Well I think my manual 2.8 could do with a quicker gear shift, doesn't bother me much except when Im up against something as quick, getting away better then loose it on the change. (However that was before the manifold swap/remap which has made up for all the 2.8 faults) Do sometimes hanker for a auto box in slow moving traffic queues though. Went to LeMans classic 24hr few years back and the 2.8 never missed a beat 1500mls never looked under the bonnet, 5days of top down driving a manual on great French roads was bliss. Wouldn't buy a 3.0L now even if it was a bargain.
@hard top Might fit a boot rack if going again though, was tight getting the kitchen sink in.
RHA, Roy.