If it revs before engaging the gear sounds like a hydraulic pressure issue. The faster the engine revs the more the trans pump is spinning and the greater the pressure is until it builds enough pressure to BAM engage the gear.

Sounds like a L O T U S problems Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.

Either one of the drum is cracked or you have some bad o-rings, which is causing a transmission leak inside the trans. If the PO kept driving like that, probably you will need to replace the clutch packs when you open up the trans.

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