Bench Seat Column Shift Vs Bucket Console Shift

I'll give an example. Friend told me about a nice '72 Swinger. Pristine condition, 340 automatic. 8-1/4 suregrip. $17,500! I loved the car right up until I looked inside and seen a bench seat column shift. Totally ruined it for me.

Yes I know I could have then spent another couple thousand getting the bench switched to buckets and the column to a console. But I really don't want that hassle.