1972 Triumph Stag

The Triumph Stag was produced from 1970 to 1978, with 25,939 examples built during that time. The 2+2 sports tourer wore styling by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti and used the drive train and suspension from the 2000 saloon. The Stag was the only Triumph to retain its development code name (Stag) into production.

Just like the 2000 model line upon which it was based, the Stag employed unitary construction, a fully independent suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion, and disc brakes in the front with drums at the rear. The suspension was comprised of MacPherson struts, while the rear used semi-trailing arms. Most of the Stags received a Borg-Warner Type 35 three-speed automatic transmission. Some of the later cars used a Type 65 gearbox, while others employed a derivative of the antiquated Triumph TR2 manual gearbox. Early 4-speed manual transmission models could be ordered with an A-type Laycock overdrive unit, and later ones frequently came with a J-type Laycock unit.

The engine was a new Triumph-designed overhead cam 2.5-liter fuel-injected V8 that, in 1968, was enlarged to 2,997cc to increase torque. The U.S.-destined examples dropped the problematic mechanical fuel injection system in favor of dual Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburetors.

Unfortunately, the Stag earned a reputation for poor reliability, often due to overheating. Many of the engines failed due to manufacturing and maintenance flaws, resulting in the Stag being placed on Time magazine's list of the 50 worst cars ever made. Many owners replaced the troublesome Triumph 3.0-liter OHC V8 with other engines such as the Rover V8 or the Triumph 2.5-liter engine around which the Stag was originally designed.

1972 Triumph Stag

The 1972 Triumph Stag is part of the Mark I classification, produced from 1970 through 1972 (and a few into 1973). The Mark II was built in 1973 (a few in 1974), and the Mark III was from 1974 to 1977. The most visual difference between Mark I and Mark II Stags are the sills and tail panel. The earlier cars are body-colored, while the later cars are low-gloss black. The Mark II variant also has twin coachlines.

Triumph imported 432 examples of their Stag to the United States in 1972. They had a 3-liter V8 engine, a 4-speed transmission, disc brakes, and an independent suspension. The base price was a staggering $5,450. The 3-liter overhead cam V8 engine had dual SU carburetors and was mated to a synchromesh 4-speed manual gearbox. The 'Stag' was designed to be a gentleman's sports roadster and was in production from 1970 through 1977. The U.S. market received the opportunity to purchase a Stag from 1970 through 1973.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2017