1979 Clenet Series 1 Roadster

This 1979 Clénet Series 1 roadster is number 236 of approximately 250 produced by Clénet Coachworks of Santa Barbara, California. It was purchased new by the late owner, who operated a business that rented vehicles for use in the film industry. Power comes from a Ford V8 linked to a three-speed automatic transmission, and equipment includes a brown soft top, a louvered hood, a Continental kit, driving lights, trumpet horns, faux external exhaust pipes, 15” wire wheels, and front disc brakes. Interior appointments include beige leather upholstery, a Nardi steering wheel, burl wood trim, air conditioning, cruise control, and a Pioneer cassette head unit. The car was acquired by the current owner in 2013, and service performed in preparation for the sale has involved rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the fuel pump. This Clénet is now offered on dealer consignment on behalf of the late owner’s estate with a Nevada title. The Series I was the first vehicle produced by Clénet Coachworks, and it utilizes steel bodywork and fiberglass fenders mounted to a Ford-sourced chassis. This example is finished in cream with brown pinstriping and features an engraved glass hood ornament and vent windows as well as wood trim attached to the running boards, decklid, and platform-style rear bumper. Other details include a brown soft top, a Continental kit, trumpet-style horns, faux external exhaust headers and side pipes, and driving lights with stone guards. Chrome 15” wire wheels are mounted with 235/75 Bridgestone Insignia SE 200 narrow-whitewall tires. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums. The cabin features bucket seats trimmed in beige leather with tufted inserts, and they are joined by a color-coordinated dash pad and door panels. Appointments include a burl wood dashboard fascia, air conditioning, cruise control, braided door pulls, three-point seatbelts, and a Pioneer cassette head unit connected to a five-band equalizer. Wear on the upholstery can be viewed in the gallery. The Nardi steering wheel sits ahead of an AutoMeter 120-mph speedometer as well as VDO instrumentation including a 7k-rpm tachometer, a clock, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 1,300 miles. The Ford V8 is said to displace 400ci according to the selling dealer. Service performed in 2024 reportedly included rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the fuel pump along with various fluids and filters. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.