Lot details Registration No: MJF 366 Chassis No: LD427900 Mot Expiry: March 2011
Introduced in June 1970, the Triumph Stag was conceived as a luxury convertible sportscar to rival the likes of the R107-series Mercedes-Benz SL. As such, it came equipped with electric windows, power-assisted rack and pinion steering and servo-backed disc / drum brakes as standard. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell (stylist Giovanni Michelotti had physically shortened a pre-production Triumph 2000 saloon in order to fashion the initial prototype), the newcomer featured all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front / semi-trailing arm rear) and a well laid-out 2+2 cabin. Neatly integrated, the substantial roll-over hoop that joined the B-pillars gained extra strength from a T-bar link to the windscreen frame. With some 145bhp and 167lbft of torque on tap from its bespoke 2997cc SOHC V8 engine, the model was reputedly capable of 120mph. Available with a choice of four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission all but the earliest Stags benefited from both hard- and soft-top roofs. Despite being in production for seven years during which time 25,877 cars were made, a mere 9,500 or so are thought to have survived.
Finished in Pimento Red with black upholstery, this particular example has been in the current ownership from new (though, it has been registered to a company and various different addresses over the years). Maintained by the supplying dealer, Charles Clark of Wolverhampton, for most of its life, 'MJF 366' has covered some 120,500 miles over the last thirty-three years but only circa 7,700 of those since being treated to a major engine overhaul and new differential during June 1992. A desirable four-speed manual plus overdrive model, the Triumph is said to have been "regularly serviced and used only in the dry". Riding on correct type five-spoke alloy wheels but lacking its hardtop, the 2+2 seater is further understood to have had "work carried out as and when needed" including a reconditioned brake servo, replacement stainless steel exhaust, new alternator, repaired radiator and some bodywork refurbishment etc. Nicely presented, this 'one owner' Stag is offered for sale with twenty-one old MOTs (dating back to 1980), assorted bills and current MOT certificate valid until March 2011.
The MJF Collection
The letters M, J and F equate to the initials of a charming Scottish gentleman and lots 50 - 54 are offered for sale from his private collection. MJF started his working life in the Clydeside shipyards at the age of just fourteen. Thereafter, a prodigious talent for football saw him embark on a career as a professional goalkeeper which culminated in two championship titles and a FA Cup win. Paid the princely sum of £6 per week to begin with, MJF's first motorcar was a Singer Nine Le Mans. While, time spent as a RAF driving instructor during National Service only cemented his love of motoring.
Farsighted enough to take various polytechnic courses as his football days were coming to an end, he founded a steel stockholding company upon 'retirement' which supplied metal to a good proportion of the British car industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Able to fund his passion for motor cars on a somewhat grander scale, MJF bought the 1977 Triumph Stag (lot 50) new and has since covered some 120,000 miles aboard it; proof that a well-maintained example can be reliable. The 1959 AC Ace Bristol was next to join the stable followed by the 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible and 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS.
The 1980 MG B LE Roadster was purchased new as a twenty-first birthday present for MJF's son but not road registered until the landmark date occurred in April 1989. Sadly, the son died last year and it is this bereavement which has prompted the collection's dispersal. During MJF's ownership the cars have been kept garaged and indeed have had the benefit of their own in-house curator. It may sound trite but we believe the quintet to have come from a good home. Though, the last word goes to MJF: "I will be sorry to part with them, of course, as they have given me such a lot of pleasure. But you can't keep them forever and I will be hanging on to one or two."
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