I thought that since this is a site that clearly advocates a return to certain traditionally manly (no offense ladies) rituals, you would enjoy this link http://www.walletpop.com/specials/top-25-things-vanishing-from-america No more full size trucks with sticks!? What is this world coming to!? For most of my driving life, I've been a pick up man (some pun intended) Most of these trucks had a third pedal and a transmission that did not shift itself. Fortunately, my 2002 Ford F-150 IS a 5 speed. This was high on my list of things to teach my son but if what the article says is true, even if he knew how to drive a stick shift, he'd be hard pressed to find one. I think I'll teach him anyway. Better to have a skill you end up not needing than needing a skill you end up not having.
I think the demise of the Drive-In theater makes me the saddest. Many a night were spent taking out dates and [slash]drinking beer[/slash] having fun with the gang at the Starlite Drive-In before it closed. :sad023
Not sure what manly has to do with anything, but... There are 2 drive-ins near me. 1 is newly built, and just opened this Spring. Haven't gone this year, but went lots last year. Cheaper than a regular movie theater, and twice the fun (double features).
I was referring to item 35 of 52 which says that manual shift vehicles are disappearing. I guess this is generally considered a manly thing but I must confess a woman who can drive a stick shift is kinda metaphorically sexy in the same sense as a woman who owns a bass boat. And while not specifically particularly manly, one can definitely not deny that plenty of testosterone (and other crazy hormones as well) certainly came into play at drive-ins the world over
My first car was a stick. I drove it better than my brother, who is also older than me. Never owned a bass boat. Sorry. For me, personality equals sexy. As for testosterone? I'd like to report the stereotype is so not true. YMMV.
I was recently in an argument/conversation about manual transmissions. The person I was talking with was saying that there is no longer a purpose because automatics are so advanced that it does not make sense for gas mileage, or for speed. I said that I would never buy a sports car with an automatic because I think it feels too much like you are just going for a ride, rather than driving. To me, having a manual (pick up right now) is not about the mileage, or speed, it is about driving. I enjoy it, I feel more in control. In my opinion, no automatic or button shift can give that enjoyment. Unfortunately my wife does not enjoy it as much as I do, so the pickup is my only manual. Some day though, I will build my rod.
Pure abominations (IMHO) few things irritate me more in fact than a really hot sports car with a genuine imitation stick shift. They remind me of that fake formica wood crap that they used to glue on the land yacht station wagons back in the day. Regarding Danica Patrick, like I said in the OP, few things are as metaphorically sexy as a woman driving a stick shift.
I suppose for the implementations on most vehicles available to the public, you're right. Most of them are +/- slots grafted on to the standard AT shifter pattern. But they did originate in Le Mans (paddle) and Formula (sports shift) racing, where shifter controls is pretty important. And I think the high end ones are the real deal. Either way, it's still not clutching. My folks have a large, usually empty parking lot behind their house. My Dad taught us all how to double clutch back there as part of our driver's education.
I had a rental car with a "sport shifter" but what's the point? I just left it in AUTO. I just enjoy the process of driving a manual. [My daughter felt great pride being one of the few girls able to drive a manual among her college friends, many of the guys could only drive automatics.]
Well she is kinda butch looking... hot though.... But I agree.. nothing better then a truck with a stick... mine is an auto but the ex wife picked it out.
