My girlfriend loves the 450/380/560 SL bodystyle (107?). She hates the idea of an automatic transmission. She thinks she can buy a car and I'll be able to put a 5 speed in it. It's not unheard of to do this with BMWs but all the parts are readily available in the US.

I'm guessing this is such a PITA (or so expensive) that noone in his right mind would bother. Am I right? Would everything have to come from Europe?

Thank you,
Mike