Digging in the parts stash, I came across this unit


but not sure what it is for. Any help?
I was thinking possibly for the 81-88 Cutlass but no clue.

 

Pontiac factory ratchet shifter, used in LeMans and Firebirds in the 1970s. The stick should move sideways to engage the ratchet function.

 

Thanks for that Joe, but no, it doesn't move sideways at all. To disengage it out of park, you have to push down on the little ear on top.
It seems to be a 3 speed unit though. It looks some what like the middle one in your picture.

 

Yeah, the way these work is that you press the button to shift normally. Pull the lever all the way into first. You should be able to push forward and to the right to shift into second, where it hits a stop like a Dual Gate. Release, then do it again to shift 2-3. Pontiac did also make these without the ratchet feature, but your photos look like the spring and pawl are there. .