Triumph Stag (1970-77)
The **Triumph Stag**, despite its allure, faced several issues during its production. Here are some common faults:
1. **Cooling System Troubles**: The Stag had notorious cooling system problems.
2. **Head Gasket Failures**: Head gasket issues plagued the model.
3. **Rust and Corrosion**: Like many vintage British cars, rust was a significant concern.
4. **Electrical Gremlins**: Electrical issues occasionally cropped up.
5. **Gearbox and Transmission Problems**: Some Stags experienced gearbox and transmission woes.
6. **Convertible Top Challenges**: The convertible roof could be problematic.
7. **Suspension and Steering Wear**: Wear and tear affected the suspension and steering.
Thankfully, many Stags have been restored, addressing these issues. If you find a properly restored one with sympathetic upgrades, it can be a delightful and reliable classic car!
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Generations
The **Triumph Stag** had several variants during its production. These are unofficially designated as:
1. **Early Mk I (1970)**
2. **Mk I (1971–1972/3)**
3. **Mk II (1973)**
4. **Late Mk II (1974–1977)**³¹.
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Body Style/Variants
Several variants of the **Triumph Stag** were produced, each noted by changes in the production numbering sequences. These have become unofficially designated as:
1. **Early Mk I (1970)**
2. **Mk I (1971–1972/3)**
3. **Mk II (1973)**
4. **Late Mk II (1974–1977)³**.
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Engines
The **Triumph Stag** was equipped with a **3.0-litre V8 engine** developed specifically for this model. Initially, the design used a 2.0-litre six-cylinder engine, but the production cars were intended to feature a new **overhead cam (OHC) 2.5-litre fuel-injected (PI) V8**. To meet emission standards in the US, the troublesome mechanical fuel injection was replaced with dual Zenith-Stromberg carburetors.
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Spares
Certainly! If you're looking for **Triumph Stag** spare parts in the UK or Ireland, here are some options:
1. **Rimmer Bros**: Based in the UK, Rimmer Bros is a worldwide parts specialist for Triumph cars. They offer an extensive inventory of Triumph Stag parts and accessories¹. You can find everything you need to maintain your classic car there.
2. **Autodoc**: Autodoc provides a great assortment of first-class and affordable parts for Triumph Stag. They ship worldwide, including the UK.
3. **T.D. Fitchett**: T.D. Fitchett offers original car spares for Triumph Stag. If you're looking for specific parts, they might be able to assist you.
Remember to check their availability and compatibility with your specific model.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND TRIUMPH SPECIALISTS**
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. **McMillan Specialist Cars**: Located in Antrim, they offer a range of services including repairs, servicing, and parts for various car brands, including Triumph.
- **Address**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, BT41 4NN
- **Phone**: 028 9335 4911
2. **Phillip McCallen Motorcycles**: Based in Lisburn, they provide servicing, repairs, and parts for Triumph motorcycles.
- **Address**: 7 Altona Road, Lisburn, BT27 5QB
- **Phone**: 028 9262 2886
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **Phillip McCallen Motorcycles**: Originally started in Lurgan, County Armagh, they now have a modern showroom and workshop in Lisburn, County Antrim. They offer servicing, repairs, and parts for Triumph motorcycles.
- **Address**: Unit 10/11 Portman Business Park, Lissue Industrial Estate, Moira Road, Lisburn, BT28 2RF
- **Phone**: 0330 311 7155
2. **McMullan Auto Services**: While not exclusively Triumph, they offer comprehensive car servicing and maintenance in Armagh.
- **Address**: 1 Moy Road, Armagh, BT61 8DL
- **Phone**: 028 3753 1766
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. **Ards Brake & Clutch Service Centre**: Located in Newtownards, they offer a range of repair services and have a good reputation for quality work.
- **Address**: Unit 4 Lansdowne Road, Newtownards, BT23 4NT
- **Phone**: 028 9181 2222
- **Website**: [ardsbrakeandclutch.co.uk](https://ardsbrakeandclutch.co.uk/)
2. **Patterson Auto Electrics**: Based in Crossgar, they specialize in car electrics but also offer various other garage services.
- **Address**: 1 Downpatrick Road, Crossgar, BT30 9EQ
- **Phone**: 028 4483 1234
- **Website**: [wilfiepatterson.co.uk](https://www.wilfiepatterson.co.uk/)
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **M & S Fastfit**: Located in Enniskillen, they offer a range of auto repair services and have experience with classic cars.
- **Address**: Kilmacormick Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6HZ
- **Phone**: 028 6632 5555
2. **Cranston Van & Motorhome Centre**: While they primarily focus on motorhomes, they also provide servicing and repairs for various vehicles, including classic cars.
- **Address**: 9 Riverside Park, Ballinamallard, Enniskillen, BT94 2AB
- **Phone**: 028 6638 8700
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. **Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd**: They offer expert vehicle maintenance and car bodywork repairs.
- **Address**: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LZ
- **Phone**: 028 7130 2100
- **Website**: [lloydcookemotors.com](https://www.lloydcookemotors.com/)
2. **T & D Heaney Motor Co**: Located in Maghera, they specialize in classic car restoration, including Triumphs.
- **Address**: 20 Main Street, Swatragh, Maghera, BT46 5QB
- **Phone**: 028 7940 1660
- **Website**: [mercedesrestoration.co](https://www.mercedesrestoration.co/)
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. **Tyrone Diesel Systems**: Located in Omagh, they specialize in diesel systems but also offer a range of vehicle repair services.
- **Address**: 1 Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh, BT78 5EJ
- **Phone**: 028 8224 2222
- **Website**: [tyronedieselsystems.com](https://www.tyronedieselsystems.com/)
2. **Hydraulic Pumps NI**: Based in Dungannon, they specialize in hydraulic systems but also provide general vehicle maintenance and repairs.
- **Address**: 12 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, BT70 1EL
- **Phone**: 028 8772 2222
- **Website**: [hydraulicpumpsni.com](https://www.hydraulicpumpsni.com/)
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Racing
The Triumph Stag was not widely used in competitive motorsport. While it was designed as a luxury sports tourer, it was considered too heavy and underpowered to be competitive against other sports cars of its era².
However, the Stag did have some involvement in motorsport-related activities. For example, it was used to support Triumph’s 1965 Le Mans effort, towing a Spitfire to the event. Despite its limited racing history, the Stag remains a beloved classic car among enthusiasts.