1973 Triumph Stag 4 Seater Convertible Guidance for Drivers
The 2004 Warwick Carnival Queen and her attendants being driven around Warwick in The Open Road's Triumph Stag.
We take every driver around a short block to give the chance to get used to the controls and understand the foibles of each of our cars.
Each car goes out on hire with a comprehensive information pack and this includes an instruction sheet of how to operate the controls.
Details for our Triumph Stag are shown below and can be printed off in PDF form by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page.
To Start:
When cold: Pull out the choke fully, press the accelerator once and then turn the ignition key. Press the accelerator again when the engine fires. Use choke for the first few minutes.
When warm: Do not touch accelerator, but turn key till it fires, then press accelerator.
Controls:
Speed/revs: Please respect the age of this car; although the engine has been rebuilt and the heads replaced, do not exceed 4,500 revs unless absolutely necessary. The car runs well between 3,000 and 4,000 revs, which is reasonably economical but allows for fun without the tears. You should, of course, also obey all Speed Limits at all times.
Gears: Gear layout is as shown on the gear lever. The switch for Overdrive is on the top of the gear lever. Overdrive works on 3rd and 4th gears. For winding country lanes it is often easier to stay in 3rd and switch in/out of overdrive rather than use 4th gear.
Handbrake: Handbrake is standard but ALWAYS PARK IN GEAR.
Lights: The light switch is on the right of steering column. Turn one notch for sidelights and two for headlights. Dip/Main Beam switch is on the right hand stalk. Panel lights are controlled by turning the switch to the left of the dashboard.
Horn: The horn button is on the end of the right hand stalk.
Fuel tank: Fill to just below top of filler with PREMIUM 95 UNLEADED PETROL - the gauge will then read almost full. Capacity is 12.75 gallons (58 litres). At around 18 - 22 mpg a full tank should be enough to cover approx 200 to 250 miles.
Boot: The boot is locked with the same small key as the glove box. The boot lid is spring loaded and stays up by itself. To close, just lower lid against the pressure of the springs. The spare wheel, wheel brace and jack are in the boot under the floor panels.
Hood: Fold the hood down carefully as instructed - so as not to crease the rear window. Make sure the tonneau cover clips down securely on both sides. If it isn't warm enough, or if you want a bit less wind in your hair, you can leave the hood up and unzip the rear window.
Picnic: If ordered, this is in the boot with a waterproof rug.
Before you hire our Triumph Stag for a day on The Open Road, have a quick look at this clip from BBC's Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson describes it as "the best car British Leyland ever made".
