Hello. Can i get your opinions about the Pros & cons of each on a 71-72 Cutlass Supreme Convertible. (Floor VS column shift) & if the value of the car differ if both cars are in the exact same condition?

 

If it's a stick shift, the 4 on the floor is considered superior in most aspects to the 3 on the tree column shifter, with maybe the exception of cost.

If it's an automatic shift, the floor shifter is considered more sporty, and can be manually shifted in a racing manner more easily than a column shifter, especially if it is a Hurst dual gate shifter. Buckets are considered more sporty, and are more comfortable to many people. Although it is possible to have a floor shift manual without a console and have a bench seat, it is rare, and all the floor shift automatics came with a console, I believe (and could be wrong), in that year.

I personally prefer floor shift manuals, although column shifters are fun. I like column shift automatics, and bench seats are nice for having romantically inclined traveling companions. On the other hand, slap shifting a dual gate is fun too.

I would think a buckets/console/floor shifter car would be worth slightly more, like 10-15%

 

By rights, the supremes were bucket seats as standard, with 3 speed manual column shift as standard. All others were options. I prefer console, buckets with auto!

Pat

 

What is your question, exactly? A "console" shift IS a floor shift. Do you really mean "column shift"? Are we talking about an automatic or a manual trans?

 

I'm with Joe. If it is an automatic and floor shift than it has a console. If it is a 4 speed or 3 speed and floor shift it can be with or without a console.

What is the question?

 

Yes i meant floor VS column. (Both automatic) Thanks for the feedback. I agree the floor with buckets is more desirable for the sporty feeling & the bench is awesome when riding with a beautiful women. 😃 i guess its just personal preferance if your not racing the car & just cruising correct? The reason im asking is i found a nice 71 convertible with a bench seat/column shift & always heard the floor shift is better. I was just curious why most people say the floor with buckets are better or more desirable. Thanks everyone.

 

Buckets and console are more popular (and thus command a price premium), but I wouldn't say one is "better" than the other. The factory bucket seats are flat, mini-bench seats anyway, so it's not like they are tight-fitting race seats. Get the car you like and can afford.

 

I've got a '71 supreme 'vert with bench seats and automatic on the column. As a driver I love it. My wife can sit next to me as we cruise and there is the added bonus of bench seats are more comfortable. I will concede that buckets look cooler, but my benches came stock from the factory "overstuffed" (yes, that was actually a dealer option). It's like sitting on a pillow. We do not feel any but the most extreme potholes.


For resale, I will also concede that buckets will command a higher price. But, I'm not interested in selling at this point. I'm still in the enjoying mode.

 

No problem, Dru, glad we could help.

 

Dru, I think the console shift is a sportier look and a manual shifter is kind of fun going thru the gears. I purchased this 70 vert with a 3 speed manual on the floor which I have never seen before (m14 option).

But I would have purchased the car if it was a column shift or stick.

I had one with a bench seat before and it was very comfortable for cruising.

 

I am switching over from bench to buckets and console... I have too many trips around the sun behind me, and an achy hip... My wife has a bad back... so we are going to customize the buckets for each of us and enjoy cruising long distances... It is a special reason, but many on this forum can probably identify with the logic.