Lot details
Registration: PON419
Chassis: 1147
Odometer: 21741
Transmission: Manual
- Rare 1950s sports car with lots of history
- Limited production run of 276 units between 1954 and 1955
- Handsome and well proportioned bodywork
- Comes with canvass roof and side screens
- Driven to our premises over 180 miles
- Wonderful exterior and interior patina
Finished in Medici Blue, this 1950s classic is well known in Swallow Doretti circles and it has an interesting history. Registered as PON419, car number 1147 was first registered in 1955 – although this shows as 1979 in the V5C as we believe this was when the car returned to the road following a period of storage.
We are advised the car was owned by a Master at Mill House School in the 1950s, before spending some time in storage and on display in a museum. It was then sold to a Mr Edwards in the 80s, and then to a collector Duncan Rabagliati in 1987 whose daughter apparently used it as a daily driver. We believe the car was exported to Switzerland in the 2000s for use by its then owner Bernhard Ruest.
The current owner has owned the car since 2017 when he purchased it from ACA for £31500 (invoice on file). In 2020 it was recommissioned by Birchfield Classics Limited which included the fabrication and fitment of two new chassis out riggers and an engine service. The brakes have been overhauled this year plus some minor repairs which resulted in an MOT being granted in May 2025.
The exterior is well travelled with dents and imperfections all over, but this only adds to the charm of this rare classic. The car benefits from chrome wheel trims and a period chrome boot rack plus bullet mirrors, with matching Blockley tyres are fitted all round. The interior is clean and tidy with minor signs of wear and tear which is to be expected given the age of the car.
Mechanically, the car sounds strong and drove well for our video.
The Doretti comes with a number of extra spare parts including additional chromework and bumpers – some of which we understand are no longer obtainable.
Overall, a really useable example which can be used and improved over time as the new owner wishes.
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