Cars that should have had a manual

Ignoring the fact that [some] new automatics are better than sticks, (and if you disagree, start a new thread) I still look at a lot of cars and think "man, that would be awesome if they'd put a real transmission in it".

The first four that come to mind: Taurus SHO (new one), pretty much ever AMG model, Infiniti G25, and the Mazda 6 wagon. After that, you've got all the flappy-paddle cars.

What would you guys say was really close to being a good car, but missing on that one item?

We'll also allow cars that technically had a manual, but there were 3 of them imported such as the X5 or W124 Mercedes.

all of them

/thread

Subaru SVX was an awesome car, but automatic only and apparently quite a weak one at that.
Jaguar XK8

Jag F-Type, Ferrari 458 Italia

Both so beautiful, both so badass. Both ruined (for me) by the lack of a proper transmission.

The first gen Volvo S/V 40 only came with auto.

In reply to Joe Gearin:

I thought they finally did put a 6-speed in the F-Type.

HC Cosmo

^^^ Not yet IIRC--- they keep teasing us by saying they will. Not that I can afford one anyways....

You could order a manual in the first gen Mazda 6 wagon.

Ditto on the Jag XK8. That would be a cool budget fun car these days if it wasn't so neutered by the automatic.

Grand Prix GTP/Regal GS Supercharged

Buick Reatta

Syclone/Typhoon

-2005-up Hemi Chargers and Magnums would be way cooler with a stick. I mean, they put them in the Challenger now, so I don't see a reason they shouldn't.

-G-Body performance models. All of them. The 442, Monte SS, Grand Prix 2+2, and the T-Type/Grand National would be cool to row your own in. Again, they had a manual option in the Camaro/Firebird, and even had a manual option in the early A/G body cars, so why not?

Infiniti FX35.

Joe Gearin wrote: ^^^ Not yet IIRC--- they keep teasing us by saying they will. Not that I can afford one anyways....

They claim they are. Shouting loud and proud at NAIAS

Latest 911 GT3 seems to be creating outrage amongst the flat cap, string back gloves and pipe set for only have a real gearbox and no manual.

Most of them.

I wish Rover had brought over the manual Discos.. (along with the diesels)

5.7L IROC.

SVT F150 Lightning

My old Intrepid R/T had the worst slushbox 4-speed ever. It needed SOMETHING better to match a decent motor. When the Prowler came out with the same combo, I knew it was doomed to fail.

All of them...

Somebody else said it above, but all the new SRT stuff that only has an auto (Charger, 300, Grand Cherokee). Did the SC300/400 come with a manual? It was a tarted up Supra, so no reason they couldn't have. That would be fun, along with the older GS300/400's from Lexus.

Also, how about these crops of V8 pickups, can you order a single cab, short bed with LQ9/Hemi in a manual? Or even the supercharged V8 Tundra?

I actually ended up buying the FRS when this thing turned out to be a total-turd mobile. I had aspirations of zipping around taking advantage of light weight, high revs and short wheelbase. The thing moves like its on Quaaludes. Only available with the rubber band CVT gearbox.

SVX, for sure. If mine was a stick, it wouldn't be for sale. Such a nice engine and decent chassis, and such a blah transmission.

My mazda6 wagon is manual, oem.

Lt1 impala ss.

also agree about the charger, just did heads and cam on one for a buddy and it would be cool as hell if it was a manual. He agrees.

G8 GT. GXP is too rare to count

Any rwd CAR not available with one. I care not about fwd.