It was new for 69. That's what locks the steering wheel when parked. Basically you can't park it and take the keys out until you put the shifter in reverse.
Reverse light switch was also moved to the column so when it rotates it turns on the backup lights.
Easy to spot a 69-up with back drive linkage missing when someone jumps in to start it and the back up lights don't come on, or you see one parked in 1st gear and the keys missing.
Many thought it was a pain and why so many were removed early on. Once adjusted and working properly it's fine. The function never bothered me since I'm one to almost always back into a parking spot.
Neat Z by the way.
