No, it wasn't a handicap thing, it was just their attempt to bring out a new shifter that someone at B&M felt would be different from the competition, and would sell well. Evidently, either he was wrong, or during one of the various shakeups that occurred there, the idea was scrapped.

The rat rod guys would love that shifter. The Craftsman wrenches, Rebar, and other different things used for shifters have now become so common there is no cool factor to them any more. The one your Brother has is really unique, I don't think you will ever see another one in any car in your lifetime.

Don