriously. It wasn’t all about the horses though. The M3 was a great driver’s car – in other words, it handled superbly. At the turn of the new millennium the E46 M3 was born. More space, more comfort, more power and even easier to drive with the optional second-generation SMG gearbox.  The E46 is a real looker, too. Even though the E90 has now replaced this version we have a feeling that the E46 will have its own fan club of admirers for many years to come. It looks muscular yet restrained and there isn’t a bad angle on the car to be caught on camera. What great value these E46’s are these days too! We have just put a gorgeous Carbon Black example of an SMG convertible on our books for a customer and this one comes with all of the toys too - for less than £20k!! Click here for a full details or click here for a Pistonheads review of the E46 M3.

2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible

These cars are just the cutest! The Mini’s perfect proportions make you want to pick one up and put it in your pocket. Considering how cuddly the original version was back in 1959 it has been no mean feat that today’s designers have kept the essence and soul of Issigonis’s (crikey that’s hard to spell!) first generation Mini. Let’s hope that BMW don’t adopt the ‘change for change’s sake’ attitude with the Mini and leave the formula to mature nicely with only minor tweaking. Please don’t do what VW did to the original Golf! Right, so since everyone agrees that the Mini is a highly desirable piece of kit then why not plump for one with a detachable roof? We’re marketing one in Dark Silver for the owner who has since upgraded to a newer model. It’s an ‘S’ with the punchy Supercharged engine and 6-speed gearbox. With Cooper Works Alloys, Side Skirts, Chili Pack, TLC and Aircon it’s a very nicely specified example. Oh and this one has only done 9800 miles. Want more details? Then just click here and get ready to fall in love!

2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet

Britain is Europe’s largest market for convertibles – fact. For a country that has one type of weather i.e. unpredictable and largely wet us Brits have an inexplicable appetite for soft tops (or coupe-cabriolets). Maybe we like to imagine that we are cruising down Sunset Strip in balmy LA when in reality we are basking under a thick chilly blanket of grey cloud with the heater on full blast. Maybe that is the point though. Let’s face it driving topless in searing heat can be a rather unpleasant experience. It’s certainly a quick way to get your bonce barbecued which is why we end up tearing around on the Costa del Sol in an air-conditioned small hatch just like the rest of the locals. So our moist little island is made for convertibles and what better example of the genre is the Porsche 911. So well-made that there is no perceptible difference between the build-quality and integrity of the coupe and the cabriolet versions and that turbine-like 315 BHP flat-six sounds even better with the roof down. Got that appetite whetted? How about one in silver with grey leather with a matching hardtop? 6-speed manual gearbox, GT3 body mouldings, Carrera Alloys and a Full Porsche Service History. Forget the weather – strip off and crank up the heater – there’s nothing like it! Click here for more details.

2004 BMW 330 Ci Sport Convertible

Here is a stunning 330 Sport Convertible presented in Orient Blue with highly complimentary Sand leather which has been carefully looked after by its current owner for the last three years. Fitted with BMW’s class-leading Automatic / Steptronic gearbox mated to a torquey 230 bhp silky-smooth straight six cylinder engine these 330’s are a complete pleasure to drive. This particular example has had a recent service and comes with the sought-after BMW factory-fitted SatNav / TV option plus colour-coded hardtop. For more lots more details of this attractive car click here. 

2002 BMW 330Ci Convertible

Spring is in the air and that normally means the rush to buy a cool convertible gets underway. This 2002 BMW 330Ci Automatic looks stunning in Schwartz Black with its ‘Individual’ cream nappa leather interior and walnut trim detailing. One owner from new with a full BMW service history (the big Inspection 2 service was done only 3000 miles ago) this car has covered a sensible 59k miles from new. A colour-coded hardtop is included which has such a nice tight fit you would think you were driving a coupe! Click here for more details.

2007 Mini Cooper ‘Sidewalk’ Convertible

These Special Edition Mini Convertibles look stunning with their unique alloy wheels and colour coded interiors. This One Owner example is finished in Astro Black with English Malt Leather with only 6000 miles on the clock. Still under warranty with the useful TLC Maintenance Pack. Click here for more details.

2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet

Here comes summer! Now is the time to start looking for a convertible before prices go through the roof (ouch!) in a couple of months time. This is a 2004 manual silver example with only 31,000 miles on the clock. Click here for full details.