Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Power Roadster 3.7

Some of us have no option but to use an Autobox due to various age related issues.

Some people don't have a licence to drive a manual transmission, why cut them out of the potential customer base.

So to offer the choice makes sense...

Oh yes, you can't buy a Ferrari with a manual box anymore.

And that is exactly why I don't have one.

From what I can see, there are very few people who can use a manual gearbox properly anyway, I really don't know why they bother with one, and don't just give up and go for an auto from day one.

Frankly it takes quite a lot of skill to use a manual properly, which is why we enthusiasts enjoy it, and most people simply do not have the inclination to completely master the intricacies of one. How many people actually 'heel n toe', block change, rev match or are even in the right gear at the right time for the speed and road conditions they face? Many people just judder along at too low revs, drag the clutch on downchanges, often start in 2nd, and are just cruel and harsh with the clutch work.

The foregoing obviously doesn't apply to anyone who drives a Morgan, of course!

Wait, WHAT?! Please tell me the UK doesn't license the ability/legality of driving a car with a manual transmission.

In the UK, if you pass your test in an auto, you can only drive an auto, but if you pass your test in a manual, you can drive both.

The reason that most people fail to use a gear box properly is because the "approved" driving instructors are not allowed to teach them how to do so.

Today they are taught to get into the highest gear possible as soon as possible as it is more economical, they are taught to slow down using the brakes, not the engine and so on.

When my kids were learning I went out with the instructor and after one lesson questioned this. He agreed it was rubbish but it is what VOSA require. Driving the way I was taught would result in a "FAIL".

After they passed, both first time, we paid for a "Pass Plus" course. The instructor then re-taught them how to use an engine and gearbox.

I think the issue is that 95% of drivers are not driving for enjoyment: they drive to get from A to B and an auto box makes life easier.

Another issue that pushes people to auto boxes is that some gearboxes are (still) not easy to use and ill matched to the engine & clutch.

When the makers get it right changing gear is a delight. When they don't it is a chore.

New drivers are taught to drive in a way that minimises emissions, hence the high gear soonest methodology. Low revs equals fuel efficiency, which as we all know, isn't necessarily the optimum way to use a manual gearbox.

Peter, you mention slowing using brakes and not gears to slow. This is correct, unless you select a gear to hold your speed. Brakes are for braking, gears allow the engine to adapt to the speed.

I'd prefer an automatic option, but ultimately I wouldn't take it as a Morgan is something that I'd enjoy using manually. When it comes to changing the driveway car, I will seriously think about a slushbox because driving in traffic is just so much effort with a manual & clutch.

There is a school of thought that says elderly drivers shouldn't drive an automatic either - how many YouTube video's do we need of people hitting the wrong pedal..??

Like Peter- as soon as our children passed we put them through Pass Plus where they were taught to "drive"

Both learned to handle a vehicle very young on the Series Landrover- so became very used to a real clutch!!

I drive both autos and manuals - the former for travelling- the later when leisure/ fun driving.

I used to take the kids to Pembrey Airfield to learn basic driving, can't any more as it is now active again. Runways and taxi ways simulated roads. No traffic so they could learn car control and get a feel for throttle/clutch/brakes/steering before going onto roads. I used to drive there too when in my early teens (12 or 13) learned in a Willis Jeep my dad's mate bought to go onto the beach and forestry for fishing and rabbit shooting.Progressed to a Landy ex BBC.
I also got the kids to have lessons on motorway after passing too, it's stupid that it isn't a requirement, pass your test but delay issuing the license until lessons on m'way are completed.

Some new cars are now only being supplied in auto. The Maserati Ghibli is one that I know of that comes as standard with paddle shift.