Man, do I like this car! And, as I cruise prior Stag coverage here on BF, I have learned that engine transplants are apparently pretty common. But beyond its upgraded powerplant, this 1973 Triumph Stag is in magnificent shape just as it sits. Located in Los Angeles, California, this Super Stag is available, here on craigslist for what seems to be a reasonable price of $15,000. Tony P. gets the nod for this fine discovery.
In spite of eight years of production, total Stag output reached just 25K units and all were essentially convertibles with a fixed B-pillar connected to a rollbar-like brace. A folding top was standard but a removable hardtop, such as found on this example, was optional. The seller states, “She is not perfect and still needs finishing up but, all the heavy lifting has been done“. As to what remains to be done is not disclosed but the images reveal a completed car in excellent shape. The finish is strong and there’s no indication of repaired damage or rust lurking about just waiting for a sale to be consummated so it can go into full bloom. As for the wheels, I think they are among the best OEM pieces to adorn any car.
The cranberry-hued interior is all leather and it looks it. It’s not stated if it’s a recent redo but it presents as if it’s right out of the trim shop. There are no detailed images of the instrument panel so I cannot advise on that matter but with the rest of the environment as clean and tidy as it is, I would expect it to follow suit. Note the center console and gear selector, it appears to be wearing a Hurst-style T-handle – not an everyday Triumph discovery.
Originally powered by a 3.0 liter V8 engine, a piece considered to be troublesome by former owners and auto critics alike, this Stag is now sportin’ a Ford Mustang 5.0 liter V8 attached to an automatic transmission – which automatic is not disclosed. Not stated is how this Triumph motivates and that may be because the engine doesn’t appear to be fully connected – perhaps that’s the needed finishing that the seller mentioned. Regardless, a ’73 U.S. spec Stag was only good for about 127 HP, and a 5.0 Ford with a four-barrel carburetor was about 230 gross (1968 vintage – no telling what may or may not have been done to this powerplant) so the difference will likely provide a palpably progressive push forward.
The seller suggests, “If you are looking for a muscle car with style, this is your opportunity!“. OK, I’ll buy that, still, I’d like to know more about that “still needs finishing up” part; the devil’s always in the details, right?
All the heavy lifting has been done…..
Likes make a turd a bigger turd huh? As for ppl saying (electronics) are you serious? Because yeah, “electronics” were a big thing back then in vehicles ya know! Iam sure the ECM, TCM, BCM, EBCM and all that are just fine 🙄😆 Electronics….lol!
I would bet on the electronics, after all it’s a Brit!
Exactly Probably wiring and electronics I see the water neck and heater hose taped up radiator and cooling also.
The Stag was based on the Triumph 2000 sedan, a platform that was never intended to support a convertible. Prototypes flexed badly enough that the B-pillar and T-bar were added to improve rigidity. Unless the chassis has been reinforced, even the modest torque of a stock-ish Ford 302 has the potential to twist it into an Anglo-American pretzel.
The Stag was certainly one of the prettiest cars Triumph came up with…but that motor.?……not so good….. Had an opportunity many years ago to get one with a transplanted Corvette motor at a reasonable price…. didn’t pull the trigger as there was quite a bit of sorting to do…. I think I am glad I did… Still all in all it is a looker! Maybe it may be a great ‘trailer queen’ for shows !! Haven’t seen one driven for over 30 years………
Sorry, but the trans is the wrong one for me. I’d be more interested if it had that 3rd pedal.
There is one in Australia with a 454 in it.
I’m surprised that it fit. That “3.0” is just that.., small. Stuffing a 302 in there had to require a shoehorn and/or metal moving.
The Stag is a big car by today’s standards. My brother did a SBC swap some years ago and room was ample, even with the Turbo transmission. I’ve yet to see a MoPar mash up though.
I love Stags and I’ve seen them with all manner of engine swaps. However, I’m GLAD this one is in LA. That makes it just far enough away from Macon GA for my peach-pickin’ consideration!
the stag was the most amazing combination of
wonderful and terrible ever devised by man !
i had a ’73 a number of years ago with the standard
equipment blown engine and missing transmission .
rather than fix it right , i decided to do a rover 3500 transplant with the drivetrain from a rover sd-1
this included a conversion from automatic to 5-speed manual and i did away with the power steering as well .
the car turned out fantastic . looked great , sounded better and went like a rocket . less weight & more power .
i sold it to finance a trip to brazil with my family .
it is one of the cars i miss the most .
it is necessary to replace the rubber rear suspension
bushings with urethane in a high power stag .
if you don’t , it wants to steer from the back end
when you accelerate . you find out how bad it is when
you take you foot off the gas !
I think the owner need to learn how to tidy up the wiring it looks horrible.
10 to 1 that’s what needs ” finished up”. That said someone with a strong auto electric background or a friend with such experience could tighten this sled up into a rocket. As mentioned in comments some frame bolstering may be prudent. With so many options to boost the 5 litres output… Man the sky is high. Imagine this thing with about 350 HP and the drivetrain to cope. I’m googling Stag motor swaps right now! So cool.
Back in the mid-80’s, I was looking to buy a Corvette convertible. I worked with a guy who was driving a Triumph GT6 and he said that since I was looking for a V8 without a top, I should look at a Stag. I was like “a what?”
In all these years, I still have never seen a Stag in person, not even at shows.
Cool looking car. I love the engine choice. Too old to take on another project but still like the possibility that it could become.