Hennessey's latest hypercar, the Blackbird, has proven that a manual gearbox can be a major selling point.
The American manufacturer has announced that all 71 examples of the $2.5 million V8-powered machine are already spoken for.
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More than 60 units were reserved after the car's online debut in early August.
The remaining build slots were taken following its public premiere at The Quail during Monterey Car Week.
Driver-Focused Design
Unlike the record-chasing Venom F5, the Blackbird prioritizes driver enjoyment. It comes standard with a six-speed gated manual transmission, a feature that clearly resonated with buyers.
Power comes from a new 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, delivering between 800 and 850 hp and revving to over 9,000 rpm.
This is less than half the output of the Venom F5's twin-turbo V8, but the focus is on engagement, not just numbers.
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The Blackbird still offers impressive performance, hitting 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 220 mph.
Its custom carbon-fiber monocoque keeps weight under 3,000 lbs.
Jet-Inspired Styling
The car's name and design draw inspiration from the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, featuring large winglets at the rear.
Its busy styling didn't deter buyers, as the entire production run sold out quickly.
Prices start at $2.5 million, but most customers likely spent more on bespoke options and finishes.
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The Blackbird's success suggests that a manual transmission can be a key factor in the hypercar market.
