About The Stag Archive

The Stag deserves a source that treats it seriously: its real history, its genuinely clever V8, the well-documented faults that damaged its reputation, and the practical knowledge that keeps these cars reliable today. Every major page is written so a beginner gets a clear answer near the top, then can scroll into the depth that expert owners and restorers expect.

We do not chase clicks with myths or nostalgia. The aim is simple: when someone asks “What is a Triumph Stag?” or “Should I buy one?” or “Why does my Stag overheat?”, this site should give them the right answer, plainly and completely.

Jon Cosson is a lifelong classic-car enthusiast based in North Yorkshire, near Thornton-le-Dale on the southern edge of the North York Moors. After a career in cyber security and IT, he has returned to a passion that runs in the family, his father was in the motor trade, and now spends his time driving, maintaining and writing about the classic cars he owns, among them a Jaguar E-Type, a Jaguar Mk2, an MG TF, an AC Aceca and a Triumph Stag. This archive grows out of his own ownership of a Triumph Stag. More about him is on his personal site, Jon Cosson.

One car, KKH 295N, is documented on the site as a case study.

Alongside the writing, the site is built from factory literature, parts lists, workshop manuals and long-standing club archives. Where those sources disagree, the disagreement is noted rather than smoothed over. Where a figure is uncertain, it is described as uncertain.

The Stag Archive is not affiliated with BMW, Rover, the former Triumph Motor Company, or any club or commercial supplier. Where a club, specialist or book is recommended, it is because it is genuinely useful, there is no commercial relationship, no affiliate revenue and no sponsored content anywhere on the site.

Jon writes and maintains several other independent single-model references to the same accuracy-first standard, and they are listed below.

Alongside this Stag Archive, I build and maintain a handful of other independent single-model references, to the same accuracy-first standard. This page is the only place on the site where they are all listed.

• MG T-Series , The pre-war and post-war MG T-Series, TA to TF, 1936–1955: the XPAG engine, the chassis, servicing and buying.
• AC Aceca , The AC Aceca and its Bristol engine: the cross-pushrod head, the aluminium body over an ash frame, and the transverse-leaf chassis.
• Jaguar E-Type , The Jaguar E-Type: Series 1 to Series 3, the XK and V12 engines, and what ownership of one is actually like.
• Jaguar Mk2 , The Jaguar Mk2 saloon: the 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 engines, the Moss and all-synchromesh gearboxes, and the rust that defines a good car from a bad one.
• Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider , Pininfarina's 101-series Giulia Spider: the twin-cam engine, the bodywork, and the differences between the Giulietta and Giulia cars.
• Jon Cosson , My own site, where the writing that is not about a single car ends up.

For corrections, contributions of photographs, or questions about the site, email us at hello@triumphstag.org.

For technical help, spares and factory build records, the marque clubs are the best first port of call. The Resources page lists the Stag Owners Club, Triumph Stag Club of the Americas, Triumph Stag Enthusiasts and a number of trusted specialists and reference books.