1979 CLENET COACHWORKS CABRIOLET WITH 2,400 ORIG MILES - RARE COLLECTIBLE

1979 Other Makes CLENET COACHWORKS 4 SEATER CABRIOLET WITH ONLY 2,355 MILES! Description

West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely stunning and exceptional example of this original 1979 Clenet Coachworks 4 seater Cabriolet with only 2,355 original miles! Pristine example, as new. This is # 9 of the 250 coachbuilt cars built in Goleta, CA and one of the most incredibly preserved examples of these exceedingly rare, factory coach-built neo-classics;
The Clenet story begins with a young French designer named Alain Clenet, who tired of corporate auto industry politics decided to leave his career as an industry consultant and build his dream car. He assembled a team a craftsmen and at the age of 33 he brokered a deal with the Ford Motor Company to supply him with Lincoln Continental frames, engines, and components. From the company's Santa Barbara, California factory each car was painstakingly crafted and coach built with the goal of making the finest car in the world! Clenets boasted many of Rolls-Royce luxurious appointments, using the same English Connolly leather, Walnut wood and the same wool carpet as the famed luxury marque. However, it could be argued that compared to a Clenet, a Rolls-Royce was positively mass produced! So few Clenets were constructed, that seeing one today is one of the rarest of automotive sightings. This particular 4 seater Cabriolet example wears positively gorgeous Black paint over Tan with matching Connolly hides and has traveled an extraordinarily low 2,355 miles since new. There is no more coveted, more luxurious, better built neo-classic in existence and this is most likely one of the finest examples of the marque available anywhere.
Clénet was a manufacturer of Neoclassic cars with old retro styling and modern technology. Each limited-production model was conceived, designed, and produced by a small team of men and women in Santa Barbara, California in the 1970s and 1980s. The automobile's distinctive styling was based on the high-end automobiles of the 1930s. Despite their retro looks, Clénets used modern drive trains and suspension systems. Formed by Alain Clénet and investors in 1975, the company originally started in a garage and later moved into an airplane hangar in Goleta, CA where an assembly line style of production begun. The company ran into financial difficulties in 1980, ceased production, and Alain Clénet filed for bankruptcy. The remaining bodies, tooling and equipment went up for auction. Soon after the bankruptcy, Alfred J. DiMora owner of the Classic Clenet Club and one of the first employees of Clenet, purchased of the assets of Clénet Coachworks, Inc and moved the company to a new production factory in Carpenteria, CA where he re-established the production of the automobile to the same standards of the original, employing many of the original craftsmen from the first Clénet company. Later the Series IV and Series V designed by DiMora were added to the line of Clénet automobiles. Clénet Coachworks automobiles offered such features as walnut burl dashboards and etched glass accented with the renown 'Waterford' crystal ashtrays which reportedly enabled Clénet to market some of their models at over $100,000. A total of 250 factory-authorized Clénet Series I, 187 Series II, 65 Series III, and 15 Series IV cars were produced by Clenet Coachworks, Inc.
The Clenet has a striking and instantly recognizable look that is completely different from any other neo-classic. Construction of each car required about 1600 man-hours. Long swooping front fenders flowed smoothly into short boards, which met wide rear fenders. The extremely long, side opening hood had a large number of short vertical louvers. Old-style round separately mounted headlamps were used. The grill was 'Classic' upright style. Large driving lights sat close together, just above the split front bumper. Long air horns actually worked, but the four exhaust pipes coming out of the hood side did not. An outside spare tire at the rear was flanked by a split rear bumper. Wire wheels came from the Mark V. Running boards and deck lid held wooden rub strips. Each car’s production number was displayed on a silver door plaque. Interior touches included a hand rubbed black walnut dashboard, Connolly leather upholstery and leather padded steering wheel. Carpeting was Wilton lamb’s wool from Britain. Standard equipment included adjustable reclining seatbacks, tinted glass, cruise control, adjustable steering column, tonneau cover and air conditioning. Chrome front horns, large chrome grill. Owned by celebrities and rock stars alike and you know Elvis Presley would have been the first to order such a magnificent piece of showmanship should he have lived just a few more years!
This particular example is coated in the classic two-tone 'Black' over 'Tan' paint. Under the hood of this classic is the smooth running Ford 351 V8. Inside this classic you will find the Connolly leather Tan interior that continues with that theme of luxury. The high back bucket seats are extremely comfortable and are separated by a striking center console with the 'Waterford Crystal' ashtray. On the console and dash you will find the wood accents that are in great condition. All of the gauges work as they should as does the A/C system which blows nice and cold and the AM/FM/Cassette player delivers a great sound. The car is powered by a strong Ford 351 V8 5.7L engine matched to a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The car drives exactly like a well maintained and extraordinarily low mileage example should and must be driven to be fully appreciated and seen to be believed! The engine is extremely strong with no oil leaks, the transmission is very smooth and the engine temperature always remains cool. Turn-key ready, this particular model must looks and drive exactly as when it left the showroom floor almost thirty-eight years ago and will be sold with its original and rare handbook from Clenet.
For further information contact West Coast Classics through EBay or on 310-399-3990 during regular California business hours.
WEST COAST CLASSICS, LLC Please note: TERMS OF SALE: YOU BID TO OWN: This vehicle is being sold by West Coast Classics, LLC; we are licensed and bonded vehicle dealers in the state of California. Please note that all vehicles sold to be registered in the state of California will be charged California sales tax on the final EBay sales price and any required government licensing, smog, documentation and registration fees. If leaving the state or country, the vehicle must be picked up by a professional licensed auto transportation company that can provide a bill of lading, otherwise California sales tax will be charged. (All licensed auto transport companies provide these). Any out of the state and international buyers will upon completion of the sale be sent by FEDEX the title and bill of sale for the vehicle and will be personally responsible for any sales tax and licensing and registration fees in their home state or province. All bids are legal and binding contracts to purchase the vehicle and by bidding you are hereby entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle and agreeing to accept and abide by these terms of sale: Mechanical inspections welcomed; if you wish to inspect the vehicle you must do so before bidding; upon request seller will be happy to deliver the vehicle to a local Santa Monica mechanic of your choice for your prepaid inspection before the reserve price is met. Once the reserve price is met this vehicle is to be considered sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition to the highest bidder with no guaranties or warranties implied or given. Please have all funds available before bidding as a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required from the winning bidder within 48 hours (2 business days) of auction end; an immediate $500 non-refundable deposit is required through Ebay’s Paypal service to end the auction early if the "Buy it now" option is exercised and the balance in full is due within ten days of auction end in any case. In the case these terms of sale are not met seller reserves the right to either re-list the vehicle or offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder. Seller reserves the right to end the auction at any time before the reserve price is met. Payment by bank wire transfer, cash in person or cashiers check only. All inspections must be done prior to bidding. The non-refundable deposit in the amount of $1,000 is due within 48 hours of the auction end via bank wire transfer or cashier's check via overnight mail. The full payment must be completed within 10 days regardless of a pick up date. In the event the deposit is not posted within the required period of time, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the next subsequent high bidder or relisted for sale. This is to be considered an absolute sale and the buyer is required to comply with all of my conditions in these terms of sale. By placing a bid and winning the auction you hereby agree to abide completely with these terms of sale and the terms of sale are to be considered a legal and binding purchase agreement. Once again, please note that there are no inspections to be made after the auction ends - please be sure to complete any inspection before bidding. The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid at any time and to end the auction early for any reason. The seller makes every effort to describe in detail any known flaws in the vehicle and includes many detailed and recent photos of the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is correct at the time of listing but obviously subject to minor changes necessary to complete delivery of the vehicle to the buyer and test drives etc. Please note that all used vehicles, especially classic and older vehicles, are by definition unique and complex and their condition, for better or worse, must always be considered a subjective opinion to each individual. Therefore the seller shall not be responsible for the absolute correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no guaranties or warranty in connection therewith. Vehicles are sold with one master key unless otherwise stated. Vehicles are sold with handbooks and manuals only if stated in the advertisement. Buyer hereby acknowledges that any definition or terms relating to a "matching numbers" description of any car has been met and the buyer has inspected the car and is satisfied with the description prior to bidding or purchase. No allowance will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value of the vehicle before bidding and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs whatsoever regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle. A documentation fee of $65, which is capped and regulated in California as opposed to some other states, is charged on each sale, which once established legally has to be charged equally on each sale, to cover any necessary costs related to FEDEX mailings and other professional documentation paperwork fees for processing documents to establish title and registration in order to complete the transfer of documents to the new registered owner. Good luck and thanks for your interest!