{"id":106,"date":"2011-04-22T20:27:19","date_gmt":"2011-04-23T04:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www2.rustycars.net\/?p=106"},"modified":"2011-06-01T20:28:39","modified_gmt":"2011-06-02T04:28:39","slug":"once-bitten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rustycars.net\/?p=106","title":{"rendered":"Once bitten…"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’ve had six Triumph Stags now. I currently have three, and none of them are driveable. I haven’t driven one (legally) on the road since 2004. They are a nightmare from every single conceivable angle, and any sane person would run a mile from them.<\/p>\n

However, last week I did this.<\/p>\n

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I don't really like wire wheels either.<\/p><\/div>\n

This is a ’71 Stag. It’s supposed to be Carmine Red, but some genius has had it resprayed in a hideous pink\/red metallic flip, and then sanded a bunch of it down where the paint guy took a tea break. It’s got its original drivetrain, the interior is fairly good, and the soft top hasn’t seen an erection since 1981.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, seeing as it’s got its original drivetrain, it doesn’t run right. It would barely cough and wheeze its way onto a trailer last month, and the previous “owner” had a bunch of head work done in order to fix a problem that’s nothing to do with the head. Fortunately, I no longer have to worry about burnt exhaust valves – instead, I have to deal with a blown water pump graphite seal, different height head gaskets, a badly-skimmed inlet manifold, and a front choke secured with zip ties.. and that’s before I get to any of the obstacles British Leyland or Lucas put in the way of being the world’s best car.<\/p>\n

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