Wasn't this shifter used on SS cars without a console and bench cars.
http://www.showdownmusclecars.com/vehpics/C0113D/1093313816.jpg

Bench http://www.showdownmusclecars.com/vehpics/C0680/1089392369.jpg

Here is what I thought all console cars received http://www.hemmings.com/images/dealers/select/hires/100539-14.jpg

Guys, I didn't know this was a trick question? I thought we had Chevelle experts here. I'd hate to go back to the Nastyz Camaro board and ask my fellow F body guys. I'd like to know cause I'm in the market for a 70 SS 396 Chevelle.

The curved shifter handle in the first two pictures is the type used with a bench seat and/or buckets without a console. The third is the type used with buckets/console.
It is POSSIBLE, but unlikely, that the curved handle got installed with a console from the factory. But sometime things did happen. I would guess that it is more likely that this curved handle (in the first picture) was an owner installation.
I have a 70 with a console and the curved handle, because that is what I prefer and so I installed the curved handle. http://www.chevelles.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

Thx Tom, that's what I thought.