<VV> Corsa 3-sp update and collected comments

[NicolCS at aol.com]

Thanks to all who responded.  Two VVers referred me to a fellow in Omaha who 
actually has a Corsa 3-sp with only 22,000 miles.

The listmembers who forwarded information or stories all mentioned one thing: 
 These cars are all oddball units - likely special ordered by a customer.

Here's the rundown:
65 Corsa 180/3, Evening Orchid, no option car (excepting the 180).  There 
isn't even an outside rearview mirror!  It does have a dealer-added radio.  The 
car has 22,000 miles (hmm) and the owner reports strong boost in 2nd gear 
(unlike the 4-speed 180).

Bob Bentz reports: "I repaired one for a customer in central Fl. I thought it 
was strange to 
be driving a 65 140 Corsa with a non-sychro 1st gear 3 spd. trans."

Frank Burkhard reported trying to buy one:  "I tried to buy it (even with the 
3 speed), but the owner couldn't make up his mind to sell it.  I left my name 
and number, but, of course, I never heard from him again." (wierd car, wierd 
seller)

Bill Stanley opines: Speculation has always been that Corsas equipped with 
3-speeds were 
mistakes--that the dealer neglected to order the 4-speed when placing the 
order!

Tom Zimmerman: I remember going to Jon Klinkert's back in the mid-70's to 
help him do a clutch job, I think, on a black 63 (?) Spyder vert;strange that 
someone would opt for the turbo, AND a convertible, but not a 4sp...

"RB" reports:  I had a 66 Monza once with a 140,HD suspension w/ quick 
steering, telescoping column ,Posi and a 3spd. I could never understand why someone 
would order 
that combo, or why Chev. would build it, unless special ordered. RB

And I remember seeing the only Cameo-Beige Corsa I've ever seen. In 
additition to the odd color, it was a 3-speed Corsa convertible as well.

The 3-speed has to be ideal "standard equipment" in the eyes of product 
planners.  An unwanted but serviceable base item to permit a low base price than 
provides the opportunity to sell the M20 or M35 (4sp and PG) option to 85% of 
the buyers.  Ever thought about this:  The 3-speed is a "standard" transmission. 
 Referring to the 4-speed as a "standard transmission" is technically 
incorrect.  Our 4-speed is not a "standard transmission" - it's the "optional" manual 
transmission...  (Oh Pleeze...for the love of Pete, Craig stop!)
Craig N.