I'm almost 71 and all my cars are stick, two with OD. I love being able to go through the gears up and down and when I want. I love the 3 on the tree in my 57. Occasionally I have to drive the wifes Fusion, it's a nice car but boring as watching paint dry.
Too each his own of course..

I owned various performance stick shift cars in my life but I am also very happy with the AOD in my 56 Vicky. Transmissions have come a long way since the 50's.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I have a '55 Merc with a T85 and OD. At 70 years old I still don't find the stick to be a bother, even in traffic. The axle ratio is low enough that you don't really need 1st except from a dead stop. Driving a stick is a dying art, especially a 3 on the tree. 

314, you hit the nail on the head. Must be a sign we’re collectively getting old and lazy. Although traffic and no synchro in first plays into it.

Melly,

That’s a gorgeous car, bet you can’t wait for winter to end. Great color combination.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

its funny maybe how weve come full circle.when i was young everybody wanted a standard.a lot changed them over.now we want automatics.full circle.

my

I have some interest in your parts could you email me sadrevlow@gmail.com

Sorry "Melly", spell check.....

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Melt, I have a air cooled fordo I just pulled out of my 55CV. Worked well when pulled maybe 3 months ago. Think I can still find all the linkage and the complete peddle assembly for the auto. Even have the selector arm and shaft for the column. I live in woodland ca. I don't ship because the stuff is not for sale. If you or a rep wants to come get it I'll be be happy to give it all to you. I have no use nor a place to store it. It will soon all go to big John up in Williams and perhaps he can find a home for it. PM or reply here for more info if needed.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

in your case i would look for a 55 56 air cooled torqe fordomatic. be sure to get the throttle linkage drive shaft etc. best bet is find a junked car if you are converting to a car. if you find one you also need the reg axel or the diff asm as od manual to low a ratio.
it is a lot of work.maney will talk down the older ford autos,but for a 272 you will not have any issues, and they are a 3speed,and will start in 1 if set up correctly. if you get a parts car you will have all the small hard to find parts.. be aware truck trans are quit different