The Different Factories
In 1975, the first Clenets were built in a portion of an aircraft hangar at the Santa Barbara Airport, located in Goleta, California, just north of Santa Barbara. In 1980, a new factory was built for Clenet Coachworks, again in Goleta but away from the airport. This factory was closed when Clenet suspended production in 1982. After Alfred J. DiMora obtained the residual assets of Clenet Coachworks, he built a third factory in Carpinteria, south of Santa Barbara, in 1984.
Factory 1, Goleta, California, located inside an airplane hangar
The first Clenet factory was in an aircraft hangar at the Santa Barbara Airport in Goleta, California.
This crew built the early Clenets in the airport hangar. Alfred DiMora, in the white coat, leads the team of six.
Proud craftsmen display their latest masterpiece.
Alfred DiMora poses with a Clenet Series I he modified, the only vehicle with four horns through the grill instead of two horns on the fenders.
Alfred DiMora is in the upper left corner of this picture of the Factory 1 production floor.
As volume increased, some Factory 1 production was done at a second location while waiting for Factory 2 to be completed.
Factory 2, Goleta, California
Factory 2 begins construction in 1980. The 100,000 square foot, 5.5 acre facility takes shape.
By July 1980, the new factory was at the midpoint of construction.
Clenet Coachworks moves into its newly constructed factory in late 1980.
Pictured is the new factory floor.
A Clenet Series II comes out of the body shop, awaiting paint
A Clenet Series II comes out of the body shop, awaiting paint
Alfred DiMora forms the Classic Clenet Club
After Factory 2 closed in 1982, Alfred DiMora supported Clenet customers through the Classic Clenet Club, which repaired Clenets, provided parts, and held owner rallies.
Just before Factory 3 is opened, Alfred DiMora bagan creating the last Series I, a one-off, highly-modified version with the only unnumbered "Designer Series" emblem.
Factory 3, Carpinteria, California
A Clenet staff member shows her artistic bent by painting the logo on the new Factory 3 in Carpinteria.
The new Clenet Coachworks logo is almost finished on the Carpinteria facility.
John DiMora using his skills beyond sales to hang the company name on the front of the new building.
Carpinteria Factory 3 opens for business.
All of the Clenet upholstery is hand sewn.
White with red insert Series III is prepped for dashboard installation.
Prepping for top installation on a Series II.
A Series III Clenet is prepared for trunk, hood, side pipes, and grill installations.
Wiring harnesses must be pre-assembled.
A Series III steel body is welded to the chassis.
Clenet Series III Asha number 46 under construction in the Carpinteria factory.
A Series II (left) and the "Designer Series" car (right) await interior work in the new Factory 3.
This Series III Asha has a custom engine modified by the Unser Garage.
Well-organized parts racks were just one part of the efficient logistics system at Factory 3.
The Clenet Series IV Sportster prototype takes shape in the Carpinteria factory.
When ABC shot a movie in his new factory, Alfred DiMora landed a bit part as a policeman.
The "Designer Series" Clenet (foreground) was completed in Factory 3 and owned by Alfred DiMora. It became a highly-prized collectible automobile.
The Clenet Series V concept car was designed by Alfred DiMora.
Alfred DiMora posed for a news media publicity shot at Factory 3
The etched glass hood ornament adds to the distinctiveness of the Clenet
