convertible rear panels and console

Long as we're splitting hairs... There are some consoles with the front end bobbed off shorter and flat. I'm sure it was about clearance for a/c but that's all I know about them.
As far as the difference between auto and manual... Auto has a cut away in the side for bezel lamp access. Manual is cut away larger to accommodate that shifter.
Since the carpet skirt covers the cutaways they are interchangeable.