Swallow Doretti

The Swallow Doretti was unveiled in 1954. The aim was to accquire a share of the developing 2 seater market in America that had already been successfully penetrated by MG with their 'T' series and by Triumph sports cars.

It was to be sold and serviced through the established Standard-Triumph branches and the car was named after Dorothy, daughter of the American importer.

The Triumph TR2's 1,991cc four cylinder, overhead valve engine, with twin carburettors, plus the standard TR2 4-speed transmission was used and the car was capable of reaching 100mph. Overdrive was offered as an optional extra.

The strengthened chassis was of tubular steel which carried a double skinned body of steel inner panels and an alloy shell. The one piece windscreen could be detached and replaced by two Aero screens if required.

British press reports were unfavourable, with comments on the lack of passenger and luggage space and the fact that the car was heavier and slower than the TR2.  Their American counterparts however described it as lighter and faster!

Swallow built around 100 Doretti's, mainly open two seaters. But there were a couple of coupe's, one being the prototype and there was possibly one saloon.

The Doretti never really competed with the TR2 and when the head of the company, Sir John Black, was badly injured while driving one, Standard-Triumph lost interest in the car and production finished in 1956.