Details
1955 SWALLOW DORETTI SPORTS TWO SEATER
Registration No. NOT 494
Chassis No. 1179
Engine No. 220795E
Unpainted with white leather upholstery. Right hand drive.
This rare sportscar was marketed only in 1954 and 1955 by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, the former sidecar branch of SS Cars (Jaguar) fame where William Lyons had first started his trade. This Italian-sounding name was actually based upon Dorothy, the daughter of the USA importer of the car who was also involved with Standard Triumph. Engine (1,991cc, 90bhp), gearbox, brakes and suspension were stock Triumph TR2, but the tubular chassis frame and more comfortable slab-sided bodywork were of Swallow's design and construction. The car cost ¨115 more than a Triumph, which made sense for a handbuilt luxury sports car. Production figures of between 100 and 300 of these interesting cars have been quoted.
This standard example represents an interesting and relatively straightforward restoration project awaiting completion. Work started includes a rebuilt engine (new pistons, liners etc), suspension and brakes, a new wiring loom was fitted, the chassis and inner panels were shot blasted, rustproofed and painted. The bodywork has been stripped to bare aluminium and loose fitted. It has new door handles and headlamp rims and a windscreen is supplied with the Lot along with some boxes of spares. Missing items include bumpers, temperature gauge and carpets; the upholstery and trim will required recovering. Whilst sold 'as seen' this rare Doretti should prove a rewarding project.
Registration No. NOT 494
Chassis No. 1179
Engine No. 220795E
Unpainted with white leather upholstery. Right hand drive.
This rare sportscar was marketed only in 1954 and 1955 by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, the former sidecar branch of SS Cars (Jaguar) fame where William Lyons had first started his trade. This Italian-sounding name was actually based upon Dorothy, the daughter of the USA importer of the car who was also involved with Standard Triumph. Engine (1,991cc, 90bhp), gearbox, brakes and suspension were stock Triumph TR2, but the tubular chassis frame and more comfortable slab-sided bodywork were of Swallow's design and construction. The car cost ¨115 more than a Triumph, which made sense for a handbuilt luxury sports car. Production figures of between 100 and 300 of these interesting cars have been quoted.
This standard example represents an interesting and relatively straightforward restoration project awaiting completion. Work started includes a rebuilt engine (new pistons, liners etc), suspension and brakes, a new wiring loom was fitted, the chassis and inner panels were shot blasted, rustproofed and painted. The bodywork has been stripped to bare aluminium and loose fitted. It has new door handles and headlamp rims and a windscreen is supplied with the Lot along with some boxes of spares. Missing items include bumpers, temperature gauge and carpets; the upholstery and trim will required recovering. Whilst sold 'as seen' this rare Doretti should prove a rewarding project.