Hand controls have been in use by paraplegics since the 1930's or so, long before automatic transmissions came into general use. I've assisted in a few of those conversions. The trick is to get the leverage and control handle stroke correct to make it easy to operate the pedal smoothly.

There are also conversion adapters available to graft a Turbo 350 or other automatic trans to a stovebolt engine.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!