1977 Triumph Stag

Finished in very-of-the-period Inca Yellow with a black vinyl interior and overdrive on the four-speed manual gearbox, ‘TCH 201R’ is a MKII Triumph Stag whose history file contains paperwork dating right back its first registration in 1977.

An older restoration by Cross and Storer in 1988, it’s been in the seller’s hands since 2003. Enough free time to enjoy it has always been a problem though, and he admits he’s never been able to use it to its full potential in the 22 years he’s owned it.

Mind you, that hasn’t prevented him from investing the necessary time and money to maintain it though, and that investment has paid off because even our hard-nosed assessor, a man feared throughout the industry for his sharp eyes and even sharper pencil, describes its overall condition as “fantastic!”, which is something we hear only once a decade or so.

And he’s absolutely right because this is a very well presented Stag indeed.

Finished in vibrant Inca Yellow backed up by good chromework, the factory black-and-silver alloy wheels, and a superb folding roof, they simply don’t come much smarter than this.

But rather than just raving about it in general terms we should probably get down to the specifics. Like the excellent shutlines and the perfect pinstripe alignment along the flanks, both of which are supported by flawlessly applied and maintained paint.

The chromework is excellent too, with shiny and straight bumpers, very good sill trims, and an almost complete absence of the sort of pitting, rust spots, and fine scratches that are almost impossible to avoid – and that this one has avoided this speaks volumes about the quality of its curation since the late eighties.

Yes, that’s right, that it still looks this good after so long also tells you all you need to know about the quality of the work Cross and Storer carried out four decades ago.

Those factory fitment 14-inch alloy have survived very well with no scuffs, scrapes and other kerbing damage. They’re also fitted with matching 175R14 Dayton tyres – and y’all know how we feel about matching tyres by now eh? (Even if they were fitted back in 1992.)

The folding roof is in an excellent condition being taut when raised and neatly stowed beneath a (very good) cover when it is lowered – and achieving either state is a doddle as it rises and falls effortlessly.

The stitching is excellent too, and peer as we might, we can’t see anything of any real note bar some minor damage to the nearside rear quarter, which looks like it was caused in storage.

The T-bar, which was recovered back in 2004, still looks like new even after all this time – but then the presence of stickers in the windscreen for the Triumph Stag Register and the Stag Owners’ Club suggest it has been conserved by an unusually enthusiastic owner.

Even our man-in-the-lab-coat, a chap who is ruthless in highlighting even the most insignificant of flaws, says of the Stag: “its overall condition is fantastic!” going on to remark that there are “very few” stonechips.

He does go on to say that while it has obviously had some minor paintwork in the past, what’s been done is “extremely subtle.”

Nonetheless, he has found a couple of chips on the edges of both doors and the nearside rear wing that have been carefully touched in, along with barely noticeable bubbling to the bottom of both doors and the wheelarches, but even he says he is being “very picky” in mentioning them.

The interior is every bit as wonderful as the exterior. A symphony of black vinyl, white-on-black Smiths instruments, and wood veneer, it is as understated as it is glorious.

The bolsters of the black vinyl seats, which feature perforated centres, have softened just a little but the seats overall are still comfortable and supportive and highly presentable. There’s certainly no rips, tears, or other damage to them at all, and what little wear we mention is probably more noticeable because everything else in the cabin is so well preserved.

This includes the rear seats which, as you’d expect given their more limited use, are in an even better condition.

The door cards, which are free of any obvious wear or damage, still boast working red warning lights on the rear of the armrest in addition to taut elastic on the pockets.

The steering wheel is the original, which is nice to see, and it sits in front of a dashboard that’s as comprehensive as you’d hope given the Stag’s role as a sporting grand tourer.

A more modern Sony radio-cassette player and Kenwood speakers have been fitted, as has a Peugeot alarm system, the receipt for which is in the file.

The carpets were fitted new this year. Supplied by well-known specialists Rimmer Bros, they’re obviously still in a barely-used condition.

The stowage area for the roof is very good too; well painted and free of corrosion, the boot is in the same fine condition. The luggage area also contains a full-size matching alloy wheel and a Carflow Longarm anti-theft device.

As for our in-house assessor’s opinion, he writes: “the interior shows only light wear, however there are tiny white spots on some of the interior seat leather to both the front and rear seats, some of the instrument bezels have lost a little of their black paint, and a couple of the switches have faded in the sun.”

Oh, and the digital screen on the ashtray is a clock. Which probably doesn’t work. But that’s okay, because you’re going to remove it anyway, aren’t you?

The Stag’s most recent service was carried out on the 25th of April 2024 at 110,706 miles by Storm Motors (Oxon) Ltd. The work, which included a new brake master cylinder and flasher units, set the seller back £556 but it has left the Stag starting and driving as it should; please see the video to watch it being started, idling, and revved.

Note also the good oil pressure shown on the gauge, and the healthy charge to the battery. Plus, of course, the epic exhaust note!

The engine bay is a little patinated but wouldn’t you rather it wore its years as lightly and honestly as this rather than hidden beneath a slick of silicone spray?

So, there is work for you if you fancy it, or you could just pay someone to give it a quick clean and thereafter continue to let the patina develop.

As for the underside, there is some crustiness to the lower edge of the front valance, but this is limited in scope at the moment. The rest of the underside looks to have been neatly undersealed, and the Stag sports a good stainless-steel exhaust system too.

The Triumph’s MoT certificate is valid until the 22nd of April 2025, and the recent Vehicle History Check is clear.

The history file includes invoices dating all the way back to 1977, including copies of its original registration paperwork. These come alongside an array of expired MoT certificates and tax discs, and photos of its restoration.

It also comes with a factory Repair Operation Manual.

Finished in what is probably the best period colour of ‘em all and fitted with the desirable manual-plus-overdrive gearbox, this Stag would have a lot going for it even if it weren’t in such a terrific condition.

Yes, you’re probably going to want to tidy up the engine bay but there are far worse ways of spending the winter months than leafing through a Rimmer Bros catalogue with the fire going at full chat and a glass of something reviving to hand while you ponder your options.

And there will be plenty left in the kitty because we think this show-quality example will fetch between £10,000 and £15,000 – and it’s being offered with no reserve, so it’s going to sell from the very first bid.

So that’s your summer and winter sorted, and all for the sort of money you could probably find down the back of the sofa.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.