I must admit, I do love my 126 Bis also. There are times were I felt like selling it due to the fact I hardly drive it. As soon as I see it, then drive it - what was I thinking? Despite my recently acquired Fiat 600D, the 126 holds a special place. OMG, I am becoming like BV.
I haven't looked into the gear shift issue, but I will have it fixed for sure quite soon.