'Curiosity' question Options

[arkmanxx]

AA has a 914-6 Automatic for sale. He claims that only 4 were made. I know he's had this for quite some time

I am curious to your opinions of the Sportamatic transmission. I have heard that it is not necesaarily a good tranny.

I fully understand that the 'fun' in driving a 914 of any flavor, as with most others 'sports cars', is manually shifting through the gears.

I am not qualified to say whether AA's price on this is reasonable/unreasonable, but IMHO, I think it's kinda pricey. But then again, if there was truly only 4 made, then it would be considered ' a different collectable'.

Will the Automatic be as quick as the Standard? In the 1/4 as well as top end?

Is the Sportomatic serviceable, or is it a nightmare?

Were there any other differences on the Automatic besides the Sporto-matic?

Would anyone out there ever consider owning an Automatic?

Again, I'm only curious for your feedback

Thanks

Allan

[GeorgeRud]

The Sportomatic had a microswitch in the shift lever that engaged the clutch when you touched it, and then you manually shifted into the gear you wanted. Not good or bad, just different. Obviously, you can't drive it with your hand resting on the gearshift lever.

I'd agree, it's something you have to try to see if you like it. The older I get, the more I like automatics with all the traffic around ChiTown!

[Spoke]

The Sportomatic had a microswitch in the shift lever that engaged the clutch when you touched it, and then you manually shifted into the gear you wanted. Not good or bad, just different. Obviously, you can't drive it with your hand resting on the gearshift lever.

I'd agree, it's something you have to try to see if you like it. The older I get, the more I like automatics with all the traffic around ChiTown!

OK, my brother had a 70 something bug with this type of tranny. I think it was 3 speed but it may have been a 4 speed. The microswitch controlled a power operated dry clutch and there was a torque converter so you could sit in a gear while stopped.

So it was basically a manual transmission with the addition of the torque converter and an electrically operated clutch. moving the gearshift caused the microswitch to close and clutch to disengage so shifting could take place.

Probably had more fun just using 3rd gear when taking off from a stop. Stomp the throttle in 3rd at a stop and the car would barely move but would continually accelerate to top speed.

The biggest problem with the shifter was if it were touched while driving, the clutch would disengage. This happened alot when my girlfriend would lean my way to.., um, er, ah, well, you know.

Spoke