My euro 280SL came with a 4 speed manual transmission. So the body did come with manual transmissions just not in the US.

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1989 Arctic White 190D 2.5l auto w/400E Brakes and a 5spd waiting for me to install

1977 280SL Euro M110/w 4spd

2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad cab 4x4
dyno 383hp / 916ft#'s