Small-Block Equipped: 1973 Triumph Stag

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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?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Steve R

    Interesting car, for the most part it looks well thought out, beyond the fuel filter. There is a lot of work to finish and appears to have been sitting unfinished for an extended period of time due to the oxidation on the valve covers and air cleaner. Last time this car was auctioned the high bid was $5,499, it would be a surprise if it went much higher this time.

    Steve R

    Like 8
  2. Bob

    Even on a good day the rear couldn’t stay together blowing axel shafts I replaced more than a few at 350 a pop until I got tired of the down time I ended changing the triumph rear for a Corvette it’s, problem solved.

    Like 3
  3. El Grecko

    Since the Stag is a bit more of a “cruiser” I guess the slush box is appropriate, but I’d prefer a modern 6 speed manual. Of course as mentioned above, the rear end needs some improvement to handle more torque and shock loads from a stick. If you were doing it today an LS would be 100 pounds lighter. For the low price you could ditch the SBC and go LS and Tremec, but that would add a lot of money and require the rear end rework. Assuming it goes for around $4-5k, then it’s a blank canvas.

    Like 6
    • BillCinMA

      I agree with El Grecko, a automatic trans in a sport car or hot rod has never been understandable for me either.

      Like 4
      • Joey MecMember

        Amen, amen, amen!!!

        Like 0
      • Joey MecMember

        The Chevy motor is logical for me, bu there must be stick trans to go with it!!

        Like 0
  4. 19Tiger65

    Another Stag with a 350V8 swap and no manual gearbox. Don’t see the point. Like these cars but not into the 350 swap. I think there are better choices out there. Depending on final price this could be a good winter project.

    Like 2
    • BillCinMA

      The Rover V8 being a top contender with a 6 speed, IMO.

      Like 3
  5. ACZ

    The Buick/Rover engine would have been a much better choice.

    Like 3
    • El Grecko

      The Buick (actually the Olds is better as it has better heads and more head bolts) 215 is light. The Rover not so much. As the engine evolved from the 215 it got heavier. The last series of these in the Rovers weren’t any lighter than a LS6 that had a lot more hp. If you’re going to get rid of the 350 go LS or go with something like the NISMO 3.7L that has 370 hp and a six speed from the 370Z.

      Like 2
      • Claudio

        The obvious engine choice is LS because the parts and support are plentiful but any light powerful engine would do and i love your nismo suggestion
        Sadly , i wont be the one attempting this revival as i am in a home renovation project that will take a few years to achieve and then , it will be time for me to enjoy leisure time …
        YOLO

        Like 0
  6. Jason V.

    Count me in as a fan if the Buick/Rover 215. Reliable, lightweight and won’t adversely affect the handling. Same engine is also the best choice for a Vega, for the same reasons, IMO.

    Like 0
  7. SteveP

    Cool project. Too bad it’s been ruined with an automatic. Devalues it to no more than $2000 all in IMHO.

    Like 1
  8. Billyboy

    Would love to have it. Can afford it. But don’t know who I could trust to do work.
    Had a 3B and a 4 A. Both new. Loved them.
    Have a bad left knee. In and would have to a problem.

    Like 0
  9. Mike

    I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. . . This car is UGLY!!!!

    Like 0
  10. Claudio

    Reserve not met at. $ 4650

    The market has spoken but the seller has not heard it !
    YOLO

    Like 0

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