In 1975 i taught myself to drive stick at 12 yrs old (in a salvage yard) in a 57 Chevy 3/4 ton, Straight 6, 4 speed with Granny low... Put it in low gear, Clutch out, Key on, Hit the floor mounted starter button and it would start and walk away by itself, Step on the gas and start rowing gears... Great fun till i had to Stop... (no brakes) I would jam it in low & shut the key off, Engine braking to a stop... Eventually i got very good at it and could almost stop on a dime (as long as i wasnt' going to fast)... Next up was a 70 F250, 360 4 speed (again no brakes)... After the exhaust fell off, That sumbitch would backrap on a shift just like Mcqeens Mustang... Have liked Sticks ever since!...
