It is sometimes difficult to determine how profound the impact of mainstream media exposure can be on the popularity of certain cars. However, there are times when it is glaringly obvious. When “The Grand Tour: One for the Road” aired a few weeks ago, it marked the final collaboration of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. The partnership had endured for an incredible twenty-two years, riding the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. For their final challenge, May selected a Magenta Triumph Stag, and online sales resource Auto Trader reported that in the days following the show’s airing, inquiries by those seeking a Stag to park in their garage rose by an incredible 793%. The Stag is riding the crest of a wave, and if you want your slice of the action, this tidy 1972 example deserves a close look.
I am sure I am not alone in believing that the Stag presents at its best with the top down. It accentuates the beautiful lines of a car that was penned by legendary designer, Giovanni Michelotti. The seller indicates that this Burgundy classic has spent its life in California, which is always positive news for buyers seeking a rust-free candidate to park in their garage. This Stag ticks that box, but scrutinizing the photos confirms the seller’s statement that this gem has received at least a partial repaint in its original shade. It is fair to say that this Triumph isn’t showroom fresh, but it definitely passes muster as a high-end driver. The panels are straight, the glass and chrome are exceptional, and the soft-top is in good order. The final piece of the puzzle is the wire wheels, which look perfect on a vehicle of this type.
One of the great mysteries surrounding the Stag is precisely why Triumph elected to go it alone developing an engine to power its latest offering. Various sources offer a wide selection of possible reasons, but nailing one down as the chief cause is virtually impossible. The company was part of the British Leyland behemoth, providing access to the iconic 3.5-liter Rover V8. However, the unique 3.0-liter powerplant that eventually found its way under the Stag’s hood wasn’t the most reliable motor on the planet if owners weren’t meticulous about maintenance. Overheating was one bugbear, while timing chains were another acknowledged weakness. However, the seller has lavished plenty of TLC on this car, ensuring that the engine is in excellent health. This included fitting a Holley carburetor and upgrading the radiator to an aluminum unit to keep the engine temperature under control. They include the original carburetors in the deal for those wishing to recapture this car’s factory form. The work should ensure that this Stag sends 145hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The self-shifter was a popular choice among overseas buyers. Of the 999 Stags produced for the 1972 export market, 567 buyers ticked the box on their Order Form for the automatic. Potential buyers can consider this Triumph a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives perfectly, meaning that flying in and driving home is a viable option for the winning bidder.
The “tidy driver” theme continues inside this Stag because there are no significant shortcomings that will cause shame if the new owner hits the road or heads to a Cars & Coffee with the top down. The Tan upholstered surfaces are excellent, the carpet is clean, and there is no cracked plastic. The timber trim is prone to deterioration, but there are no signs that this car has experienced those problems. The seller upgraded the audio system but includes the original radio. They removed the air conditioning system but will load that into the trunk for the winning bidder. Otherwise, it appears that everything, including the power windows, works as it should.
This 1972 Triumph Stag isn’t perfect, but it is one of the tidiest examples to cross our desks at Barn Finds for a long time. It is a turnkey proposition that has avoided the rust that often plagues these classics. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Discovery Bay, California. The seller set their No Reserve auction to open at $9,950 but has received no bids at the time of writing. That means that it is possible that someone could take it home with a single bid. Therefore, if you are a fan of The Grand Tour trio, this Stag might be the ideal classic for you.
Several years ago I saw a Stag at a car show. I thought it was cool that it had the t bar roof and the soft top both.