Another 1973 plymouth duster 4 speed bench seat question

Maybe anyone can answer, but my question is I have a 73 Plymouth duster with a bench seat factory 4 speed. I've spent a lot of time trying to locate the factory shifter handle which I have. I was just wondering it seems like the shifter handle is close to the Steering wheel or the driver side if you will not sure.If.
This is normal or not.. Seems like if it was bet away from the driver a little more.It would be a lot more practical but it is functional as is.