Why so many Sportshift Roadsters?

[max b]

The hunt for a black/black manual sub 45/50k roadster is proving difficult there are lots of sportshifts about but not as many manuals. Is this a sign to say the roadster is more suited to the auto?
I would consider the auto if not for the publicised slow speed parking problems - reversing etc

I understand early manual cars suffered from gear travel problems between 1st and 2nd, might this have put off manual car buyers back in 2007/08?

I'm getting impatient now trying to find the right car

[Rex Racer]

I know some will likely object, but my guess would be that coupes are considered the more focused driver's car because a fixed roof provides greater rigidity and/or lighter weight. The type of person who goes for the fixed roof is likely to prefer a manual transmission (which is considered more of a "driver's" transmission) while the person who goes for the drop top may be less likely to opt for the manual.

[yeti]

Popular perception agrees with Rex, the problem is even worse with Volantes, virtually no manual cars.

It's the same with Porsche though, lots and lots of TipTronic cabriolets, mostly manual coupes.

[GlynMo]

Rex Racer said:

I know some will likely object, but my guess would be that coupes are considered the more focused driver's car because a fixed roof provides greater rigidity and/or lighter weight. The type of person who goes for the fixed roof is likely to prefer a manual transmission (which is considered more of a "driver's" transmission) while the person who goes for the drop top may be less likely to opt for the manual.

I'm one who objects! I've had both the coupe and 2 roadsters and I defy any mere mortal, on the road, to tell the difference between the coupe and roadster dynamics. All my cars were/are manuals. My perception is that buyers go for the latest trend, in the mistaken belief that new technology will be better, whereas the flappy paddles just remove one area of driver/car interaction. IMO, of course.

Shame the OP isn't looking for a yellow manual 4.7 for a bit more money, I might have let mine go!

[mikey k]

There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.

[Good Soil (Pete)]

My 07 Roadster is manual.......it's black on black too.......Afraid it's not up for sale at that sort of money though but good luck with the search, something will turn up I am sure! Don't forget the golden rule once you get it......WE WANT PICTURES! :-)

[blackice1]

mikey k said:

There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.

Pretty Much bang on there , Sportshift was released the same time as roadster , so all stock cars by dealers where spec'd etc with sportshift , you will find alot of coupes that where built at the same time will be sportshift as well but alot less of them , as the factory just focused on the roadster.

So Manual roadster are very hard to find .

[George H]

You can't be looking right hard, after 2 mins in the classifieds I found 3 black V8VR with manuals.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm

[mikey k]

George H said:

You can't be looking right hard, after 2 mins in the classifieds I found 3 black V8VR with manuals.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm

Good trick done his research for him
Be aware that last one is a 4.3 even though it has the 4.7SP/N400 wheels

[Rex Racer]

mikey k said:

There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.

This may be true, but I suspect that there are still more sport shift transmissions sold today in new convertibles than in new coupes on a percentage basis (not talking about the S of course).

[mikey k]

Rex Racer said:

This may be true, but I suspect that there are still more sport shift transmissions sold today in new convertibles than in new coupes on a percentage basis (not talking about the S of course).

Yep possibly - it is less pronounced in the 4.7's though IME.

[Rex Racer]

mikey k said:

Yep possibly - it is less pronounced in the 4.7's though IME.

You're probably right as this seems to be the trend with several automakers phasing out manual transmissions (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.). Personally, I like both transmissions. It's fun to "row your own," but the automated manuals make sense when maximum performance is the top priority.

[GlynMo]

Rex Racer said:

You're probably right as this seems to be the trend with several automakers phasing out manual transmissions (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.). Personally, I like both transmissions. It's fun to "row your own," but the automated manuals make sense when maximum performance is the top priority.

Presumably "when maximum performance is the top priority" is on trackdays, because at road speeds, it doesn't make a ha'porth (showing my age there!) of difference.

[Rex Racer]

GlynMo said:

Presumably "when maximum performance is the top priority" is on trackdays, because at road speeds, it doesn't make a ha'porth (showing my age there!) of difference.

Yep, for the most part it would be track days. I've done some "spirited" driving with other performance cars in the mountains and found that there is little need to shift with the V12V -- I spent 90% of the time in 3rd and 4th. I suppose it also makes a difference in terms of all out, straight line speed. I'm guessing, however, that most of us don't drag race our cars, so this is of little importance.

[krisdelta]

I've driven the 4.3 roadster on track twice - except for a little more squeaking than the coupe, the roadster drives almost identically to the coupe. I don't think the '07 MY onwards have particularly any gearbox issues between 1st and 2nd - sure it's a little recalcitrant when cold - but in no way a pain.

Lots of cars of a similar size have auto / automated manual boxes, perhaps driving the trend of sportshift roadsters?

Cheers

Kris

[alanweston]

Have a manual 4.3 roadster in lovley fire red ( gold flecks in the red), always prefered manuals, looking to sell soon , dont imagine it will attract more than 40-45k 07, 33k miles.

[max b]

blackice1 said:

mikey k said:

There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.

Pretty Much bang on there , Sportshift was released the same time as roadster , so all stock cars by dealers where spec'd etc with sportshift , you will find alot of coupes that where built at the same time will be sportshift as well but alot less of them , as the factory just focused on the roadster.

So Manual roadster are very hard to find .

Explains a lot, thanks chaps

[max b]

mikey k said:

George H said:

You can't be looking right hard, after 2 mins in the classifieds I found 3 black V8VR with manuals.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm

Good trick done his research for him
Be aware that last one is a 4.3 even though it has the 4.7SP/N400 wheels

Thanks again chaps, I should have said I have spoken with the owners of the manual black cars on here that you have listed. I'm checking pistonheads, autotrader and aston approved daily! The guys are at Startstone Cardiff are very keen to get a deal on the black/red seat car, it's been around for a while, but I do not want the split colour interior (also 4 owners, lots of warranty work, etc) so that one is out. As the other 2 are private cars, the owners maybe members here so best not say too much but as much as I like the 09 car with the n400 upgrade we cannot get close on the price considering it needs a service and warranty in march, plus it would have been nice to have had the full n400 upgrade, suspension, lights etc. so the search goes on. I do appreciate the help though

[max b]

alanweston said:

Have a manual 4.3 roadster in lovley fire red ( gold flecks in the red), always prefered manuals, looking to sell soon , dont imagine it will attract more than 40-45k 07, 33k miles.

Alan thanks for the offer but it's either black or dark grey only for this car for me.

[Good Soil (Pete)]

Hi Max,

I wouldn't let the number of owners put you off......many of these cars have 3 or 4 owners when 3 or 4 years old. If the servicing is spot on you shouldn't have an issue.....Use the search option to search for topics on numbers of owners. A few of us discussed this a couple of months back....

Good luck with the hunt!
Pete