After the successful introduction of the Swallow Doretti to the American market, work was underway to develop a second version of the Doretti named the Sabre. The new model utilized the same mechanical equipment as the original car, but had a revised chassis frame with box section side rails. The design of the radiator front grille and surround was changed and simplified, the wheel arches were flattened at the tops, wind-up windows were added and the tail of the car restyled with a larger boot. Just three prototype Doretti Sabres were built, two convertibles and a third hardtop that was so well integated that it had the appearance of a coupé. When factory production of the Mark 1 Doretti ended, the well-advanced development of the Sabre, was permanently shelved.
Doretti production was abruptly curtailed because the TI Group came under significant pressure from some car industry rival companies who were not best pleased when Swallow launched the Doretti. They warned the TI Group that it had to decide whether it wished to be a competitor in the car industry or a supplier to it - with a strong suggestion that it couldn't be both. Thus the Swallow Doretti actually became a victim of its own success when Doretti production ceased in February 1955.
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Chassis No. DVL-264 GRE was the original registration number of the Mark II (Sabre) Doretti which was restored by Peter Lord in 19xx. More information and pictures are to be found at Chassis No. DVL-2.
Chassis No. DVL-360 HRF is a Mark II (Sabre) Doretti which was restored by Mike Jennings. The car has disc brakes, wind-up windows, a larger cockpit and boot, a hardtop, and a different front grille. Previous owners have included David Wynn-Smith and Nigel Tilley. Further details and photos can be found at Chassis No. DVL-3.
Chassis No. 10001YNY 181 is another Mark II (Sabre) Doretti that is said to have been built in 1954 for Standard-Triumph and was first registered as BOB 123 in 1961. The car is reported to have been used by Triumph as a test vehicle, possibly for different set-ups because it was easier to modify than the then current TR. More information is to be found at Chassis No.10001.