Console....

The bench seat before seat belt laws... Lots of accidents and deaths were caused by passengers interfering with driver in any car or truck with a bench seat. Separate bucket seats in sport/performance models got the girl friend out from under arm and back over there where she belongs. Full center consoles were purposely designed to be uncomfortable to sit on. That e-body console with slap stick shifter had a short wall on right side to help prevent passengers accidental contact.
The seat belt laws that we once rallied against ( just like todays face mask mandates ) keep the human beans where they belong and allow interior design freedom.
No I don't love the center console in my classic. I could mention other things I don't love about it. I do understand it. It is what it is.