1954 Swallow Doretti
The Swallow Doretti was a short-lived but iconic British sports car produced by The Swallow Coachbuilding Company from 1954 to 1955. The company, which had previously been known for its sidecars and the Swallow-bodied SS Jaguar cars, ventured into the sports car market with the Doretti.
The car was designed by Frank Rainbow, who drew inspiration from the elegant Italian sports cars of the era, particularly the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. The Doretti’s sleek, flowing lines and graceful proportions captured the essence of these Italian designs while maintaining a distinctly British character.
Despite its Italian-sounding name, chosen to appeal to the American market, the Doretti was built on a chassis and running gear largely derived from the Triumph TR2. This decision allowed Swallow to keep production costs down and ensured a reliable and proven mechanical foundation.
The Doretti featured a tubular steel chassis, which was lighter and more rigid than the TR2’s frame. The body was made of aluminum, further reducing weight and contributing to the car’s impressive performance.
Power came from the TR2’s 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which produced around 90 horsepower and was mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
One of the Doretti’s most distinctive features was its cockpit design, which included a curved windshield, a well-appointed interior, and a removable hardtop. These elements combined to create a comfortable and stylish driving experience that set the Doretti apart from its more spartan contemporaries.
Despite its attractive design and impressive performance, the Swallow Doretti faced several challenges that ultimately led to its short production run.
The car was relatively expensive compared to its competitors, and Swallow struggled to secure a reliable supply of engines and other components from Triumph. Additionally, the company faced financial difficulties and was eventually acquired by Tube Investments, which decided to focus on other projects.
In total, just 276 Swallow Dorettis were produced between 1954 and 1955. Today, these rare sports cars are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their unique blend of British craftsmanship and Italian-inspired design.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
