I had a '69 restored Ghia coupe with the Autostick tranny. Due to arthritus/bursitus etc. I do not like to be shifting all the time. (I've had 2 split window campers and a 411 wagon also).
I really liked the autostick. Most of my driving is in town and it saved me a lot of shifting. I found that trying to be a speedshifter with it was counterproductive. On the street it is a little slower and clunkier compared to a VW 4-speed.
My impression is that the autostick was fairly common in the Superbugs. Ghia's with it were much rarer. Mine was bought sight unseen by an out of state college student who flew in and drove it home!
My advice? To my knowlege no performance parts have ever been produced for the autostick transmission, at least in the USA. For performance buy a 4 or 5 speed (aftermarket) manual. There is no end to the stuff availible for them. Although hi-po automatics are common in new cars now, trying to rod some of the older ones doesn't make much sense.
Also: If you really want an Autostick, check with your VW mechanic/shop first. If they can work on it and get parts, go get one! They are neat.
Also2: For fun, read up on the current crop of manual/automatic/paddle-shifting/the shmizzle trannys in Ferarri's, Lambo's, etc. Most of them are waaaay faster than the manuals offered. They completely leave the stick shifts in the dust. Waaay in the dust!
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