1954 Swallow Doretti. Outstanding Concours Winning Example. We are very proud and honoured to offer this car from the famed Hamilton Collection. The father and man behind racing superstar and six times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Hamilton has succeeded and built over the years arguably one of the greatest ‘concours’ quality collections in the U.K of Iconic classic and rare British sports cars. Each car was meticulously chosen for its provenance, rarity and condition and every car has its own personal story. The private Hamilton Collection has been managed and maintained correctly in a most beautiful and modern marble floored temperature controlled garage whilst being viewed and enjoyed by close friends and family. It is very seldom that such a private collection of ‘concours’ quality classic cars comes to the market especially as extraordinary and notable as this.
This is a very rare, and beautifully restored, hand-built 1954 English sports car. The Swallow Doretti, Chassis number 1126. One of only 176 in the world. A Burgundy Sports Roadster with a 4 Speed Manual and a “A type Laycock De- Normanville” overdrive unit powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0 litre engine borrowed from Triumph. This is a rare, outstandingly well-made and beautiful car. Produced by the Swallow Sidecar Company, the Swallow Doretti was introduced in the Autumn of 1954 to international critical acclaim. Built to an extremely high standard the Doretti design concept was intended to appeal to an up-market buyer with an eye watering price tag of £1,102.00 compared with the TR2 at £910.00. Based around a tubular Reynolds 531 Chromalloy ladder chassis, the Doretti design featured a handsome Italian-influenced aluminium body with a large Ferrari-style front grill, sweeping front fenders and gently bobbed, distinctly British rear end. With race-bred engineering in its veins the Doretti is one of the best handling English cars ever made. With just 276 cars produced, and 12 never actually completing production, finding a beautifully restored Doretti is very rare as owners are reluctant to part with them. Production was shut down in 1955. This stunning, concours winning, Swallow Doretti is a chassis number 1126, excellently restored and among the best in the world. Paintwork offers a mirror-like finish with excellent depth and consistent coverage, all brightwork has been expertly re-chromed down to the smallest dash switch and the panel fit is to a factory standard. The cockpit offers a charming excellence with an array of expertly detailed and correct Smiths instrumentation, beautifully tailored upholstery with contrast burgundy lacing as per original, mohair filled dash and door cards and a low slung driving posture that positions your arms perfectly, unrivalled by any other classic. Correct chrome wire wheels, refurbished original badging and a new black fabric soft-top with matching long and short tonneau covers, complete the look of this excellently well restored Doretti. Performance is also outstanding. With the engine, transmission, brakes and suspension all re-built the drive feels brisk and incredibly well balanced, it's no wonder this car made Jaguar's hair stand on end. Prepared to concours standard this Swallow Doretti carries all the hallmarks of the most investable cars ever produced. Miniscule production numbers, great provenance and a stunning restoration. This is a unique opportunity to own and drive one of the finest sports cars ever to come out of the UK in an era never to be repeated, this Swallow Doretti is one for the savvy enthusiast. Absolutely any inspection is welcome. Part exchange considered. Finance arranged. Free U.K mainland delivery. Storage facilities. Shipping can be arranged. Please contact us for any further details.