Triumph Stag Automatic

Type 35 and Type 65

The Vintage Triumph Register records Type 35 fitment through LD41993 and Type 65 from LD41994 on cars outside the US market. US Federal automatics retained the Type 35. This is a commission-number changeover, not a precise calendar date.

The factory automatic has three forward gears and no overdrive. The manual alternative is covered in manual vs automatic.

How common are automatics?

Automatic cars were a factory option, not a later conversion. A reliable production count split by automatic type has not been confirmed for this guide. Surviving-car registers are not a substitute for factory production totals.

Identifying an automatic

Look for the automatic selector and two-pedal layout, then check the gearbox identification plate. The factory commission suffix BW records Type 35 automatic specification and A records the later Type 65. The identification guide explains the full number. A replacement gearbox or ZF conversion means the plate on the car may no longer describe the unit fitted.

SOC owners describe a splined propshaft output on the Type 35 and a four-bolt flange connection on the Type 65. Have a specialist confirm the unit before ordering parts; never inspect underneath a car supported only by a jack.

Checks for owners and buyers

• Arrange a road test and check engagement, upshifts, downshifts and reverse. Delayed engagement, slipping, harsh shifts or leaks need specialist diagnosis.
• Confirm the gearbox type and read the service records before choosing fluid or following adjustment instructions.
• Use the correct Stag Workshop Manual and applicable technical bulletins for the fluid-level procedure. Do not assume a generic automatic dipstick routine applies.
• Keep engine cooling checks in the inspection: an automatic does not remove the V8's cooling and timing-chain requirements.

See gearbox oil and the buying checklist.

Automatic questions

Which automatic gearbox was fitted to a Triumph Stag?

The factory automatic was a three-speed Borg-Warner Type 35, replaced on non-US cars by the Type 65 from commission number LD41994. US-market cars retained the Type 35.

Can the commission number prove which gearbox is fitted now?

No. It helps establish factory specification, but a gearbox may have been replaced or converted. Check the gearbox identification plate and the car's maintenance records.