The Triumph Stag promised so much upon its release. Its stunning styling caught the buying public’s imagination, and the V8 under its hood seemed like the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, that engine also proved to be its Achilles Heel, developing a reputation for major reliability problems, The seller has taken matters into their own hands with this 1973 model, swapping in a Chevrolet small-block that is both bulletproof and more reliable. It needs some finishing touches, but the time and effort should be worthwhile. The seller has listed the Stag here on eBay in Columbia, South Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $1,875, and it will be fascinating to monitor the auction to see if this British sports car heads to greener pastures.

Triumph released the Stag for the 1970 model year, basing its underpinnings on its 2000 Saloon. The stunning body was penned by Giovanni Michelotti, featuring an integrated roll bar and 2+2 seating. Our feature car was ordered by the first owner in 1973, finished in iconic British Racing Green. The seller confirms that the paint is relatively new, and its condition is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. It retains a healthy shine, and the panels are straight. Apart from engine woes, the other Stag weakness is rust, which can consume steel rapidly if not kept in check. However, the seller states this gem is rust-free, allowing it to tick another box for potential buyers. They confirm that the hardtop requires a repaint and that the soft-top is little more than a frame. The Stag sits on wire wheels, with the seller preferring these to the original alloys that someone powder-coated Black. The trim generally looks good, and there are no visible glass issues.

Triumph developed a unique V8 for the Stag, which many people considered an odd choice since it had ready access to Rover’s all-alloy 3.5-liter engine. With a capacity of 3.0-liters, it produced 145hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque. With neither figure exceptional and a curb weight of 2,804 lbs, the Stag’s performance fell far short of buyer expectations. It got worse, because the V8 developed a reputation for head gasket and timing chain problems, leaving many owners standing at the side of the road beside a less-than-triumphant Triumph. The seller addressed this shortcoming by ditching this Stag’s original motor in favor of a 350ci Chevrolet small-block. They teamed this with a three-speed Turbo 400 transmission, and with 300hp available to the driver, this classic would possess the performance it deserves. This is the second small-block to find its way into this car’s engine bay. The seller converted the car years ago, using it regularly until the first engine developed a knock. They swapped in a healthy replacement, meaning that this is essentially a proven package with the bugs eliminated. The buyer must install an exhaust and power steering lines, and perform a few other minor tasks, but returning this Triumph to active service is an achievable short-term goal.

One aspect of this Stag requiring cosmetic TLC is its interior. It is serviceable, although the dash timber exhibits visible deterioration. The dashpad is in good order, and the seats should present acceptably following a deep clean. It features a modern stereo and a Lokar shifter for the auto, while the buyer benefits from air conditioning and power windows.

The seller indicates that this 1973 Triumph Stag needs a new home because they have too many projects. It is worth noting that it saw previous active service with a small-block under the hood, suggesting that it is a proven package. Placing a value on it is almost impossible, but with the work required, I would be surprised if it hit $10,000. If you have always longed to own a Stag but were worried about engine reliability, could this one be the classic you’ve been searching for?