Cletus Bradley’s 1954 Porsche Roadster Turns Heads on Joy Rides
Enjoying
“My 1954 Porsche Roadster is one of my favorite cars,” says Rolling Hills resident Cletus Bradley. When his friend called him about it, Cletus sprang into action.
“I flew out to Texas to see it,” he points out. “It was found in a junkyard in Texas.” Cletus saw this rare find in a barnyard and brought it back to California a decade ago.
“It’s one of the most beautiful pieces,” he says. “I have a lot of newer cars, but I like older cars too. I love the artwork, the body shapes, and the details.” The older versions of the cars he has are becoming obsolete.
What does Cletus like about his car? “I like everything,” he points out. “Literally everything. There isn’t one thing I don’t like about it.”
Although he says it doesn’t have any “special features,” in comparison to the cars of today, that’s what makes it even more unique. “It doesn’t have power windows and has a simple motor. Even I can look at a book and rebuild it,” muses Cletus. He doesn’t have to hook up this classic car to a computer to diagnose problems.
Cletus is still amazed that he has the car in his profession. “I never thought I would own that car,” he admits. “I had seen that car in movies and it had always blown me away.” Now he has it and it’s here to stay.
Expect to see Cletus driving it several times a week. “You have to drive these cars,” he urges. The Porsche is one of his favorite cars to take for a spin and it’s guaranteed to turn heads.
His Porsche is one of many cars that Cletus has in his collection. One of his famed cars is his 1925 Ford Model T. “It’s beautiful,” he smiles. This vintage car has all the original parts, including the winder on it. It’s also quite popular with children. “When kids see it, I have to pry them out,” laughs Cletus. “That’s what makes me happy.” Sharing his love of cars with others is priceless.
Meet Cletus’ Family
Cletus shares his life with his wife, Kim Bradley, and their son, Happy. Kim’s impressive career includes serving as the CFO for both the NFL and Warner Brothers, while Cletus is a music producer, actor and screenwriter.
"My kids are crazy about the cars," says Cletus, who has three sons and a daughter. "It makes me happy to see them happy. I didn’t have this growing up, and being able to share it with them is priceless."
On weekends, Cletus loves taking his cars out for long cruises, picnics, and mountain drives. "I’m not going to a grave without driving my cars," he declares. "We’re here now, so I’m going to make the most of it."
One of the highlights is taking out his Porsche, which he humorously refers to as "the ladies’ car." "My wife has surrendered to it," he jokes. "It’s not me; it’s the car. You could put the newest Bugatti next to it, and these older ones would still win every time."
Cletus is much more than a car enthusiast—he’s an artist at heart. "I don’t put myself in a box. I’m a painter, a writer, a songwriter. I create," he explains. His creative endeavors include a jewelry line launching later this year, a fashion line, and a high-end sports car line expected in 2026.
Cletus is also deeply involved in technology, holding patents that he believes will revolutionize how we live, particularly in areas like AI and traffic management. "We live in rough times," he says, "but I’ve created technology that will make America safer."
Despite his many accomplishments, Cletus remains grounded. "I’m an artist. I love to create. That’s my thing," he says. Music is his first love, and he’s had the privilege of working with some of the greatest musicians. "I don’t know how it happened, but I’m currently working on two films," he shares. During the pandemic, Cletus even took up acting, attending Lee Strasberg’s acting academy and landing roles in films without a manager or agent.
He and Kim are also involved in a major project in India, representing the company Metaloid. "We’re creating the next franchise of India—Deities, the next superheroes," he reveals. "It’s a huge project with amazing names attached to it."
Cletus’s love for cars, creativity, and helping others is all part of what drives him. "I believe in fun and in truth," he says. Having faced challenges in life, he uses his experiences to inspire others, especially young people from minority backgrounds. "I help them dream big and keep their heads up. Don’t let the world put you in a box or hurt you to the point where you’re angry. Use that energy to better yourself."
One success story he’s proud of is mentoring Alan Forrest, once a street kid from a poor neighborhood in Alabama, who is now on the Forbes list with four successful businesses. "What makes me happy is seeing him happy," Cletus says. "There’s a cost to it—nothing to do with money, but everything to do with giving back. What I do for you, you have to do for someone else."
Cletus’s life is about leaving a legacy, not just for his children but for others. "That’s why I went into the technology world—I wanted to make a change," he says.
Looking back on his life, Cletus feels fortunate. "I came from a bad place, but I turned it into something positive, even unconsciously," he reflects. "My wife and friends remind me of where I’ve come from, and I embrace it as a strength."
For Cletus Bradley, life is about creativity, giving back, and enjoying the ride—literally and figuratively. His passion for cars, art, and helping others continues to drive him forward, proving that sometimes, the simplest things—like a classic Porsche—can bring the most joy.