I’m deep in the throes of a different car purchase, and there are so many fantastic automatic gearboxes out there.

Still, my first love was a 1986 Audi 4000 CS Quattro, and that manual 5-speed was a badge of honor because you couldn’t have the Quattro system without it.

These days there’s an obvious trend toward eliminating the manual transmission altogether.

Why?

The manual transmission is practically bulletproof.

The manual transmission keeps the driver on constant alert.

The manual transmission can be roll-started.

And the manual transmission saves more fuel wastage than any other easily applied automotive technology.

Not only should the manual transmission not be cast into oblivion, it’s mastery should be made a mandatory requirement for driving licensure in the US.