Christen da costa
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
About Me: I’m Christen, founder of Stick Shifting and a lifelong car enthusiast. I started with go-karts, graduated to manuals, and have been chasing the perfect shift ever since. I moved from the Boston suburbs to California for year-round driving weather and canyon roads—and never looked back.
Expertise: I’m passionate about the analog connection between car and driver. From vintage machines to modern manuals, I care deeply about driving dynamics, mechanical engagement, and preserving real car culture.
Qualifications: Before launching Stick Shifting, I built Gadget Review into a trusted voice in tech. I also run operations across Superlativ’s family of sites—including Music Minds, The Call Of, and OhGizmo!—overseeing strategy, editorial direction, and growth. My experience leading multiple media brands powers this platform made by and for driving purists.
Lists
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Affordable Muscle: 5 V8 Coupes You Can Actually Own Today
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Top 11 Most Reliable Classic Cars Ever Made
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Top 10 Muscle Cars From the ’70s
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8 Classic Cars Smart Money Is Buying While Everyone Else Panics
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Top 5 Most Underappreciated Hot Hatches
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7 of the Most Affordable Restomods You Can Start Working On
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6 Track Tires You Can Buy on a Budget
Resources
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How to Install a Street Legal Roll Cage: Safety Without Sacrificing Your Ride
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5 Mistakes That Make Your Car Look Cheap (And How to Avoid Them)
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Decoding the Secrets: A Gearhead’s Guide to Factory Build Sheets
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Top Mistakes in DIY Exhaust Installs: A Tuner’s Guide to Avoiding Catastrophic Fails
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6 Common Paint Correction Mistakes That’ll Make Your Ride Look Like a Wreck (and How to Avoid Them)
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How to Swap Seats and Still Pass Inspection: A Tuner’s Guide to Staying Legal
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How to Fix a Scratched Rim: A Detailer’s Guide to Flawless Finishes
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How to Tune a Turbocharged Engine for Daily Driving: Unleash the Beast Without Breaking the Bank
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Top 7 Engine Swap Mistakes That’ll Wreck Your Ride (and Your Wallet)
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Why Does My Car Creak When I Drive?: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Driver
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Mistakes That Can Ruin Leather Interiors Forever: A Classic Car Collector’s Guide
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Why Does My Car Smell Like Antifreeze? A Comprehensive Guide
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How to Detail a Black Car Without Swirl Marks: A Detailer’s Guide to Flawless Finishes