Similar "first manual" experience: a 1962 Rambler Classic, powered by a whopping 196 Cu. In. straight 6 w/a 2Bbl Holley and 3-on-the-tree! Ultra low-end model, literally a little old lady's car (she ordered it without at radio!). Ahh, a car you could repair with parts out of any hardware store... like the time the clutch linkage went on me in traffic and I was able to make a new one out of the sidewall of a radial tire once I "speed shifted" my way home... now that was a smooth clutch - you almost couldn't feel it. Steered like a Clipper ship in a high wind, too...
