Market for 4-speed vs. Automatic

[cloud9classics]

Would love to hear opinions about whether a 4-speed 1974 Bronco has less appeal and marketability then an automatic. It is an original 4-speed Bronco and it is a floor shift not column. Any input is appreciated!!

 

[Bronc76]

Do you mean 3-speed?

 

[cloud9classics]

This particular one has a 4-speed which i am guessing replaced the original 3-speed. Were they only offered in a 3-speed originally??? I am just starting to get in to these Broncos and need to educate myself on the various options so I appreciate your input.

 

[Bronc76]

Yes, they were originally offered in 3-speed manual and C4 auto. I personally, don't think that one has less appeal than the other, as I've seen people swap from 3 to 4 speed, manual to auto and vice versa. Just depends on preference.

 

[Bully Bob]

Yep.., they all came with the 3sp stick or c4 auto.

Any 4sp (stick shift) is a transplant. There's no advantage to a 4sp. over a 3sp as they're both 1:1 in hi gear. Sooo.., a 4sp has you "churn'n butter" if you use all 4 gears. (constant shifting)

Stick vs. auto..? While 4x4'n, I like choosing my gear as opposed to just riding along. |-)

Marketability -- I had one auto & wouldn't have another. Wouldn't have a 4sp either.

BUT..! Like '76 says, there's many folks out there that have no preference, or want an auto for their specific reasons/uses.

 

[Rons beast]

Great question Cloud,

From an investment standpoint only: The auto would be a slight greater value when comparing equal vehicles. Only because it could be something that all drivers could opperate. ( people that can't drive a stick is growing with each generation.)

The 4 spd would be just a little less valuable, as it's not original, and as Bully said, you would always be "churn'n butter."

That said, values are always an opinion. The market sets the true value of any vehicle.

 

[cloud9classics]

Guys:

Great input and I appreciate all of your opinions. My initial thought was that people who are buying Broncos for the weekend cruising/soccer game shuttle would prefer automatic but perhaps more of an off-roader or younger guy might just assume have a manual. Sounds like manual probably a little less appealing and therefore might bring a little less $$$. Since i am new to this Forum it is great to see the quick response times and I will continue to post on here so you guys ( and maybe gals) can increase my knowledge base. I am a classic car dealer in the Atlanta GA and have now had 3 Broncos. The first 2 were awesome '76's both Automatics. I currently have a really nice '69 that has been upgraded to power front disc brakes and is a great looking truck. The 4-speed one I am looking at has lots of eye appeal but the manual 4-speed is making think twice about it. Thanks again for the input!

 

[Bronc76]

Got any pics of the '69?

 

[cloud9classics]

Got any pics of the '69?

I will post some pics as soon as I take them. Probably early next week.

 

[rustyoldbronco]

Just my two cents,but the advantage to a manual in my opinion,is you can easily drop in an overdrive like an NV3550 or 4500.I have a C-4,and like it,but I went to 4.56 gears,and an overdrive would be nice to balance out highway speed vs RPM.just a thought.Donn

 

[Bully Bob]

Absolutely RIGHT Rusty...! Those are 5sp's. & I wouldn't mind having that OD.

Only thing stopping me is $$$$ & lazy... /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Sometimes they req. a body lift.

If I did a lot of hwy. .., I'd consider it.

 

[rustyoldbronco]

It took me 3 years to afford to finally get my 351,to start going in. NV3500's are so sporty,they drive great..please buy me one!Donn