Manual vs Auto - the choice is not an easy one.

[Snake2998]

A recent post on another thread got me thinking:

Are manual boxes over valued in street used Cobras or is an auto a better choice? What are your thoughts?

When I built my Cobra replica some 30 odd year ago (Bought in 1985) the kit manufacturer recommended that I installed an auto box which I did, using a TH400. He said that the car had enough power to not need being wound up through the revs and gears and that laying down power was much easier with an auto because you would generally not hit the tyres as hard with negligent clutch control.

It is the only auto car I have ever owned and I have never regretted the choice as it fits so well with the cruising style of use that my car spends most of its life when street driving, and for the twisties dropping it to second meets most of my needs taking me to 100MPH/160KPH. Even on my local track I find I leave it in second for almost all the track only using 3rd on the two longer straights for a couple of seconds a lap. never once on the track have I wished for another gear or a manual box. My only problem on track is stopping rear wheel lock in two of the corners when downshifting from 3rd to second (controlled by very judicious use of the throttle).

My only regret is that 4 or 5 speed boxes with locking TCs where not available in south Africa when I built my car.