Yeah, kid of a shame but the modern computer-controlled automatics work much better with computer-controlled engines than a manual would.
Although I am using a more modern engine in my '38 Packard Six, I have had special adapter plates made so that I can retain the original Packard three-speed floor shift tranny to keep the flavor of the Good Old Days. Sort of a hot rod but pretty much box-stock external appearance with upgraded '55 Packard brakes, air conditioning, power steering and a very tall rear end from a '55 Packard (3.23 vs the original 4.6) for good highway cruising speeds and Holley fuel injection for fuel economy.
It will end up looking like this one but with a black roof, yellow below the belt line and black fenders:
Got the paint scheme here:
Always have liked that one!