Rare 1979 Clénet Series I Roadster Showcases Automotive Craftsmanship at DFW Car and Toy Museum

The automotive world is home to rare gems that represent the pinnacle of design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Among these treasures is the 1979 Clénet Series I Roadster, now featured at the DFW Car and Toy Museum, which embodies the essence of bespoke automotive artistry.

This extraordinary vehicle, number 236 in an ultra-limited production run of merely 250 units, represents a unique intersection of vintage styling and modern engineering. Manufactured by Clénet Coachworks of Santa Barbara, California, the roadster combines the elegant aesthetics of 1930s classic automobiles with contemporary mechanical performance.

Powered by a robust Ford V8 engine and equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission, the Clénet Series I delivers both visual splendor and substantial mechanical capability. Its distinctive design features include a brown soft top, louvered hood, Continental kit, driving lights, and faux external exhaust pipes, creating a visual statement that harkens back to an era of automotive romanticism.

The vehicle's construction reflects meticulous attention to detail, with steel bodywork and fiberglass fenders mounted on a Ford-sourced chassis. Its interior is equally impressive, featuring a Nardi steering wheel, an AutoMeter 120-mph speedometer, and comprehensive VDO instrumentation, including a 7,000-rpm tachometer.

With merely 1,300 miles on its odometer, this particular Clénet Series I remains in pristine condition, offering automotive enthusiasts and collectors a remarkably preserved example of late-1970s luxury coachbuilding. Its presence at the DFW Car and Toy Museum provides visitors an opportunity to experience a truly exceptional piece of automotive history.

The roadster's significance extends beyond its mechanical specifications. It represents a moment in automotive design where handcrafted luxury met modern manufacturing techniques, creating a vehicle that transcends mere transportation to become a rolling work of art. For collectors and automotive historians, such a vehicle offers insight into a unique period of automotive creativity and craftsmanship.

Visitors to the DFW Car and Toy Museum can now witness this remarkable machine, which stands as a testament to the creativity and skill of specialized automotive manufacturers. The Clénet Series I Roadster invites observers to appreciate the intricate details, innovative design, and timeless elegance that define exceptional automotive engineering.