A bit of history is necessary here. I was not looking for another Triumph. A silly thing like servicing the mortgage and a few bouts of unemployment got in the way. Small things like that should never hinder a serious, dedicated club member I know, but once again, I foolishly let them stymie my better intentions. Back to the story. Because the Stag was located on the north side of Brisbane, only twenty minutes away, a visit was easily arranged. A mate who owns three Jensen Interceptors and a Pontiac 390 Grand Prix lived only streets away from where it resided, so we set out to look it over and to test drive it.
What did I find? A yellow Stag (not quite as shiny as the one in the picture) that had fair paintwork, a good interior, rebuilt engine and shabby, torn soft top. It started easily and ran quietly. In motion, the Stag got warmish by the temperature gauge, clonked and clanked in the splines and changed direction under acceleration. All in all, not unexpected for a cheap Stag, but fantastic for an insanely cheap one. It was perfect. I had to have it. My mate jokingly asked for it to be provided with a roadworthy but that wasn't allowed. Instead it was registered for me. Life just keeps on getting better!
So what do you do when you buy a really cheap Stag?
Most people would say "Don't ever do it!"
Others (the poor misguided souls) would say "Don't ever buy any Stag."
I bought it and I smiled.
I believed it was an acceptable risk. I think the decision is understood and applauded by most enthusiasts, and envied by those not brave enough to take on this sort of risk/commitment themselves. Horses for courses. I figure that it's only money. It's only my time. It's for pure enjoyment. What point does life have if you don't do things foolishly for yourself? I think the reality is that it is foolish not to be foolish occasionally. Isn't that why we buy Triumphs instead of Hyundai Excels? Any Triumph can be a money pit - but I don't ever think like that. Instead I am wearing the biggest smile I've had for a long while. And that is what it's all about. What do you do when you buy a really cheap Stag? You smile. You take people for rides in it and they smile. Keep smiling and driving your Triumphs!
Cheers,
Rob Avis.