Actually I read somewhere that driving a stickshift these days is a pretty good security precaution, because many amateur carjackers can't drive a manual transmission. Not that I think cars on the lower end of desirability for car thieves are at risk, mind you. But in some cases, any car might be desirable for a thief who doesn't have one right at the moment.
My first car was a hand-me-down 1961 Pontiac Bonneville. Automatic, however. Had a 389 cid engine in it, if I remember correctly, so it was pretty sporty for a young lass like me at the time. I learned how to drive a stick shift using a friend of mine's 55 (or was it a 57?) Chevy, with the stick on the column. I do have to admit that it was a challenge.
__________________
|