MKI vs. MKII ???

[Mike Wattam <MikeWattam@domain.elided>]

Hi Tom

Welcome to the world of Stags.

Changes MkI to MKII are covered in the Triumph Stag Register Technical
bulletin 04/02, but here is a summary;

The main thing was, that there was a major effort to make the MKII look
physically different from the MKI at the absolute minimum cost.  At the
same time there were a number of mechanical changes, which mainly coincided
with the visual changes - within relatively few commission numbers.  The
Stag was then subject to various minor mechanical and body changes during
its following production life.  

The commission number at which the MKII commenced was 20,001.

Many MKI's have been upgraded over the years to look like MKII's as far as
possible, for what it's worth.

MECHANICAL
Uprated cooling system with pressurised header tank (many MKI's
retrospectively converted)
different combustion chamber layout and pistons for reduced emissions
slightly increased compression ratio (market-dependant)
engine power and torque slightly different (market-dependant)
carburettors modified for lower emissions
optional overdrive or automatic continued (later overdrive standard)

BODY EXTERIOR
new body colours
double side stripe added to both sides.
stainless rubbing strip added to top of sills
black crackle finish to sills (later deleted and bright finishers added)
Stag Badges all round changed from metallic charcoal to black background
matt black tail lamp panel (later deleted)
black paint deleted from stainless steel wheel trims (when fitted)
improved anti-burst door locks introduced (6 months later!)
optional alloy wheels (later standard)
optional tinted glass (later standard)
soft top standard and hard top an option (later standard)
twin exhaust tailpipes now small-bore
USA cars with rear 1/4 lamps in place of Stag Emblems
German and Belgian cars with additional safety items fitted to front and
rear

BODY INTERIOR
optional aircon (some markets only) continued
revised instrument bezels part matt black, part chrome
revised seat cover material and colours
integral head restraints now deleted
optional head restraints (on stalk) available
interior lights (2 in 'B' post) now 1 in centre of 'T' bar
Seat belt warning and hazard warning switch added (about one year later!)

The above specification applies primarily to the UK market.  

In the USA Triumph Leonia had used various upgrades to assist selling to
the American sports car buyer. These included wire wheels (delete option),
and many 'MKII' items like side-stripes, aircon, tinted glass and alloy
wheels available or fitted in 1971-72 prior to the UK availability of the
MKII.  Triumph Leonia USA staff led many mechanical and cosmetic changes
which were subsequently incorporated into the MKII.

I'm sure I've missed something major.........................

IMHO - Mike Wattam
Chairman - Triumph Stag Register