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One owner, Byron Webb
100% original, immaculate and unrestored
Numbers matching
40,747 miles since new
Extensively serviced, mechanical preservation restoration by Canepa
Completely concours-show level detailed
The true definition of a perfectly preserved “time capsule”
The phrase “time capsule” is often overused to the point of being somewhat of a cliché with those emphasizing the preserved originality of an automobile. With so many cars claiming to be the prime example of their model, there is no wonder to why the phrase has lost its impact. However, once in a rare moon does an automobile truly redefine and set the new gold stand-ard for all others. This 1973 Triumph Stag Mk2 is that car.
This Triumph is the most original, concours-quality Stag we have ever seen. It is in literally near-new condition and has recently, in Canepa’s workshop, undergone a 100% mechanical service/repairs for the ultimate preservation example. The paint, interior, chrome, trim, plastic trim pieces, and even the smallest fasteners are all 100% original and in absolute show-quality condition.
This documented one-owner example was purchased new by none other than Byron Webb. He purchased it to be his personal car when his dealership, Webb Motors in Roanoke, VA, was a factory-authorized Triumph dealer. Webb Motors began in the 1940s selling British engines and motorcycles, later moving to Roanoke and selling and repairing British cars. A guru and lover of all things Triumph, Byron had a special place in his heart for the quirky-yet-popular Tri-umph brand. He originally used this Triumph for touring early on, and in the most recent years exercised it only on Sunday morning drives to church, putting the 40,747 miles as original and correct. The Stag spent its entire life in Mr. Webb’s climate-controlled garage, or on proud dis-play in his dealership’s showroom, never being driven in inclement weather or conditions that were short from perfect.
Maintained since new by Mr. Webb’s factory-trained mechanics, it presents in stunning condi-tion. Having received meticulous, almost fanatical care and maintenance throughout its life, Mr. Webb’s only changes from the original specifications were non-invasive upgrades that in-cluded a dual oil and temperature gauge in place of the original temperature gauge, a Crane XR-700 electronic ignition, and a Rimmer Brothers radiator.
Byron’s health began to decline and he sadly began the search for a new caretaker for his ma-jestic Stag. Such low mileage cars, no matter how well cared for, always need a good bit of mechanical massaging to get them back to reliable driving spec. Canepa acquired the car and soon began an exhaustive inspection of all its systems and components, pinpointing what needed to be addressed and resolved all of the outstanding points of the car. Some of the ma-jor projects included: rebuilt heads and a full engine seal, brake service, rebuilt carburetors, an A/C service and reseal, front suspension bushings, steering rack rebuild, clutch slave cylinder rebuild, new alternator, and a full engine tune up. This extensive preservation work has been fine-tuned over many years by Canepa expert, revitalizing these types of cars in need of some attention, and bringing the Triumph Stag to 100% mechanical condition.
During the course of Canepa’s lengthy and careful preservation, we discovered that the factory hardtop may have never been removed. When removed from the car, we found the original convertible top resting in pristine, unused condition in its storage compartment behind the rear seats. The original Michelin spare tire still sits in the trunk, along with its original tool roll. All of the evidence points to this being the most original Stag in existence. Only adding to the car was the concours-show level detail carried out by Canepa, putting this British icon is show-winning condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Without question, this gold-standard “time capsule” 1973 Triumph Stag is unquestioningly the finest example in the world.
About the Stag:
Envisioned as a luxury sports car, the Triumph Stag was designed to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz SL. To help cement it in the public eye it would be driven by James Bond in 'Di-amonds Are Forever'. In fact, Aston Martin objected that the Stag V8 sounded better than their DBS, so they demanded an overdub with a different engine.
All Stags were four-seater convertible coupes, but for structural rigidity and to meet new American rollover standards of the time, the Stag required a B-pillar 'roll bar' hoop connected to the windscreen frame by a T-bar. A removable hardtop was a popular factory option for the early Stags, and was later supplied as a standard fitment.
The new Triumph V8 was enlarged to 2997 cc to help the car fulfill its roll as a grand tourer. To meet emission standards in the USA, the troublesome mechanical fuel injection was dropped in favor of dual Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburetors. Unitary construction was employed, as was fully independent suspension MacPherson struts in front, semi-trailing arms at the rear. Braking was by front disc and rear drum brakes, while steering was power-assisted rack and pinion.
About Webb Motors:
Webb Motors was founded in the 1940s selling British engines and motorcycles. In 1955 the company moved to final location in Roanoke, Virginia, and operated as a British Leyland dealership, continuing to do so through their demise. Until their closure, they offer restoration, repair, and sales of British cars, including those they sold new. Webb Motors was run by the original owner, octogenarian Byron Webb, and his son-in-law Louie Cross until 2016.
