Did some 442w-30's come with a shift on the column in 1970

 

Absolutely they did.

 

Automatic cars could and often did have column shift. Console and floorshift were extra cost (and weight-adding) options so somebody looking for more bang for the buck would stick with column shifter and bench seat.

I have never heard of or seen a 1970 442 with 3-speed stick on the column. There were a very few 65-67 442s made that way, but pretty sure no W30.

 

And you won't. While the three speed column shift with Saginaw trans was the base transmission for lesser Cutlii, the base 442 transmission (at least for 1968-71) was the Dearborn (don't call it a FORD!) top loader three speed with Hurst floor shifter. The only available transmission options on the 442 in those years were the Muncie four speed with floor shifter or the TH400. If the TH400 was ordered, it came with a column shifter, even with bucket seats, unless the extra-cost console and floor shifter were also ordered.

 

[QUOTE=rocketraider;153047]Automatic cars could and often did have column shift. Console and floorshift were extra cost (and weight-adding) options so somebody looking for more bang for the buck would stick with column shifter and bench seat.
[QUOTE]

As I think you meant to add, the bench seat was lighter than the buckets too.

 

Cheaper too!