Ball vs T Handle

[hrtbkr]

Hi
Did early '71s equipped with automatic transmissions come with the ball style shifter handles.
Is so, when did the switch to T handles?
Thanks

[anlauto]

That's one I've never heard of, I guess it could be possible ?

[blown motor]

My 74 Challenger, original owner took delivery on Oct 13, 73 so it was an earlier built one, has the T handle. It seems I remember hearing of some 74s with a ball and the theory was that the factory ran out of T handles during the production year and finished up production with ball handles that were in inventory. My buddy that has a 72 has a ball handle and he said it's an early build 72.

[ZippyZoo]

FWIW: My early '71 Challenger - August '70 build - came with the '71 T-Handle shifter in a '70 console (seat belt holder)

[MEK-Dangerous]

As far as I know, the ball shifter was a "70" only thing. I have seen them on 74's though, so maybe they did run out of the T-handle shifters?
I'm speaking about Challengers, I don't know if it was the same for Cuda's.

[dodj]

My '73 had a ball shifter when I got it. Original? I have no idea.

[chargerdon]

My 74 Chally had a ball when i first got it.   

[xx88man]

My late '74 has a ball shifter

[RacerX]

My understanding about the balls making a return in 74 was because of breakage issues with the T handles.

I have heard that reasoning multiple times over the years, so it seems plausible. 
Seems to make more sense than the other theories...