It does seem like I remember that the actual pace cars were automatic, but none of the replicas sold to customers were automatic. They, as with every single OFFICIAL SVT Cobra, were manual tranny only. However, I have heard of a few swaps by customers to automatic. I'd suppose with the right gearing, it wouldn't be so bad IF you've got to have an automatic...but that automatic would definitely kill any collectibility (if there is any) in the future. Now, from what I've read, the torquey 03/04 Mach 1s with the 4.6 DOHC and automatics are quite strong considering that Ford automatic Mustangs have always played second fiddle to their manual brothers. Probably not as fun, but that would be my game if I were hunting for a near stock automatic Mustang.