According to the survey, which evaluated more than 1,000 automobiles, the average value of vehicles with automatics sold was $59,740, while the value of cars with stick shifts auctioned off averaged $93,008.The large gap could be explained by the fact that US collectors purchase very expensive classic European sportscars, such as Ferraris, Aston Martins or Mercedes-Benz, that feature manual gearboxes. Additionally, it is known that a significant number of rare and expensive musclecars are also equipped with manuals.As far as average values by decade of manufacture are concerned, the data analysis claims than vehicles built in the 1940s or earlier are the most valuable, averaging $86,171. 1960s cars come close in second with an average of $85,828, while 1950s automobiles were auctioned off for an average of $81,167.