This is an edited version of my article written for a university assignment with Deakin University, submitted May 1, 2019.
Two bumbling car thieves failed miserably in their attempt to steal a Ford Mustang from outside a Ringwood shop, as they were unable to navigate the manual transmission.
At the time of the attempted heist, Ric Harrison, owner of both the vehicle and Harrison Hairdressing (Ringwood), raced out of his salon after hearing his car start and stop abruptly.
“[I found] two scurvy looking characters in my car, who then threatened me with much pain,” Mr Harrison claimed with humour and seemingly unshaken.
Not wanting to risk himself for his vehicle, he watched as the two men struggled to make a getaway. “My car kept lunging [and] stalling. I then realised they couldn’t drive a manual car.”
Realising their defeat, the failed thieves fled the scene. “Great car thieves!” Mr Harrison added.
He did not alert the police, as there was “no damage” to the car.
When asked if, in light of this event, he thought that owning a manual vehicle guards against motor vehicle theft, Mr Harrison claimed, “I’m not sure, ...but I know my car would have been stolen had it been an auto.”
When questioned about his preference for manual or automatic vehicles, Mr Harrison said that while he would always choose a manual when purchasing sports cars, he still preferred an automatic transmission for a family vehicle, as it is “much easier for driving in stop-start traffic”.
He did add, however, that while he is not a mechanic, “manual cars don’t need brakes as often”, which can be considered an additional benefit of owning a manual car.
The failed theft has resulted in many amused responses, including that of former mechanic and automotive electrician, Andrew Thorpe.
Expressing his preference for manual vehicles, based on professional and personal experience, Mr Thorpe claimed, “You’ve got more control over the vehicle at all times, ... because you’ve got the gears.”
He also said that in the majority of cases, manual cars tend to be more economically beneficial.
“A manual is more [economical]. If driven correctly, [a manual] should outlast an automatic transmission every time.”
When asked if he considered the attempted car theft presented novel advantages, like theft prevention for manual cars, Mr Thorpe replied, “if theft [prevention] is definitely a priority on your mind, then [yes], it would prove to be a benefit.”
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