This was 20-30 years ago. I drove two different manual transmissions in LA, a Volvo 240 and an Infiniti G20. I'm pretty sure the Volvo had a mechanical (non-hydraulic) clutch. Not sure about the G20.
Yeah, a mechanical clutch would be a BEAR!!! All my personal vehicles have always had a hydraulic clutch. They make it so simple your left foot can just do it without you much noticing it.