Description

Designer Alain Clenet was the man behind Clenet Coachworks, which was established in 1975 with the goal of merging 1930’s classical design elements with modern running gear and suspension systems. The cars were quite expensive new, so many were owned and driven by celebrities that included Sylvester Stallone, Farrah Fawcett, and Wayne Newton.

This 1980 Clenet Series II Convertible is number 54 of 250 planned cars (although only 187 cars were reportedly built) from Clenet Coachworks of Santa Barbara, California. The odometer reads just 22,000 miles. The Clenet is very well maintained and mostly original, with only minor paint repairs due to fender rock chips and a 2006 interior refresh.

POWERTRAIN This car originally came with a Ford Windsor 351-cu.in. V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, but the it has been upgraded to an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold and a four-barrel carburetor. Other than the carburetion upgrade, the engine is original and has never been rebuilt. Cold starts are typical for an engine with an automatic choke, although the idle can be a little rough for the first minute. The engine doesn’t smoke. There are a few minor oil weeps from the rear main seal and the valve cover gasket. The Ford three-speed automatic transmission functions properly.

EXTERIOR The two-tone paint job is in keeping with the car’s neo-classic styling. The fenders, running boards, and rear deck were painted or touched up in August 1999 due to rock chips. There's a minor paint sag on the left rear quarter panel, a paint chip on the right rear quarter panel, and a paint chip on the trunk. The manual convertible top functions properly, with no apparent leaks, although the car is never driven in the rain. The door seals have minor cracks and are showing their age. The windshield was replaced in 2006. The car has had no rust repairs. The only rust is on the undercarriage. The original chrome tailpipes were replaced with polished stainless steel ones.

INTERIOR The seats were covered in high quality leather in 2006 and are in very good condition, with all power functions working properly. The carpet and original wool floor mats are in very good condition. The headliner is faded, but in good condition. The VDO gauges all function correctly, including the clock. The original stereo failed, so a newer unit was installed. The power antenna still works, as do the power windows. The heater works but the air conditioning doesn’t.

CHASSIS The chassis and suspension are Ford/Lincoln-based, so parts are readily available. The power steering works well, with no leaks and only normal play for a car of this vintage. The brakes and shocks are in good condition, with no leaks or problems. There's some minor pitting on the original chrome wire wheels, but no road rash. The tires are 16 years old, but have nearly full tread and no sidewall cracks visible since the car is always garaged.