I have the same situation , my linkage was gone(is still), your 'collar' sets the position the linkage would give it if connected...the cars actually came w/ on the column shifter, the console shifter is just linking the column shifter...and yes , mine still starts in all gears, what I did to get a cheap kill switch at the same time not having to locate and install the missing linkage was: I moved the wire to the ignition switch to a wiggle switch hidden under the dash, you turn the key nothing happens until you wiggle that switch, that usually gives you time to remember to put it in neutral and put a foot on the brake, all in one move, when you start....my switch is VERY hard to find , even when I tell mechanics where it is (if they are going to work on my car) they have a hard time finding it! I also put a set screw on the collar to keep it from moving... I know, I know.. its not 'correct', but works!its a great "kill switch" and inexpensive!
