1965 Serpent Roadster 427: the loudest thing we sold this year

Seven litres, side pipes and zero driver aids. On paper the 1965 Serpent Roadster 427 is a relic. On the Angeles Crest at seven in the morning, it is the most alive thing on the road.

This car came to us from a collector in Pasadena with 38,000 original miles, matching numbers and a binder of receipts going back to 1971. Before we listed it, we wanted to know whether it still works as a car you drive, not just one you own.

Starting it up

Cold, it needs a minute. Warm, the side-oiler 427 settles into a lumpy idle that makes pedestrians turn around. The clutch is heavy but progressive, and the four-speed toploader clicks into each gear like a rifle bolt.

It doesn’t ask for your attention. It takes it, and gives it back at the end of every corner.

M. Reyes, road test notes

On the mountain

There is no traction control and the tyres are period-correct, so the first few corners are an exercise in respect. Once the oil is warm, the steering comes alive and the chassis tells you everything the road is doing.

Does it still make sense?

As a commuter, no. As a weekend car that turns every drive into an event, absolutely. It passed our 150-point inspection with two minor advisories, both already fixed.