One previous owner stag

[Budw36]

Hi Everybody 

I have acquired a one owner stag with a massive history file including the original purchase invoice, triumph passport booklet, all but 2 mot certs and loads of invoices plus more. The car needs a full restoration and I have already stripped it down to a bare shell and is now being soda blasted.

The reason for starting this topic is the car has the original stag engine with auto box, and apart for colour being changed from an old English white to a British racing green, everything else is original. What I would like opinions on is whilst restoring this car should I consider converting the car to a manual gearbox as I believe these are more sought after, and keep the car in the green or another colour, maybe yellow or put it back to the original white?

I feel the dilemma is to restore the car back to “as delivered from the factory” condition, or change the colour/gearbox ? Being a one owner car would it’s value/saleability be more in original condition or changed? Any opinions on my dilemma would be appreciated!!

If a manual gearbox change is viable, I would be looking for all the components required to do the conversion.

Thanks Colin

[Clive]

Tricky, as you mention the as left the factory is a sound choice, but that means the original colour. Which is no bad thing (IMO)

But how about the gearbox? Sounds like you may be buying to sell on? in which case manual is more appealing, but the other alternative is the 4 speed auto conversion which is a huge improvement to the original autobox. And costwise is similar to a manual conversion. But whatever you do, I doubt there is a profit to be made in restoring the car, unless you do everything yourself and don't factor in time.

So best bet is to make the car what YOU want. 

[Martins Stag]

Colin if you are interested i do have a fully rebuild Manual and over drive gearbox (A type) sitting on my garage floor. If you are interested PM me and I can send you some picture and give you some details? Martin