71 Centurions with standard transmissions

[Bob Alberini]

According to the build data, all Formal Coupes and Hardtop Sedans were built with the M40 Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission. Of the 2,161 convertibles built, 2,160 had the M40 Turbo Hydramatic 400. One Wilmington built convertible was listed as having a M41 standard transmission.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Now that would be a nice find

[Centurion]

Bob, years ago, we heard rumor of just such a car. My understanding was that this was a black convertible with the Modified High Performance 455 engine option. I do not recall where I heard this, but someone at some time in the past -- probably back in the 1980's -- claimed to have known the individual who purchased such a car new. The car was somewhere along the Atlantic Coast, which is consistent with the car's Wilmington assembly.

[Eric B]

If only one was built seems like it could have been for engineering evaluation.
??

[EEE]

Anyone knows if there were any other b-bodied cars made with a manual transmission from 71-73 (-76)?

[Bob Alberini]

The only year and model that had a standard transmission available was the 71 LeSabre. According to data supplied by Roberta Vasilow, of the 153,835 1971 LeSabres that were built, 22 were built with the 3 speed standard transmissions. To the best of my knowledge, we've only known of one in recent years, a black 4 door sedan that was advertised in The Bugle within the last year or so.

[EEE]

For some reason I think it would be real cool with a floor mounted stick manual transmission..

[Smartin]

I bet one could be converted if we had a complete setup from a GS.