1977 Triumph Stag

Still finished in its factory colour of Java Green, something its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirms, ‘TLM 767R’ is a 1977 Triumph Stag whose engine was rebuilt approximately 17,000 miles ago.

It also benefits from recent new black upholstery and comes with both hard and soft tops, extending its usefulness from the summertime to all year around. The vendor has always kept the car garages, with a dehumidifier constantly running.

We are told that “everything works” and that it “drives very well”, so if you’re looking for a striking, of-the-period Stag to enjoy in the coming months, please read on. 

Java Green is a helluva colour, isn’t it? We are firm believers that if you’re going to buy a period car then you need to go all in and no car better illustrates the virtues of a period hue better than this.

Of course, the fact it was restored and resprayed in 2007 helps and the work was clearly done to a very good standard because it’s held up brilliantly since. 

Mind you, it had only done around 90,000 miles back then and given the odometer reads 11,277 now (after, presumably, going around once in the interim) it’s seen only light use since being completed.

It’s benefitted from careful curation too if we’re any judge because the chromework is also good, with a great shine to it and no serious pitting or damage.

Matching Fulda tyres on the 14-inch OE alloys are yet another good sign of above-average diligence because experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The hard top has been painted to match the rest of the coachwork, a move that adds even more style to a car that wasn’t exactly lacking visual impact before. It, like the rest of the bodywork, is in a very good condition indeed and we can’t help but think we’d be happy to sacrifice a sun tan to be able to waft around with this fitted instead.

It's got a heated glass rear screen too, and this, like the rest of the glazing, is good. 

As for flaws, we haven’t seen the soft top but we are told that there is a small hole (“smaller than my little finger”) in the black soft-top above the driver’s door, as well as a 5mm-long tear in the rear plastic window. Sadly, neither have been photographed.

The black vinyl interior was replaced, the owner thinks, about 13,000 miles ago something we have no trouble believing given its condition. Still looking almost new, the seats are firm and springy and free of rips, tears, and even any visible wear. 

The steering wheel is a gorgeous wooden jobbie from Superlite. Shiny and bright, this classic wheel punches well above its weight in an already above-average cabin.

The door cards, including the ruched elasticated pockets, are excellent, as are the Triumph-branded carpets. The wooden trim is decent and the fact we are only rated this highly is more to do with how good everything else is than because it is poor.

We are told that “everything works”.

A modern Kenwood headunit adds hi-fidelity sound and the rear speakers are hidden behind period Motorola covers, so you could retro-fit modern speakers while retaining the classic look we all love. An electric aerial is fitted in the nearside rear wing.

The boot is very nicely presented and even contains a matching alloy wheel fitted with a matching Fulda tyre. 

The headlining of the hardtop has two tears in it that will need replacing. The seller tells us that he was quoted £80- for the repair kit, plus whatever it would cost to have it installed. 

The three-litre V8 engine bursts into life at the twist of the key, immediately settling into a good idle and a magnificent exhaust note.

The engine and underbonnet area are good. The panels are well painted and solid, while the engine itself is clean. Sure, you could further detail if it you want to show it locally - and you probably will because its condition and colour mean it draws an awful lot of attention - but that’s definitely a nice-to-do job rather than anything more pressing.

The underside looks decent but would benefit from wire brushing and some underseal to help preserve it as there is a little surface rust starting. 

The Stag’s MoT certificate is valid until May 2024.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and it comes with two sets of keys and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming its build specification.

There are also plenty of old invoices on file for servicing and repairs as well as photos of it being restored in 2007. It’s got its original handbook too, which the seller thinks is rare and valuable.

The owner took a ride in a Stag as a teenager and fell in love with it, vowing that he’d buy his own one day. 

He made good that promise and has enjoyed the eighteen months he’s had it. 

Now being sold, alongside his Aspen Silver Range Rover Classic, to make space for the campervan he’s just purchased, the Stag has seen summer use only in his hands, and is being made available in time for you to be able to enjoy it in the sun, too.

As for what it’s going to cost to make it yours, our guide price is between £14,000 and £18,000.

No, it’s not going to be the cheapest Stag you’ll see offered for sale but we think it’s one of the nicest and quality is always worth paying extra for, not least because it generally ends up being far cheaper than buying low and restoring it yourself…

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Wigan, Lancashire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.