Yep, it was a 1960 Rambler with the push buttons for the gears(auto) on the dash.
Next on a 57 Dodge got 3-4 miles per gallon. That one was gone in a hurry.
Then a '55 chevy belair 4 door. Paid $125 for it and it was a real keeper!! Broke the shift off the tree. Had to knock a hole in the floor pan stick a broomstick through the floor and "lash" it to the tranny lever (auto again) Also wrapped a stove pipe section around the muffler when the muffler developed a hole. Hay bailing wire . . . you know!!!
Sold it for $90.
Then in inherited the '60 Rambler from my Dad (college days) when he bought a VW Beetle.
My first real "purchased" car was a 1968 VW Bug (straight shift). I've owned nothing but straight shifts since then -- prolly never will.
Wife totaled the VW so I bought another (1970 VW). Kept it running for almost 20 years. One engine in the VW and one in the basement being rebuilt.
We have four boys, so at one time I owned 6 cars ... well, me and the boys did.
After that one it's just been downhill all the way.
g
If it's not broken, you're not trying hard enough.