Re: V8 Stuff (Manual vs. Automatic transmissions)

[William Elliott <William.Elliott@mail.mei.com>]

While John raises an interesting point about manual vs. automatic transmissions 
as seen by us in the Colonies, I think his view is skewed by an important 
point.  

Most of the people on this list seem to be enthusiasts who are concerned with 
what they drive and how they drive.  This fact alone sets this group well apart 
from the average American who drives a "normal" car (Accord, Camry, Taurus, or 
F150 truck).  The "average" group finds manual transmissions abhorrent and 
would not consider a car with one.  Look at the "sports cars" (Vettes, Z28's, 
Trans-Ams) that come with almost exclusively with automatics.  Yes, we'll even 
throw in Ferrari (400i) and Porsche (928).  Purists: yes, these are NOT sports 
cars, but the "average" person would consider them one.  Heck, the last Jaguar 
generally available here with a manual was the E-Type. (And, the one year the 
XJ6/XJS offered a manual, VERY few sold.)

Enthusiasts generally find manual trannies an integral part of the driving 
experience, even allowing for the "unargued" benefits of a slushbox.  If that 
American enthusiast requires a four door sedan/wagon), his/her choices are 
extremely limited.  Thus, a lot of them drive Audi's.  The V8 is a wonderful 
car "hindered" by a non-enthusiast gearbox.  The laws of supply and demand  
dictate premium values for the handful of "properly equipped" V8's (and those 
rare manual Jag's).

Of course, Enthusiasts also tend to have a difficult time selling their 
preferred vehicles to the general public. (Ask those of us who paid $2500 to 
get a manual tranny in the early Taurus.  Even though the "Sport" MT-5 package 
came with loads of equipment, better suspension, etc; within 6 months it was 
worth less than a stripped base model.  Or ask Audi how many UrQ's they sold. 
And what was that depreciation again?)  But to other enthusiasts of that 
particular inclination, the "preferred" car is "pure gold".

Then again, I'll keep crammin' the teenagers in the back to keep my numbers of 
doors limited to two.  And, I won't worry about selling any of them.

....the cars, not the kids.

Bill Elliott
66 Corsa, 67 Dart GT, 71 TR6, 85 UrQ