Triumph Stag
The Triumph Stag sold only 2871 cars during the period when it was on sell between 1971 and 1973 in America. The car had a lot of assembly faults which was causing the company a lot of headache.
The car had a lot to offer but this 2+2 by Giovanni Michelotti was a problem child from the day it was launched. The engine designed by Lewis Dawtrey was only ever used to power the Stag. Triumph was receiving warranty claims left, right and center due to overheating, cylinder gasket failure , slipping timing chains , water pump failures etc.
A major component that required no work was the Stag's unusual (for an open Triumph) monocoque body. As built, that open 2+2 body incorporated double-walled sills and pockets of fiberglass in polyethylene envelopes to absorb noise and control heat. The Stag's independent front and rear suspensions were mounted on subframes, and adding rigidity and safety was the car's trademark "padded steel tri-form arch," its T-bar roll cage.
Pros
Handsome Italian looks, comfortable cabin
Fine performance when sorted
Great support from Stag clubs and specialists
Cons
Having to make it reliable, if not already sorted
Typical vintage convertible rust issues
1973 TRIUMPH STAG SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type -- 90-degree SOHC V-8, cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads
Displacement -- 2,997cc (182.9-cu.in.)
Bore x stroke -- 86 x 64.5 mm
Compression ratio -- 7.75:1
Horsepower @ RPM -- 127 @ 5,500
Torque @ RPM -- 142-lbs.ft. @ 3,200
Main bearings -- 5
Fuel system -- Two Zenith-Stromberg 175 carburetors
Lubrication system -- Full pressure
Electrical system -- 12-volts, negative ground
Exhaust system -- Dual, cast-iron manifold
TRANSMISSION
Type -- Borg-Warner Type 35 automatic with torque converter
Ratios:
1st -- 2.39:1
2nd -- 1.45:1
3rd -- 1.00:1
Reverse -- 2.09:1
DIFFERENTIAL
Type -- Hypoid, semi-floating
Ratio -- 3.70:1
STEERING
Type -- Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist
Turns, lock to lock -- 2.5
Turning circle -- 34 feet
BRAKES
Type -- Hydraulic, vacuum assist
Front/Rear -- 10 5/8-inch disc/9 x 2 1/4-inch self-adjusting drum
CHASSIS & BODY
Construction -- All-steel monocoque body with front and rear subframes
Body style -- 2+2, two-door convertible
Layout -- Front engine, rear-wheel drive
SUSPENSION
Front -- Independent, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, telescopic MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar
Rear -- Independent, semi-trailing arms on rubber-insulated sub-frame, coil springs, telescopic direct-acting shocks
WHEELS & TIRES
Wheels -- Cast-aluminum alloy
Front/rear -- 14 x 5.5 inches
Tires -- Michelin or Avon radial (Bridgestone Blizzak now)
Front/rear -- 185 HR 14 (195/70 R14 now)
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Wheelbase -- 100 inches
Overall length -- 173.8 inches
Overall width -- 63.5 inches
Overall height -- 49.5 inches
Front track -- 52.5 inches
Rear track -- 52.9 inches
Curb weight -- 2,887 pounds
CAPACITIES
Crankcase -- 4.8 quarts
Cooling system -- 11 quarts
Fuel tank -- 16.5 gallons
Gearbox -- 13.9 pints
Rear axle -- 2 pints