[markjohnson]

That feature of the car needing to be in reverse to remove the key is just a great indication of a car that's probably had a decent, cared-for life without being monkey'ed around with too much, Verne. A few years ago, my 1970 GS Buick, Factory 4-Speed car had the same thing and it was new to me also. It's such an easy thing to just leave it off the car if you do any exhaust modifications, clutch replacement, or Hurst shifter replacement. I thought it was pretty neat actually but I'd really hate to have to try to dig that stuff up to re-install if it was missing from a car!