Unfortuntely, I don't think "alabaster" was offered in Europe.

As for what transmission to choose, I'd say just take a look at your driving habits.
Do you spend hours on end trudging through stop-in-go city traffic weekly? Then choose the auto.
Or do you get to spend lots of time on winding roads and freeways? By all means jump in a 6 spd.
As been mentioned, the 6 spd can be a little "notchy" (usually just in the 1-2 shift) but it's something most manual shift driver get use to. Some say it gets better with age (more miles), and it does seem to smooth out as the transmission oil warms up. Most agree, the more aggressive you drive, the less it seems to interfere.
That being said, it's still the worst shifting manual shift car I've owned, (except for a 1960 MGA) and I still love it.
It just takes some getting use to. Being a Sports Car, makes it all worthwhile. Good hunting.