DISASTER - Collecting the Triumph Stag Bought From Auction

I've bought a Triumph Stag from and auction and it's time to collect it with the 'Arry The Stag team. We embark on a 436 mile round trip to go collect the Triumph Stag we bought last week at Anglia Car Auctions.
After successfully winning the bid for the Stag, the atmosphere in the 'Arry The Stag! household has been incredible all week. Now we're excited the wait is over, and we're off to collect it. But DISASTER strikes! 🤬
Watch to see what happens and how we get ourselves out of the hole we end up in. Watch and enjoy their roller coaster journey 💥💥💥
And if you'd like a free 'Arry The Stag! Badge of Honour! then click here
www.arrythestag.com/badge-of-...

[@glennpowell3444]

Fun fact.When you purchased any Triumph car from their range in the 1970,s you could tick in the "extras" box for a beavertail breakdown truck as an option.Not a bad idea actually because when it wasnt needed you could park it inside the Triumphs many panel gaps

[@KJM.72]

Looks like you've got yourself a cracking stag there Tony awesome ar mate congratulations 👍👍

[@leytonthomas2043]

Wow I'm really pleased for you, I could see you were excited - and why wouldn't you be! It looks a fantastic car! I'm sure once the gearbox or torque converter is sorted you will be all smiles again! Well done, there are lots of people who "talk" about buying a classic from auction but you have truly gone and done it!

[@michaelnaisbitt7926]

The Triumph Stag strikes again How such a beautiful looking car could be built with so many inherent problems is beyond me The Triumph V8 was a disaster many owners swapped it out out for the Rover ( Oldsmobile) motor they constantly overheated and the gearbox had a habit of giving up the ghost at the most inappropriate times The front end was often swapped for that on a Jensen Interceptor The 2hole car was a product of the """" Near enough is good enough""" mentality of british car makers of the 70s

[@ArryTheStag]

Agree with the 1970's shoddy build points (very much poor quality control ..and strikes at that time were a day to day occurrence in the UK). Plus the use of cheaper and inferior steel (which rusted like hell) in later models contributed to bad bodywork! On the upside, however, this car (UES) has been right as rain once we fixed the gearbox problem. Indeed it's interesting to note that there are well over 8,000 cars still on UK roads - with another 2-3000 on SORN. Plus, several thousand more on roads over seas. The car is probably now (due to modern parts/servicing and experts who can help) the best and most dependable than it has ever been. And likely far better than Triumph had originally intended! Engines are now much more reliable too (the trend has swung back from the Rover V8 swap out that was fashionable in the 1980's - back to the original Triumph V8 engine..and they command more money now for that originality too!). And we see many owners using their Stags for long trips in Europe and the USA & Canada without a problem. They've obviously got to be well maintained of course, however I think Stags still make for an affordable and commonplace classic car option, for anyone looking to embark on Stag ownership! All the best Michael and thanks for posting! Kind regards TR Tony and the Team

[@tomthumb6269]

Fantastic video. Thank you ❤

[@Martin_Coombs]

Hopefully you were not too late back and arry the nag had your slippers all warmed up for your arrival home. Looks a good basis to fettle, looking forward to the video after Paul has done his stuff. Enjoying the journey warts ‘n’ all, wouldn’t be a Stag unless there something to do.

[@annahopp]

Breaks down on the way home. Love it! Always happens to me with my wife rolling her eyes.

[@duanegoggins873]

Beautiful!!!

[@StagStuff]

It was all going so well!!! It does look a fab car, and when you opened up the engine bay it looked great! I'm sure Pul will have that gearbox sorted in no time - she is going to be a joy for you!!! :-)

[@Ampex196]

A Borg-Warner 65 dipstick is on the nearside. It is a gorgeous-looking car though! Had the seller told me not to risk a mere 280-mile trip, I'd probably have told him to keep it and refund my money, plus expenses. Cherry red trans fluid should set alarm bells ringing. Yellow / brown fluid is normal for a healthy box that has done many miles. A nasty burnt smell is bad. A 'stall test' upon collection would probably have indicated that all was not well.

[@GenaF]

Romsey, Hampshire? Wow, I thought you meant the Romsey area of Cambridge. You really are crazy buying from an auction as far away as Kings Lynn. I only subbed after watching your vid previous to this as I was looking at ACA for next week's classic auction. I actually thought you were local as you resemble a Norfolk farmer but I can see you aren't as you'd have six fingers on each hand if you were 😆

[@nigelbeaumont1109]

Source a 4 Speed with overdrive…Beautiful Car.

[@chris_vandepeer]

My brother had a lemon erm stag and within the first week engine blowup. He also had a rotten P6B so took the rover buick v8 and dropped it in never had a problem and more power as the Triumph V8 was a slug he said.

[@rosewood1]

Lovely car requires a real enthusiast and good mechanics!

[@craiggladwell4009]

Great looking and sounding car Tony, well done. Glad to hear your getting the autobox issue sorted, I'm sure it'll be properly sorted for you, enjoy ! :)

[@rikgay857]

My dream car👍👍

[@deejayjay4066]

Looks a lovely example. You'll soon be up and running ready for spring /summer once the gearbox is sorted and s good shakedown. All the best and looking forward to updates. Regards. Dave 👍👍

[@danielbridson8534]

Speaking from my own personal experience I suffered years and years of broken dreams shattered trust crying all night broken heart I’d never again get another Slag

[@ArryTheStag]

Sorry to hear that Daniel - Granted we've now renamed it The Red Barrow (on account of all the rust bubbling up!). But it's been fine ever since this event and a joy to drive and experience! Join us on a weekend on www.arrythestag.com/saturday-sockets for some 'Stag Therapy' and maybe you'll think again once you've shared the Classics Dream with us (without having to own a Stag!!). All the best Daniel and thanks for posting!! Kind regards Tony

[@North49191]

your dad would be happy seeing how happy you are, nice car btw

[@bobspeller2225]

Hi Tony-two-Stags, sorry to see you had some trouble on the way home. Paul will find the fault quickly, I'm sure. It looks in good condition so your gamble may still be a good one. Good luck with Stag Two. Hope to see you at some event soon. Bob of Essex (The Red Devil Stag)!!!!

[@musicismytherapy4936]

3:40 This Amphicar (KOP 69E) is the one Edd China restored on Wheeler Dealers in 2014!

[@MiltonKeynesStreetLighting]

Good to see it been given the beans towards the end!

[@MiltonKeynesStreetLighting]

Arry The Stag Hi TR Tony, Aha perhaps it was bit much for its first run, though I'm sure the car itself enjoyed the drive as much as yourselves! We have just the welding done to our Inca yellow 1976 or "NWB 13P" and getting the paint guy over this week for cost ideas. I will have to send you a email about our stags and where we"re at so far! Kind regards James

[@markharris7662]

Beautiful car.

[@virgin26]

My friend would wet himself if he saw this video. He is one of them that only ever sees Stags when they are broken down, So therefore they are A terrible car in his eyes.I have owned mine since 2009 and still love it

[@coletorrens1121]

Ahh the Snag! Its a nice example by the looks of it. The Snag is still a fantastic dream. Reality is you really could only use them within a 25 mile radius of home even when they were new. I had 3 brand new ones in the 70's over a period of 4 years. Never got more than 1000 miles in any of them without a breakdown so. In 1979 i bought an SL, 180k miles and 43 years later I still have that car. Its never let me down once! Despite this i still masochistically dream of buying another Snag. Then the reality of it always being on the back of a truck kicks in..

[@ArryTheStag]

Hi Cole - yes, they did have a bit of a reputation didn't they? When sorted though, the cars these days are very reliable.. we've had several groups doing tours of Europe and the UK in recent weeks, all without a hitch. I'm also a big Mercedes fan too (having now had several E and S classes) and while I love those cars too and they are extremely reliable, I still get most joy from driving the Stag.. which is all back up and running again now! A bit like what motivates a modern day air show Spitfire pilot who normally flies 777's during the week I guess!!! So I say, go for it.. you won't regret it!! Join us for more on www.arrythestag.com/saturday-sockets All the best Cole and thanks for posting! Best wishes TR Tony

[@coletorrens1121]

@@ArryTheStag I still remember picking up the last one from the showroom. Java with a tan interior and MOD., It was a beautiful car but silly faults just kept letting it down. Being honest I fear the dealers had no clue how to go on with them. I had a few TR6's which are nowhere near as nice to drive imo. i had an orange (topaz) Mk 1 first. Looking back it was some car for an 18 year old. The middle one was bright yellow cant remember the name of the colour... i never really liked this one tho it was the only one of the 3 not to have needed an new engine! Its great to hear they CAN be made reliable!!

[@1258-Eckhart]

@@coletorrens1121 I think that Triumph called it "Saffron Yellow". I fell in love with a GT6 Mk III of that colour.

[@richard63]

You lucky bugger. I am so envious. I thought you were a little optimistic about driving it all the way , being it hasn't done much touring recently but you never know until you try. Best wishes to you, Tony. Will you be moving the bed into the garage to be closer to your new love? LOL

[@Draxindustries1]

This is the issue with auctions. Cars are in auction because they have problems. People can wash their hands of their pos without come backs. Every car shown at that auction house WILL have problems..

[@johnmarsh2078]

Oh, how I hate PRNDLs. Might have known that Borg Warner would be impish. That fluid looked too new. I'll bet it replaced something which looked like oxtail soup with bits of added brake-band for croutons.

[@ArryTheStag]

We've since found a great Guy who is brilliant at fixing these boxes www.borgwarnertransmissionspecialist.com/contact/ Check out the video from last week on the Channel where he fixes another one on our Saloon! All the best TR T

[@esssexboy]

My friend has got 1 but he put a 2.8 granada lump in it. Probably devalued it a bit but it's certainly been very reliable

[@Ampex196]

Yes, I've heard that the proven Ford Cologne V6 goes in there nicely. It is a big heavy crude lump of cast Iron though. The much more refined 215 cubic inch (3528cc) Rover unit is the ideal transplant. Either conversion will devalue the car in the 'purist' market.

[@johnpayne3953]

Finally the stag overheating problem sorted, owners get washer fluid and coolant confused.

[@ArryTheStag]

Interesting!

[@smoothmicra]

Nice looking car, thanks for the honesty; you need patience, a sense of humour and a fat wallet if you want to dabble in classic car ownership. On the upside, when it works you turn heads!😁

[@johnrandle8365]

Bigger toys for bigger boys shame the engine had issues I like the idea of the car but UK cars don't really float by boat their are many enthusiasts that take the time to have a real interest in their own particular marque , Sentiment over sense sometimes I had a triumph 2000 just trouble for me still I hope you are successful in getting your stag sorted .

[@ArryTheStag]

Thanks John - check the video going out at 8pm UK on Saturday...Alan the Welder & Painter has tackled it! Join us on a Saturday too www.arrythestag.com/saturday-sockets Best wishes TR Tony

[@johnrandle8365]

Its good you got it sorted you also now have a triuph mine was a 2000 , I had trouble with it manual gearbox problem someone pointed out that their are to many moving parts on them ?

[@onkargill4494]

At least the engine didn’t over heat 👍

[@onkargill4494]

Thanks Tony always watching your videos I bought my stag in 1996 took it off road in 98 still waiting for me to finish her other project’s got in the way one never gets time to finish his own 😐

[@peteredwards9147]

Looks very nice, but didn't sound to good, this could have been the reason for the clean transmission fluid, I wish you good luck, and hope it's fixed soon.

[@1258-Eckhart]

As everybody says, a really beautiful car. I can relate to James' big smile. I shall catch you up (just subscribed) to see how you modify the cooling system on the engine. Also, the reversing lights weren't working.

[@ArryTheStag]

Well done and thanks for subscribing. Yes the reverse lights were out due to the inhibitor switch on the gearbox being incorrectly wired in.. As we know the BW gearbox blew on the way home.. so this was discovered when it had a new box installed. All the best Kind regards Tony

[@1258-Eckhart]

@@ArryTheStag Thanks so much for your reply, truly appreciated. I'm going to catch up on your videos. The Stag is such a fine car with a huge presence. People are unfair about its mechanical problems, I'm glad you see it like me and are prepared to shell out for the nec. mods. Congrats on owning the car. I hope we get to see James a bit more often 😍☺

[@keithjefferies9862]

I cant believe you put cheap sainsburys fuel in it

[@ArryTheStag]

Thanks Keith - these days we make an effort to always go Premium if we can (Esso or Shell) and of course E5 ethanol. All the best TR T

[@johnpayne3953]

I am pi** takeing I get If I remember correctly the overflow tank is round, but you appear to point out the washer bottle as coolant!

[@ArryTheStag]

Probably Old Age!! TR T

[@deniscudahy4549]

What a lovely motor, I'm sure its something and nothing with the gearbox 👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@tomthumb6269]

Haha, you were doing 80? And you said you would take it easy on the way home🤣

[@tomthumb6269]

@@ArryTheStag I would have drove the beast home too

[@speedwaybaz5633]

Do you every buy anything that gets home on it's own with out stopping

[@ArryTheStag]

I think Green Flag quake in their shoes when I ring them!! Honest!!! Best TR T

[@johnrandle8365]

Optimism doesnt cut it does it always dodgy classic car buying that engine should be changed that would help ?

[@ArryTheStag]

Hi John - well in the end, it was the gearbox which we had replaced and the engine serviced. All been fine since! All the best Kind regards Tony

[@doripoo7]

Yur supost to check gearbox auto with engine running , Ewwwwww get u 2 stags Tony

[@centaurus5676]

I'm confused why have you bought another Stag? Sounds like the torque converter on that BW Box.

[@centaurus5676]

@@ArryTheStag Thankyou Tony, fingers crossed for you that it's nothing serious. Sent you a bit of trivia about steering wheel spokes...totally irrelevant to the gearbox! LOL!

[@centaurus5676]

@@ArryTheStag Brilliant news! Thought it would have been changed in the past, those 65 boxes were only on the last 2 years of production.

[@edwardkennedy9919]

Those stags were so unreliable.

[@ArryTheStag]

This one in the end neede quite a lot of work on it - still going through it now! Best TR T

[@billburnhope2176]

Tough luck, maybe the auctioneer was trying to warn you about transporting it home? Another 500 quid or so,not too much to pay, hope it stops at that!

[@billburnhope2176]

Arry The Stag , good!

[@barload]

@@billburnhope2176 any idea what the issue was?

[@billburnhope2176]

adam barlow , no, arry the Stag hasn’t said. Mind, I do have a 65, if he wants to come to France, and help me put my engine back in and bring a bobble hat!!!

[@Martin_Coombs]

Looks like battery clamp bar and bolts are missing.

[@barload]

@@ArryTheStag ah yes that's anothe rissue I had - battery not fastened in and whenI was accellerating it was shorting out, but when I stopped the battery fell back in place - took me ages to work that out

[@centaurus5676]

@@ArryTheStag Also make sure the cables on top of the ignition coil are crimped on tight, as any looseness will cause no end of misfire's, Also HT lead into coil make sure it clicks in...2 minute job that will cure hours of head scratching.

[@emilefouquet9005]

It's sad to learn there are people willing to purchase garbage cans. Any vehicle that is well known for Bad Engines and Transmissions should never be purchased irrespective of the cost. Junks like a Stag will always be a never ending 'Money Pit'.

[@ArryTheStag]

Thanks Emile - granted the model was originally fraught with horrendous QC issues when it was built. Stupid things, like casting sand being left in the engine blocks, causing the famous overheating/headgasket problems. Or, the use of cheaper grade steel, causing loads of premature rust issues did not help!! All this ultimately lead to an early demise of the car (and was chucked out of the US because of the unreliability) - and the fact that they kept changing the headgaskets..i.e. the symptoms ..not realising the root cause of the problem meant that The Stag started life with a very bad reputation. Fifty years on however, current estimates of at least 8,000 still on the road in the UK and likely 3-4,000 more elsewhere around the world still running about. Plus many more thousands on SORN or in barns etc - all from a total production run of 25,877 ever made (equating to a 46% survival rate after all this time), I think does show what a great classic it has now become. UES 591 S is alive and kicking and running around well since this video and continues to thrive and provide so much joy! 'Appy Days!! Thanks for posting! Kind regards TR T

[@emilefouquet9005]

@@ArryTheStag You forgot to mention the Engine Crankshaft Bearings, Cylinder Head Bolts Breaking and consistent failure of Water Pumps ! I can understand someone falling in love with a vehicle irrespective of its Looks, Longevity, Comfort, Reliability, Safety, Performance and Value. I own several classic English cars and Bikes for several reasons.

[@ArryTheStag]

@@emilefouquet9005 Hi Emile - yes however all these are known faults and largely sorted. The trend for swapping over to a Rover V8 which was popular in the 1980s has actually now swung back to originality for the Triumph V8 engine. Cars are now commanding much higher levels of ££s and desirability as a result and there are a lot of people out there driving around (some of them big distances e.g across Europe or the USA) without any problems. Yes, they have to be maintained (timing chains for example that need changing every 30,000 miles or so), but as I mentioned with 46% of all cars still whizzing around (much better than many other car marques), it speaks volumes about how they are now. Join us on a weekend for more if you like www.arrythestag.com/saturday-sockets Always interested in pics and stories of other British Classic cars, as well as Triumph ones and the Stag! Best TR T