Save the Manuals! Car and Driver campaigns worthy cause

In the world of the automotive enthusiast, there's very few feelings that can match getting into your car and hitting the open road for a drive. An integral part of this equation is the sense of control you get from shifting through the gears by the work of your own hands and feet.

Sadly however, with the advent and evolution of the automatic transmission, manuals are becoming a dangerously rare breed, with a real threat of imminent extinction. When respected sports-car makers such as Ferrari decided to close the door on manuals in their offerings, a part of us died on the inside.

Car and Driver have annointed themselves to be official crusaders for the manual transmission, starting the Save the Manuals campaign.

Hit the jump for more details and a video!

In the video below, Editor-in-Chief Eddie Alterman appeals to your better nature to give to a good cause, to save a manual such as the pictured BMW E39, for less than the price of a crappy coffee a day.

At this time, the initial run of Save the Manuals pins and stickers has all been given away, but they say more are coming. In the meantime, you can join their Facebook group or comment on Car and Driver's Save the Manuals page to show your support for the third pedal and be sure to check out the video. It's well worth a minute of your time!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Comments

[Maymar]

Somehow, I doubt I can keep an E39 running for about $550 per year. Nonetheless, it's an excellent cause I stand behind fully. Err, the saving of manuals, not that E39 (although I support that too).

[Strada]

Excellent way to attract attention, but the cause that has been lost for several years.

Left Foot Braking http://strada.posterous.com/left-foot-braking, who shifts a manual like that?

[Car Dealer]

Great video and surely a pretty good cause. We don't have too many clients asking for manuals so it looks like a losing battle. Thanks