is that a rare option?

most bucket seat cars I have seen have the center console floor shift

 

The console was an extra cost option. On the 442, the base interior was bucket seats, no console, and a three speed manual floor shifter. If you ordered the automatic, you got a column shifter, even with the buckets, unless you paid extra for the console. On non-442s, the base trans was a three speed manual with column shift and bench seat. Again, the automatic came with the column shifter. The buckets were extra cost and again the console was an extra cost option on top of that.

 

I actually think it is rarer to have buckets w\console in a Cutlass. I don't think there is any kind of documentation on how many were built. Apparently I don't have pictures of my interior on my computer, but mine has buckets w\console from the factory and it is a '69 Cutlass.

 

good to know

I am looking at this 69 convertible, it has column shift and buckets.

 

I'll presume we're talking about A-bodies here since this is posted under Cutlass. That said:
In the F85 and Cutlass models, the bench was was the only seats, buckets were not an option.
Cutlass S: Bucket seat standard in the Convertible, option in the Coupes
Cutlass Supreme: Std was bench in the sedans, and buckets in the Coupe.

And the console was optional regardless, but obviously had to be with buckets

 

so with that info a 69 S convertible with a bench would have been an option?

 

Yup. A $68.46 *deduction* actually. Same cost to put buckets in the Coupes.

 

I owned a 1967 442 with buckets and column shift automatic.

They are out there.

 

Does the same apply for 68's?
My 68 S convertible has the bench seat.

 

Yes

 

My sister had an 84 Monte Carlo SS with buckets and column shift....so buckets without a console went on for several more years.