If the lever is upside down or backwards....wouldn't P=L1 ?

If neutral is still neutral, then I dont see how it could be the lever. Seems as though a backwards lever (if you could get the linkage to accomodate) would put neutral in the drive position as seen on the gear position indicator.

P-R-N-D-2-1
1-2-D-N-R-P

Could be the driveshaft too like Gusaroo said... ??