I've searched and not found an answer to my question, so I ask what determined the correct color of the 4 speed shift **** color (M21) in a 70 W30? I've seen a white **** in both black and white car interiors, for example.

 

Mine is black, not sure I ever saw a white on a 70.

 

Black is correct for Oldsmobile.

Other GM divisions such as Pontiac used white. Many people liked white and used them on their Oldsmobiles, that's why you see some white today.

 

My Rallye had a white shifter ball when I got it, and from the yellowing it looked as if it had been there for years. Coming from Arizona, I'm guessing someone swapped it out because 1) it kinda looks cool, and 2) it probably didn't sear the skin off your hand on a summer day... I'm almost thinking of going back to it, even though it's not "right".

 

Ok, so it seems black is the color for 1970. Many thanks.