Value change in converting Sportomatic car to 5 speed

[Frank Beck]

What are thoughts on this? Sportos are SUCH a drag to drive it seems like perhaps there may be no adverse hit on this?

[Cliff]

They are all over the place in "Pasadena". I have the front fenders,hood,both rear bumpers & deck lid from a 70's sporto bought in '92 that didn't survive for some reason. I for one can see these as a "pleasurable challenge" to drive in a "none completive"- leisurely environment, especially in Targa form on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the country side,U.S.A...

[Frank Beck]

OH MY GOSH.
Is this conversation for real? Pleasurable driving experiences sometimes involve resting one's hand on the shift knob or just occaionally touching it to make sure it's still there. You breath on a sportomatic knob and it slips out of gear! Driving a sporto is torture. If you want a "laidback" Sunday drive, jump in the BMW.
Back to earth you guys.

[Bullethead]

What's a drag about driving a Sportomatic? Lack of a pedal? Plant your left foot in that spot, brace yourself and go! You still row gears.

FWIW, I think it's high time to build a TP 2.5 MFI Sporto vintage racer, just to shut folks who've never grasped their benefits.

And yes, they are fine cruisers too... My wife's daily commute along the ocean with roof off is a mighty nice way to start the day.

And leave your hand off any shifter. That's not good practice on a normal manual.

[Frank Beck]

2.5 Sporto race car? How OLD are you guys?
The only person it might "shut up" might be the wife because you just saved her 8k on a real race box.

[Frank Beck]

Frank

Hey,there is a benefit to leaving your hands of the shifter,there are plenty of racers finding out that when they lost some gears and had to shift less they were actually quicker thru the course.Shifting is not always better although we all think so..............on original test at vallelunga in one section the sporto was quicker than the S........source Ludvigsen.Yes,we do give up soemthing, once we are on the move.............it's another story......

No way, no how is a Sporto EVER quicker than a proper manual under racing conditions. That dog won't hunt.

[Frank Beck]

lol. Anyway...
Values: Does a conversion hurt, enhance, or is it Switzerland?

[super9064]

If I were considering two comparable 5 speed cars and knew one had been converted, I would pass on the conversion.

Personally, I'd love to have a Sportomatic. I think they are unique.

[blucille]

If I were considering two comparable 5 speed cars and knew one had been converted, I would pass on the conversion.

Personally, I'd love to have a Sportomatic. I think they are unique.

agreed, I think they have great value.....if for some reason you want to do a conversion, save all the parts, please.....

[Frank Beck]

Any actual sold comps for converted cars?