I believe this is true? only in forward pattern. I don't think any reverse pattern bodies have 1st gear "apply."
I don't even remember who made mine, I bought it used, have to look it up. It's reverse pattern.
LORD is that thing "quick" You can sit at a light, and bump it into low and IT IS IN GEAR and I mean right NOW. On a side note, I don't drive my car in winter, but a manual body would be GREAT for driving in the snow!!!! as you could lock it in 2nd or even 3rd