Save the manual series – our knob fiddling days are numbered

There’s something changing in the automotive world. A change for the better? Certainly. You don’t need a certain teenage Swede sensation to tell you that we’re in a climate change crisis, and the future of the tiny blue dot is at great risk.

But even though we are fully aware that it’s crunch time to go green and save the planet, a small, tiny part of us just can’t get used to the idea of whizzing about in soundless EVs.

Let me rephrase. A tiny part of us just can’t get used to the idea of whizzing about in EVs with synthetic engine sounds.

But this isn’t about EVs and engines. Well, maybe a bit about engines, but not entirely. With the internal combustion chamber facing the skyfall, so too will it spell the end for the manual transmission gearbox. And that’s what’s worrying.

Why do we like a manual transmission?

There are two kinds of drivers. The first kind only puts tush to cush to get from point A to B. Home to work. Work to home. That’s it. If they could do it in a go kart, they would (not throwing shade at go karts, but if you see one in traffic, let me know).

And then there’s the second kind. These are the ones who have a special relationship with their car. Kind of reminds me of this:

They want to feel the gears changing. They get a kick out of the perfect shift. And they will not rest in peace until they’ve hit Route 66 in a ‘69 Shelby GT500, enjoying the growl of 8 cylinders making love to a modest 4-speed stick shift.

It’s the second kind we’re catering to today. The first kind can enjoy zipping around in whatever Tesla EV they so desire, but for all the petrolheads out there who don’t want to see the end of the stick shift, let’s raise our knobs together and save these hot damn manuals from a sure demise!

Top 5 cars that still come with a manual transmission

Here are five cars that’ll be available from 2021 with a manual transmission.

5. 2021 Ford Bronco

July 2021 was Bronco month, and they brought their iconic off-roader back to challenge the Wrangler for top spot on the SUV charts.

4. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Another one that Ford are bringing back from the heyday, this one’s a throwback to the speedsters from the late 60s.

3. 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition

Just 1,000 of these special edition Phoenix Yellow pacers will be available to the public, with top speeds of up to 290 km/h!

2. 2021 Toyota Corolla

Still retaining Toyota’s mission of producing inexpensive, reliable cars for the masses, there will be a Special Edition Corolla with a manual gearbox!

1. GMA T.50

This one broke the internet a couple of weeks ago when Gordon Murray unveiled the McLaren F1’s offspring to the world.