Hey Guys, I have a 1970 Mach 1 in my sights to purchase in the near future. The owner is a friend of my Dad. The car needs a not of work and I've never owner a classic like this before. As it sits, its a numbers matching 351C with an Automatic transmission, white exterior green, interior, all original. I would much prefer it to have a manual transmission, if I pulled the auto and put a period correct manual in, is it going to hurt the value? I would keep the auto with the car in case I ever decided to sell it.

 

If you took the auto out, had fun with your manual, then put the auto back in to sell it... probably don't lose any value.

That said, unless you're doing it yourself, I wouldn't, and leave it like it is. An auto with an actual PRNDdL is quite fun, just jam that T handle all the way back and go to town. I still do this in my lil' Caliber, stick in Low and hit the gas pedal!



Well, to be sure, it's an '07 Caliber with the CVT and 2.0L World so... yeah, it has to be in L a lot just to move outta it's own way... but still.

Anyway, I probably don't mess with that. See the first line, though, and you do you and that'll do!

 

A car like that I agree with @houtex, Leave it be as an automatic or it will not be as attractive to any future collectors.

 

Absolutely agree especially with more and more people not wanting manuals anymore.

 

My first Mustang was a 1969 302/automatic and I worked the gears manually sometimes in that one. Back then, not knowing what I was wishing for, I often thought I'd like a manual gearbox too.

But I gotta mention this - handling on these early Mustangs is just plain sqirrrely compared to modern cars. Trailing throttle oversteer is a big reality, especially with an even heavier 351 up front. The handling limit comes with almost no warning at all. The next instant finds you a passenger instead of the driver. Almost all your fun in this car will be in a straight line. So auto or manual is less important than rear gearing and good tires.
JMHO.