I agree, start the hunt for a classic automatic! There's gotta be a good selection of vintage Mercedes with autos, old money sucking Jags (but I can't resist them) the Volvos mentioned, You could even go classic American and find an old Chrysler or Desoto with the "2-in-the-goo" push button auto. Plenty of air-cooled VWs to choose from. You could get auto transmissions in Bugs, Busses, Karmen Ghias, Type 3s. I'm enjoying my Bus to no end! It's a camper, so I can go on weekend trips to fun events. I take it to shows and everyone loves it! especially the kids.(they are the only judges I care about) People smile and wave on the road. It's just a vehicle that makes people happy. Mine is a stick, but I know some auto owners and they like the performance of the automatic just fine.
Now..... For a british car.... Maybe we need a shop that can do "reversible" automatic transmission conversions. I see a nitch market here!