Most Barn Finds readers will be familiar with the sad story of the Triumph Stag — a car hampered by an underdeveloped V8 that had the architecture of two TR7 engines. Ever since Stag production began it’s been postulated that the Rover V8 would have been a better fit for the car and many engine swaps have been done to that effect since. This is one of the nicer swapped Stags I’ve seen! It’s listed for sale here on craigslist for $5,950 and is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A good Stag makes a great grand tourer. A bad Stag is a nightmare. I’ve experienced both. The bolt-on hardtop does transform the rigidity of the car and is a nice addition for winter months. The trunk is not quite as large as you would think as the fuel tank and spare tire take up a lot of room. Those are the factory wheels (also used on the 1980 MGB Limited Edition) and there’s nothing from the outside save the V8 emblems on the fenders that would lead you to believe the car has been swapped. Note that it is right-hand-drive and doesn’t have the US-mandated side lights and reflectors; I’m pretty confident this one started out in the UK.
The hardtop fits neatly over the T-bar; the T-bar remains in place permanently.
Stag seats are very comfortable, so if you can get used to the RHD configuration this cockpit might be a nice place to spend some time. By the way, that’s real wood veneer over plywood — no plastic fake stuff for Triumph! The gear lever actually appears to be an overdrive one; I’m not familiar with a Rover swap using an overdrive transmission — usually, it’s a TR8 or SD1 3500 5-speed that finds it’s way into converted cars. A good question to ask the seller if you are interested in the car.
That carburetor looks brand new. I’m a little concerned about spray-bombed hoses and clamps as well as the bonnet (hood) attachment area, but that wouldn’t keep me from looking this one over further. Any of you have Stag memories to share? Would you prefer an original-engined car or this one, all else being equal?
Overheating was a big issue in these cars. There was an episode of “For the Love of Cars” where they did one of these and worked on the overheating problem. Look for the episode if you are interested in this car; it has a crazy following in Great Britain so I am sure you could find some club web sites, etc.
I’m in the Uk, these were great cars. The over heating was an easy fix, by fitting an aluminium radiator.
I had a Stag 25 years ago as a daily driver, one of my favorite Triumphs I still miss. I’ve had others since as project cars that never got to the point of being one I could count on. Money and time that’s what most old cars need, the Stag is no different.
That V8 has one of the loveliest of burbles
Careful with the “fly eye” air cleaner, if the engine backfires, they catch fire quickly.
That’s a Rover engine under the hood. The Stag engine was an OHC.
It was a popular swap that gave what is otherwise a nice grand routier more reliability, discounting the BL-level of quality at the time.
In todays Triumph Stag world all the engine gremlins have been resolved. It is one of the smoothest and sweet sounding engines produced. The interior is comfortable and has all the amenities including power windows, P/S, auto or 4 speed gearbox, A/C and a comfortable ride.
The asking price illustrates the problem; lots of money in, little money out. There is no way you could duplicate this for $6,000. So, if you want a V8 Stag, go for it!
If it wasn’t RHD, this is awful tempting. A Spitfire on steroids, and I don’t what it would be on with this motor. The engine seemed to be it’s downfall, and with one of the best motors made, here and abroad, how could you go wrong, and half the price of a TR6, and you’d leave the 6 in your dust, to boot. RHD a killer, dang. ( and don’t say, “oh, you’ll get used to it”,,,not me pal, too many miles driving on the other side, and shifting with the left arm, no go, like wiping with the other hand, just not the same)
Awh, come on Howard, you could get used to wiping with the other hand!
These cars always intrigued me. A friend in college had one (this was the late 80’s) and it was a really comfortable car with a luxury feel. It spent time in our local British car shop, but so do many 20 year old (at that time) used cars. It was a bit under powered, but this certainly would fix that. I’ve never driven a right hand drive car, but I’d certainly give it a try in this one! She’s a beauty, and I really like it.
On a trip back to the old country, just last week, I saw one of the on the motorway purring along with the top down. It was so nice to see that it was in immaculate condition and still being used. Have always loved the look of these cars, since they first came on the market.
Had a friend in Barbados with a Stag, and of course down there where they never used anti-freeze, the cooling system was a mess. The engine overheated way too many times, warping both heads & blowing the head gaskets. And with the combo of alloy heads & steel head studs refusing to allow the heads to be pulled, it was a nice big boat anchor.
About that time I had a TR-6 towed into the shop, a victim of a very bad accident. A recently restored car [done by my shop], it was parked in front of the owner’s home, & rear-ended by another car going at high speed. Bad enough it bowed out both doors. Bought the carcass from the insurance company and pulled all the good stuff off the car.
Sent the engine & gearbox down to my friend in Barbados. Most people don’t realize that the Stag was designed to have the TR-6 2.5 liter engine available, so it’s a very easy swap! As far as I know that Triumph Stag is still running around on Barbados, probably still the only one on the island.