Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 135
1979 Clenet Series 1 Roadster Chassis no. CLE791104
Sold for US$33,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 135
1979 Clenet Series 1 Roadster
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1979 Clenet Series 1 Roadster
Chassis no. CLE791104
Chassis no. CLE791104
351ci OHV Ford V8 Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
220bhp (Estimated)
Ford C6 Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
*One of 252 Series I Roadsters produced
*Handbuilt by Clenet Coachworks of Santa Barbara, California
*Cost approximately $75,000 in 1979!
*Ford 351 V8 in a custom-built steel chassis
*MG Midget-based body tub
*Meticulously prepared and maintained
*Updated with heated bucket seats and modern audio system
*Clenet owners included Farrah Fawcett, Rod Steward, Jenny Craig, and King Hassan II
THE CLENET
Between the late 1960s and early 1980s, there was a brief surge of new car companies sprouting up and offering "Neoclassic" automobiles. With 30s-inspired styling and contemporary running gear, these cars were seen as a celebration of the bygone pre-war era's glamour, but fully modernized under the skin. A few of these companies had reasonable success, while others came and went in a flash. Some consider the Brooks Stevens-penned Excalibur of the early 1960s as the progenitor of the phenomenon. The original Excalibur Mk1, with its Studebaker V8, was a surprisingly potent sports car, though as the genre evolved, the cars grew softer and more luxury oriented. It seemed there were two extremes to the neoclassic market, at the bottom end were the oft-awkward fiberglass kit cars, with the opposite extreme being bespoke, extravagant 'coachbuilt' cars favored by celebrities.
Founded by Alain Clenet in 1975, Clenet Coachworks of Santa Barbara, California was solidly in the latter category, offering complete, custom-built roadsters with plenty of glam. Cleverly utilizing a modified MG Midget body tub from the cowl back, the Clenet featured sweeping 30s-style fenders, a bold chrome radiator, bullet headlamps, and the requisite exposed faux flex-pipe exhausts. The body sat on a steel ladder chassis housing a Ford V8 engine and automatic transmission. The Clenet was certainly no kit car – they were fabulously expensive in their day – costing upwards of $75,000 in 1980! In the brash and flash disco era, the likes of Farrah Fawcett, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, and King Hassan II of Morocco all counted as Clenet owners. Classics in their own right today, the Clenet and high-end neoclassics like it are enjoying new attention from collectors as unique products of a unique time.
THE CAR OFFERED
The car offered here is a 1979 Clenet Series I, built in the original production run during Alain Clenet's ownership, and generally seen as more attractive than the later Series II. Finished in black over a tan leather interior, it is offered in superb condition, appearing very well maintained. Under the bonnet sits a Ford 351 V8, possibly sourced from a Thunderbird or LTD, and backed by a C6 automatic. The engine is dressed-up with chrome valve covers and air cleaner and sits in a tidy engine bay. Features include power brakes, power steering, and air conditioning to ensure effortless cruising from the interstate to Wilshire Boulevard.
The interior has been updated with nicely integrated modern heated bucket seats, a Nardi steering wheel, and a Pioneer CD stereo with JL Audio trunk-mounted amplifier. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice the MG Midget interior door hardware, though the cabin is considerably more upscale thanks to ample use of quality leather. Other touches include a walnut dash, VDO instrumentation, and a crystal ash tray – naturally!
This car spent time in California, and while there is an official Clenet chassis number, it has been issued a California assigned ID number, which is noted above. While certainly no wallflower, the Clenet Series I has a unique charm that reflects the flamboyance of its time – just as the cars it emulates did in the 1930s.
Footnotes
Please note, this vehicle is titled as a Specialty Manufacturer, model year 2005, with the California state assigned VIN CA977694.
Additional information
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