1980 Serpent Mesquite Sport Coupe 1.0

Nothing rocks an American performance-oriented company's boots like a fuel crisis in '73, and then an energy crisis in '79. The public wants economical cars, but what do you do when you don't have one to give them?

Well, according to Serpent Motors, you get creative. For better or worse.



This is the 1980 Serpent Mesquite Sport Coupe - taking its name from the compact sports-pony car that preceded it. However, this time, the V8 has been reduced to a V6, producing around 140 horsepower. This engine is coupled to an automatic transmission, leading to a top speed somewhere around 200 km/h (120 mph). That being said, it still retains its relatively compact size (for American standards), and light weight. This results in a car that doesn't like straight lines much, but excels in agility compared to many of its contemporaries.

The design is traditionally boxy, but has a forward-looking edge to it. It has large 5-mph impact bumpers, but is characterized by straight, contained lines and a sleek look.



Getting a combined economy rating of 19 mpg, the Mesquite fits comfortably within the mileage requirements at the time. It's not a luxurious car, and probably won't turn many heads. As such, it fits perfectly in traffic, as a daily driver, or as a relatively-economical cruiser.

I hope you enjoy the car. Let me know what you think!
Thank you for driving my cars.