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Alex Newman

Swallow Doretti 1955

One of only 276 Swallow Dorettis, RLL 275 was registered on 29th June 1955.  Designed by Frank Rainbow and built in 1954 and 1955 the Swallow Doretti was powered by a 68hp Vanguard engine uprated to 90hp and was aimed at the American car market.

This car was previously owned by the Banham Motor Museum from the mid-70s until 1982.  It was partially restored in 1984/85 by its then owner including a bare metal repaint in red.  The current owner bought the car in 2013 from Belgium after it had sat for 18 years in an aircraft hanger.

The car was complete but tired so was sent to Heritage Restoration Services in Sussex, owned by Peter Scott, for a full restoration. The panels were remarkably sound and straight as were the steel door panels (which had previously been replaced). The body tub was separated from the chassis revealing only some limited rust in the body, outriggers and battery box which was dealt with using bespoke handmade panels.  The bumpers were replaced and the radiator grill surround was repaired (£800).

The body was finished in two-pack ivory with biscuit leather trim.  The owner was determined to keep the car as original as possible. Sourcing mechanical replacement parts was made easier by the crossover with Triumph parts. When it came to the steering wheel, a wooden replacement was handbuilt for the car by Rich Handcrafted Wheels in California and the hard-to-find windscreen rubber was donated by a friendly Triumph Club member!

The engine and drivetrain were fully overhauled and disc brakes were added.

Doretti owners will tell you that they are a comfortable, well-built, robust and sound-handling car.

The Doretti name derives from the name Dorothy Deen.  She and her father were appointed US distributors of the car. Her name, Dorothy, merged with then name of her car accessory company, Cal Specialities, just about forms the word Doretti!

Bodies were made by Panelcraft Ltd of Birmingham who also made specials for Healey cars. The comprise a steel inner body tub with 16swg aluminium outer panels and steel door skins.

Chassis were made by Helliwells of Walsall using 531 50-ton chrome molybdenum steel tubing, giving the Doretti an extremely strong chassis compared with the Triumph TR2 on which the car was based. The marketing literature described the tubular chassis as built “to withstand the arduous test of high speed work”.

The Motor road test in 1954 recorded a 0-60 time of 13 seconds and the car just nudging 100mph.

The price new was £1158 or £1102 without overdrive compared to a Triumph TR2 at £887.

This car has been recommissioned by Brightwell Motor Company and is now available for purchase and ready to drive and enjoy.  Please call 07710 448751 or email office@brightwellmotorcompany.com to book a test drive.

1956 Jaguar XK140 Fixed Head Coupe

Brightwell look after this XK140 for its American owner, a keen Jaguar collector and motorsport enthusiast. We prepared and supported this car on the 2022 Mille Miglia where it performed well and successfully completed the event. The car has previously taken part in the Bernina Hill Climb and Coppa delle Alpi. The photos show the car with engine and gearbox out while we are making some upgrades ready for the Gran Premio Nuvolari in Italy in September 2022 and planning for the Mille Miglia 2023.

1965 Morris Cooper S Mk1 1275cc

The ultimate in fast road Minis. This is a Full appendix K roll cage and shell that is being built by our very own Scott Turner into a bespoke road car to the customer’s own design using the best performance parts.

Specified with a Swiftune engine and uprated brakes and suspension to match the power upgrade.

On the inside is a Corbeau carbon bucket seat for the driver and a factory recliner seat for the passenger with bespoke red leather and gold brocade trimming throughout and custom LUKE harnesses and removable steering wheel.

This is a fast and unique car for a discerning customer who loves his Minis and we’re really proud to have been commissioned to do the rebuild.

1954 Porsche 356 Pre A

In for a complete restoration the customer has set the highest standards of originality to be maintained. Due to this all original parts have been restored and reused throughout the entire vehicle.

From the original heat damaged lamp lenses being restored to ensuring that the 1960’s waterslide decals are maintained in all there glory no detail has been left untouched.

Reminders of the cars period racing history can also been seen throughout the body and the dashboard uses all of its original switches and knobs which keeps the cabins patina perfectly.

1963 Porsche 356Bt6 Super 90

This is an exceptional Porsche 356B T6 which is as close to buying a brand new example as it’s possible to get.

A full matching numbers car that was originally sold in Sweden, this car has been restored by leading classic Porsche restorers, Sportwagen with gearbox and engine by Jaz Porsche.

The Super 90 engine has been upgraded to 1925cc producing 135bhp with 136ft/lb of torque (110ft/lb at 1800 rpm) making it a very responsive and fun car to drive. Engine spec includes a standard Super 90 crank with Carrillo rods, JPS billet heads and manifolds and the desirable European heater system.

Neil Tadman retrimmed the interior in red leather over red German square weave carpet, adding period accessory head rests. Coco matts are supplied (but not pictured).

Matching number wheels with Pirelli Cinturato Tyres.

Symmetrical Bosch headlights.

A truly lovely example that feels brand new and has been restored by the best.

£POA

Jaguar XJS V12 1982

Recently rediscovered 1 family owned XJS with 24K miles from new.

Recent recommissioning with new exhaust system, new brakes all round, new shocks and new tyres all round.

This mechanically perfect example can be supplied with a full years MOT.

Immaculate interior.

Exterior has some dents and markings which could be improved.

Car comes with a large history file.

£12,995 ono

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