1971 Triumph Stag Fastback Prototype
Giovanni Michelotti designed a fixed-roof fastback variant to complement the standard convertible Stag, following a similar concept to how the GT6 coupe related to the Spitfire roadster.
The fastback featured a sloping rear profile with a large opening rear hatch, taking clear styling cues from the GT6, including the rear window shape and distinctive air vent gills in the C-pillars.
Three fastback prototypes were constructed between 1970 and 1971, with two bodied at Michelotti’s Turin studio and a third developed at Triumph’s Canley works. The Canley-built prototype was completed in March 1971 and registered for road use.
Power came from the same 183 cu in overhead-cam V8 producing 145 hp at 5,500 rpm, driving the rear wheels through either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.
British Leyland ultimately shelved the fastback project during 1971, reportedly due to concerns about internal competition with Jaguar’s upcoming XJ-S coupe. Two of the prototypes were subsequently destroyed, though the Canley-built example survived.
The standard convertible Stag remained in production from 1970 through 1977, with 25,877 units built.
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