In 1994 when Martijn and his father bought Swallow Doretti No.1068 as a restoration project they did not think it would take them almost four years to get her back on the road again. The California car which had been off the road since 1965 came to the Netherlands via Belgium, and was probably sold new in the United States by Cal Sales, the Los Angeles-based Swallow Doretti distributor for the western United States.
This car is believed to be one of the seven Doretti sports cars reported to have been converted to V-8 configuration by Max Balchowsky in the mid-fifties.
Restoration - Martijn Kuipers
The car was completely dismantled, the bulkhead rebuilt and a new gear box tunnel and floors made and fitted. All floors have now U-channels for re-enforcements. At the rear of the car, the removable floor in the boot is now flat, which gives more space.
Max Balchowsky had moved the steering column to the left and welded it to the chassis. This is now converted back to original specifications with a new LHD steering column bought from Jim Williams in England. Behind the choke a strong stay has been fitted, which makes the dashboard feel a lot stronger!
The whole body was rebuilt on the chassis which resulted in extremely good door and wing gaps. Doorsills and sills are now made of aluminium, and a bonnet that came from Ken Yankey is matched to the car. The gaps between inner and outer wings are now closed. The original steel petrol tank has been replaced with one made of copper.
The front brakes are discs with wide hubs this gives the car a wider front track and looks much nicer! The rear axle from a TR4 is wider and looks also better than the original narrow TR2 axle. There are alloy brake drums fitted. At the front a stabilizer is fitted and the springs have been lowered. The suspension bushes are made from very strong nylon, this gives a very firm ride.
The engine is a fast road 2187 cc TR4 with cold air box at the front, and is fitted with a rare Cal Sales Doretti rocker cover. The gearbox is now from a TR4 with overdrive.
The wire wheels are now 60 spoke chrome rims with stainless steel spokes. The pedals have been relocated to create more leg space.The interior is now completely red leather and only the seats and the dash and door tops are fitted with black piping. The other parts are made in red piping, which looks much better.The hood, long and short tonneau and side screens are as near as original, made in tan vynide. No contrasting piping is used.
Swallow Doretti No.1068 was ready for the road in 1998 and drives very nicely. In 1999 she made a trip back to her home country, England.
. . . All information and photos courtesy Martijn Kuipers
Contact ken@doretti.co.uk to add your Swallow Doretti