Clenet Coachworks Inc. was established in 1975 by Alain Clenet, and
several other investors, to create limited-production, luxury
vehicles utilizing modern drivetrains and suspensions underneath.
These neo-classic automobiles had distinctive retro styling along
with luxurious appointments hidden inside, with exterior design
inspiration borrowed from 1930's high-end classic roadsters. The
original Series I examples were limited to 252 vehicles, all built
between 1975-1979. With a staggering price tag though, owners
generally included celebrities, dignitaries, and corporate
executives. They were even used in the 1970's and 1980's TV Drama
Series Dallas and Dynasty as an icon of wealth! Today, they are not
seen very often, and according to the Clenet Ownership Registry,
many of them now reside in foreign collections around the
world.
We are excited to offer this beautiful Clenet Series I Roadster
finished in Champagne Gold and Magnolia White two-tone exterior
with a Biege Leather interior. This neoclassic is powered by its
original Ford 429ci V8-4bbl engine and C6 automatic transmission
and is equipped with air conditioning, power steering, power front
disc brakes, sport seats, VDO instrumentation, solid wood dash, 15"
chrome wire spoke wheels, Coker Classic wide whitewall tires
measuring 235/75R15, etched vent window glass, reverse lights,
locking rear trunk, AFI trumpet air horns, amber fog lamps, dual
outside mirrors, chrome faux side exhaust pipes, and triple
windshield wiper blades.
A beautiful Clenet that was restored in the late-1980's with a
vision in mind to set it apart from other Series I examples. The
project became affectionately known as "Harlow", named after the
builder's admiration of Jean Harlow, a blonde bombshell actress
from the early 1930's known for her bad girl sex appeal. As if
built for her specifically, this Clenet was treated to special
touches not found on any other Series I Roadster, most notably,
lowered and rounded front fenders along with extended and reshaped
rear fenders with a traditional imitation bead-rolled edge along
the entire length; faux exhaust ports are made more visible with
new trim surround, dual side-mounted spare tires with covers,
rear-mounted custom rack with removable trunk, elongated front
headlight buckets that are now bar-mounted for a more prominent
presentation, relocated air horns, removal of the cowl lamps, new
one-piece front bumper with matching rear bumper, removal of the
wood slats on the trunk, revised firewall with sealed hard covers
over auxiliary components, updated hood sides with special venting,
Harlow emblems, and hydraulic lifts; and an etched rear window
glass in the soft top!
Inside, it received a custom dash with the removal of the odd
center padded section and replaced with a full solid wood face,
removal of the original centrifugal dash shift knob to a
traditional floor shifter, revised door panels with covered map
pockets, new Recaro Trophy leather seats, sport steering wheel, and
updated AM/FM/CD sound system. It also comes with a soft boot cover
for top-down driving. Our experienced service team at the St. Louis
Car Museum has recently serviced this special Clenet with fresh
engine fluids/filters, new ignition components, new power steering
hoses, and an air conditioning service to include a R134a
conversion for the use of modern freon. Please call with additional
questions or to schedule your chance to review this one-of-a-kind
Clenet "Harlow" Roadster. You won't find another one like it! Note:
this vehicle is titled as a 1988 model year with an assigned VIN
from the State of California. Thanks for looking! Contact Jon Faust
@ (314)993-1330 or email
[email protected]
