Must-have manual misfits | Six of the Best
Some cars were born with great manual gearboxes, some have greatness thrust upon them.
The manual gearbox is enjoying a strange kind of renaissance of late. Superseded as the default transmission in so many cars now by more efficient autos (or battery power), they’re becoming the preserve of the upper echelons - where a value is being placed on tactility and involvement.
Great news for those that can, if less encouraging for the average enthusiast. Thank goodness, then, for those who embraced three pedals and a stick in days gone by (even when it wasn’t fashionable) because it means some great opportunities secondhand.
This M3 is exactly the kind of thing we’re talking about.
The DCT so comprehensively outsold the manual that BMW dropped the six-speed option for the current car.
Which means this is the last era of M3 ever to offer DIY gearchanges, as well as - let’s be honest - a much smarter look than the latest model.
Author summary: Manual gearboxes are becoming rare and valuable.