Clenet (United States) - AllCarIndex

Clenet Coachworks was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1976 by Alain Clenet in Santa Barbara, California. The company specialized in hand-built touring cars that embodied a neoclassic design aesthetic, characterized by a 1930s-inspired style that did not replicate any specific historical vehicle. Clenet's designs were notable for their luxurious features and unique styling, which appealed to a niche market during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The first model produced by Clenet was the Clenet Series I, also known as the Clenet Sens, which was manufactured from 1976 to 1979. This model was built on a Lincoln Continental chassis and incorporated elements from an MG Midget, including the cockpit area and doors. The Series I featured a long bonnet, sweeping running boards, and a luxurious interior adorned with black walnut and Connolly leather. The car was equipped with an automatic transmission and was well-received despite its high price of $27,500 in 1976. A four-seater Cabriolet model, known as Series II, was introduced in 1979, reflecting the growing demand for Clenet vehicles.

As the brand evolved, the Series III models were produced from 1982 to 1984, featuring a longer wheelbase and a unibody chassis. By 1981, the price of Clenet cars had escalated to $83,500, indicating their status as luxury items. In 1985 and 1986, Clenet expanded its offerings by introducing hardtop versions of both the roadster and cabriolet models. However, in 1986, Alain Clenet sold the company, which subsequently relocated to Carpinteria, California, under the ownership of Alfred DiMora. Clenet Coachworks ceased operations at the end of 1986, although there was a brief attempt to revive the brand in 1998.

Clenet vehicles were sold fully assembled, and their neoclassic design concept influenced the kit car market, leading to numerous imitations. The legacy of Clenet Coachworks remains as a unique chapter in American automotive history, representing a blend of luxury and retro styling that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts during its brief existence.