My grandfather and I were driving on the ranch and he got out of the beat up ranch truck and told me to drive. Three on the tree. I was 12 years old. He started walking back to the house, 1/4 mile away. I drove all over that 360 acre field. Even backed into a tree, the only tree in that whole field. Naturally, the tailgate was down. I put a nice dent in it, to add with all the others from cows rubbing on the truck to scratch their backs. Lol…
Three on the tree is one thing but I am unwavering on the opinion that the best vehicle to really learn the art of a manual tranny is a Volkswagen Beetle. If you screw up, you're smushed. I'm not sure what would be a modern equivalent for learning the art of manual shifting. Maybe a Mini Cooper base? Or an old Civic hatchback rice burner?
Any Tremec. Getrag need not apply.
“..the best vehicle to really learn the art of a manual tranny.”
My wife learned to drive in VW bugs. She said they were all different (her dad traded cars every 6 mo. whether or not he needed to of not). Shortly after we married I needed her to drive my manual Mustang II wreck. She had no problem. I have seen her drive other manuals with out batting an eye.
I learned on a Bug. Another friend of mine let me drive his Dodge Omni frequently.
I remember stalling repeatedly at a green light and getting frustrated. There was a couple behind me and I could see them in the mirror with large knowing smiles. The driver gave me a thumbs up, knowing what I was learning.
Fast forward 35 years. My son was learning in my car and stalled repeatedly at a green light. The people behind just honked their horn not knowing that a 16 year old kid knew a useful skill they didn’t.
As far as 3 on a tree, I only had one opportunity to drive one on an old pickup truck in high school.
Most of my cars have been manuals and I really want another one.
Like many here, I also learned to drive on a manual trans, three on the tree.
Back in the 80s I had a lady friend who owned an old Bug that needed(?) leaded gas and had a man/auto trans.(I can’t remember what it was called). You had to throw the stick through the gears, but there was no clutch pedal. First time she had me drive it I was doing OK until I pulled a downshift...nearly put us both through the windshield. Muscle memory had taken over and just before I threw the stick my left foot slammed down on the *BRAKE* pedal. LOL