Back in 2009, we put together a list of 13 of our favourite one-offs that had been featured in Unique Cars – or advertised for sale (not counting modified cars or ‘specials’). At number seven was this bright yellow 8hp Clement
Clement
From Unique Cars #300, Jun/Jul 2009
Peter Briggs is a familiar name to regular readers of Unique Cars. The West Australian collector has some of the country’s finest classic cars, and quite a few of his varied collection have featured in the magazine over the years. One of the oldest was a bright yellow Clement which, when it was built in France in 1901, was just a step up from a horseless carriage.
Delivered to the then Governor of Victoria, Sir Reginald Talbot, the Clement with its 8hp, 1.3-litre twin-cylinder engine and four-seater bodywork was discovered, intact, and up on blocks in the 1950s before being restored and residing in Briggs’ York Motor Museum.
Believed to be the last Clement built on a wooden chassis and the world’s sole surviving example in complete condition, the car has participated in the London-Brighton Run where it averaged a leisurely 11km/h.
Our top 13 ‘One-Off’ list:
2. Studebaker Commander Cabriolet
3. Porsche 959
4. Lincoln Model K Lebaron Coupe
7. Clement
8. 1938 Lancia Astura Farina Cabriolet
10. Alfa Romeo G1
11. BMW M1
12. Ferrari 750 Monza
13. Dodge Daytona