1978 Clénet Series 1 Roadster

Produced at Clénet ’s original production facilities at the Goleta, California airport, this 1978 Clénet Series I Roadster is one of just 248 examples produced, according to the Clénet Series I Register. Bearing an identification plate numbered 149/250, it is a particularly special example of these very fine hand-built motorcars, having been retained following production by none other than company founder, Alain Clénet. Offered from his son, who inherited the vehicle from his father, this already highly desirable 1978 Clénet Series I Roadster carries truly exceptional provenance straight from the company’s founder. With just 19,400 miles accumulated from new, it represents an extraordinary find of an exceedingly rare piece of California automotive history and design.

Strikingly finished in hand-rubbed Porsche Guards Red acrylic lacquer paint, this Series I Roadster is offered in appealing driver quality condition, and it benefits nicely from the single-family ownership, care, and limited use it has received from new. Sweeping body lines with a long hood/short deck motif are reminiscent of the beautiful SSK, 500K, and 540K Mercedes-Benz models of the Classic Era, with echoes of Britain’s low-slung Invicta, Squire, and early SS/Jaguar designs. Other highlights include the split front and rear bumpers, twin Dietz driving lights, a Greek Revival-styled grille shell including a prominent Clénet marque emblem, handsome external chrome exhaust pipes, twin chrome cowl lamps and side mirrors, and a rear-mounted spare wheel and tire. Italian Borrani chrome wire-spoke wheels are a handsome and most appropriate finishing touch to the unforgettable exterior styling of this modern classic Clénet.

Equipped with supportive articulated black English leather-trimmed bucket seats, the luxurious, yet sporting passenger compartment of this Clénet Series I Roadster features matching door panels including generous map/storage pockets and rope-style lower door pulls, plus rich lambswool carpeting. A large crystal ashtray – a signature Clénet feature – resides atop the transmission tunnel, complemented by a handsome black leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel that greets the driver on a tilt column. A leather-padded solid Walnut dash panel houses a full complement of VDO instruments including a driver-facing tachometer and 120-mph speedometer, complete with odometer and trip odometer, plus gauges monitoring fuel level, coolant temperature, amperes, and oil pressure, plus a VDO dash clock. A period AM/FM cassette stereo head unit and under-dash graphic equalizer deliver musical entertainment in addition to the throaty note of the Clénet’s full-length dual exhaust system. Desirable amenities include power brakes and steering, air-conditioning, cruise control, and etched vent windows. A tonneau cover and padded removable soft-top are also included. The fully finished luggage compartment houses a wheel wrench and even a delightful Teddy Bear wearing a miniature Clénet T-shirt.

Capably powering this Series I roadster is a blueprinted 351 CI Ford V-8 engine with a 4V carburetor, paired with a Ford Select Shift 3-speed automatic transmission. Accents include an open-element air-cleaner, and Mickey Thompson “M/T” cast-aluminum rocker covers. The engine, surrounding engine compartment, underbody, chassis, and suspension all appear in good order.

Offered by Alain Clénet’s son, who inherited this Series I Roadster from his father, this example quite likely carries the most desirable provenance of any Clénet model remaining in existence today. Offered with a clean California title in the seller's name, this thrilling find is currently registered “Non-Op/Display."

Given its grand Neoclassical styling, easily serviced Ford powertrain, and wide complement of luxurious appointments, this exceedingly rare 1978 Clénet Series I Roadster is already highly desirable on so many possible levels, not to mention its low mileage. Given its wonderful provenance, it is certainly worthy of inclusion in a collection celebrating the finest limited-production, hand-built motorcars.