I am the proud and fussy owner of a 1972 Pimento Red Triumph Stag.

Production of these cars started in 1970 and finished in June 1977. The Stag went from zero to hero in some 20 years. It was doomed from the start with a combination of factors, poor development, finance, training etc. It was designed by Giovanni Micheloti and should have been launched in 1968. Problems arose and it was to be 1970 before production started

It is powered by a V8 3 litre engine developed from two banked Dolomite blocks. There were serious reliability problems not the least was overheating.

The current owners have sorted all the problems and it is thought that about 35% survive from the original run of 25939 cars.

Mine has not been without its problems having to come home on a low lowder twice which did not go down very well with my Wife, Angela. However it is now a reliable, famous last words, car. It is not a sports car but more of a Grand Tourer. I have a very good friend, Kevin, who works magic on the car every now and again

I use it for various rallies including what is now the Motor Sport Association rally which used to be known as the RAC rally. It is frequently displayed at shows though it is far from being Concours. Questions asked at shows can be very interesting, I pass the more technical ones to those who know about these things

I have been to shows and have seen cars trailered in and the wheels changed upon arrival which is a bit sad really. I use mine and enjoy it hugely.

I belong to the Notts and Derby Stag Club which is a thriving Club and we welcome new members or just visitors. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at The Clock Warehouse, Shardlow DE72 3GL from 7.30pm

Malcolm Stanley Rivermead Lodge 8444

Editor - please contact Malcolm direct for further information