1976 Triumph Stag 3.0L Petrol · ROP 282R

This Triumph Stag presents as a mechanically sound classic car with an improving maintenance trend. The most recent MOT, conducted on 10 October 2025 at 64,200 miles, passed with only a minor advisory regarding a deteriorated nearside track rod end ball joint dust cover. This represents a significant clean-up from the previous year's test, suggesting the current custodian has been addressing the vehicle's known weak points. The record shows a clear trajectory of resolution rather than neglect. The mileage profile tells a story of gentle, consistent use. Between the October 2022 test at 62,730 miles and the October 2025 test at 64,200 miles, the car covered just 1,470 miles over three years, averaging under 500 miles annually. This is exceptionally low for a 50-year-old vehicle and indicates either careful preservation or extended periods of inactivity. The 2022 failure at 62,730 miles was followed by a pass on the same day at the same mileage, confirming the faults were rectified promptly rather than left to fester. The 2022 test revealed a cluster of suspension and structural concerns that warrant close physical inspection. All four coil springs were flagged for corrosion, and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint showed slight play. The nearside rear wheel bearing also had slight play, while the offside front anti-roll bar pin or bush was worn. These are classic symptoms of a car that may have sat stationary, allowing moisture to attack springs and bushes. A prospective buyer should jack the vehicle and check each coil spring for section loss and cracking, paying close attention to the lower coils where road salt accumulates. The suspension arm ball joints and anti-roll bar links should be checked for play with the weight off the ground, as the 2022 advisory on slight play can deteriorate rapidly if the rubber has perished from age rather than mileage. The recurring oil leaks from both the engine and gearbox, flagged in 2022 but absent from later tests, suggest gaskets were replaced. Yet oil leaks on a Stag are notoriously persistent due to the complex V8 installation. Inspect the engine block, cam covers, and gearbox bell housing for fresh weeping. The exhaust emissions failure for excessive carbon monoxide in 2022 indicates the engine was running rich at that time, likely resolved by carburettor adjustment or ignition tuning. Given the low annual mileage, verify the cooling system's health and check for bore-liner corrosion, a known vulnerability in Triumph's 3.0-litre V8 when coolant maintenance lapses. The track rod end dust cover advisory has appeared in three consecutive tests since 2022, suggesting a slow-perishing rubber boot that has not yet compromised the joint itself but requires replacement to prevent dirt ingress and premature wear.