Transmission types of '68-'92 'vettes

[illojik]

Sorry if this has already been brought up, but I am in the market for a '68-'82 Corvette, which I believe to be the most awesome cars ever, because I think driving one will make me feel cool. Of course, I wouldn't feel quite as cool driving a muscle car with an automatic transmission. Unfortunately for me, though I vastly favor the '80 and '82 models (not sure why, they're just... well... cool!), I have heard that those years were only manufactured with automatic transmissions! Ye Gods, this will not do!
First off, is this true? It seemed unrealistic to me that Chevy would put an automatic transmission in ALL of the corvettes made after a certain point, but they may have done just that. Does anyone know what percentage of 'vettes in any particular year would have automatic or manual transmissions? What is the latest year that I would be likely able to find a Corvette with manual? I'm not looking for exact numbers, I just want to know if it's even worth looking or if that fables '82 4-speed just doesn't exist...
Any help you can give would be great.

 

[Culprit]

Illojik,

It is true that all 82 Vettes were produced with auto trannies. All other Shark years you could get either auto or manual. If you go to the model center here on the CAC (follow tech center tab to model center to year to options and production) you can find out exactly how many Vettes in any given year had what transmission. For example, of the 40,606 Vettes produced in 81 5,575 had a 4 speed manual.

As for the 82's, there are several guys who have converted auto cars to manual trannies. You might even stumble across a car for sale that has been converted - just make sure it was done right and that you won't find bailing wire holding the clutch pedal together.

Semper Fi,
Culprit