The Triumph Stag came
into production in June 1970 and retained its basic concept until final production in June
1977. There are two models, ie MKI and Mk II, the MkII being introduced in February 1973,
the basic changes being:
The first thousand or so
cars that were made had single points in the distributor which was later changed for dual
points. On the warning light cluster, there is a temperature warning light which is
triggered by a switch on the offside cylinder head. This proved to be so inaccurate that
it was discontinued on later models. A factory modification was circulated to British
Leyland dealers to cut back the wire from the switch so as to make the light inoperative.
The next change came in
early 1972 - the water system was redesigned although the waterways within the engine were
left unaltered. Externally, the radiator is now a sealed unit with an expansion tank now
running at 20lb instead of 13lb. A 'U' hose connects the rear of the thermostat housing to
the water pump housing. Previously there was a three way union connecting it to the heater
rail. At the same time the air filter box was redesigned and now draws in cold air from
above the radiator and hot air from the near side exhaust manifold. A heat sensitive
vacuum control flap decides whether to select hot or cold air.
At this time a chrome
moulding was fitted to the sill panels.
When the Mk II model was
introduced, the only change in the engine was that the combustion chamber was reshaped and
the pistons now have a dome on top. The manual with overdrive was now standard using a 'J'
type overdrive instead of the 'A' type as used in the the MkI car.
Tinted windows were now
standard along with a laminated windscreen. The side windows were removed from the soft
top and mohair material with a fawn lining was introduced, but not on the early MkII, ie
1973 production. The background colour of the grille and rear quarter emblems was changed
from silver-grey to black. The interior lights were removed from the door pillars to one
single light in the centre of the roll-over bar. The interior trim was slightly redesigned
and the front seats now incorporated fittings for head rests. Instruments had chrome lip
to bezel, and the fascia was redesigned. A smaller diameter steering wheel was fitted, and
twin coachlines were introduced.
In 1974 seat belt
warning lights and hazard warning lights were introduced. 1975, air conditioning became no
longer available as an option, and tufted carpets were fitted.
Brushed aluminium sill
plates were fitted in 1976 and alloy wheels became standard. The number plate panel went
back to the body colour. The handbrake lever grip was redesigned, and a push button reset
trip-on speedo was introduced.
In 1977 the auto gearbox
was changed from the Borg Warner 35 to the Borg Warner 65. Rubber inserts were fitted to
the steering wheel spokes.
by Founder Member of the Stag
Owners Club, Tony Hart
