Mikenoangelo, the problem with column shifts generally is they need enough free play to accommodate movement of the engine on its' mountings. The advantage is that with a bench front seat you can fit three across without the driver having to grope the adjoining passenger to change gear. Having said which I have driven a Fulvia with column change a pleasure to use and on a Flaminia, having a solidly mounted transaxle, there is no play to spoil it. Your point about lever travel is fair though, much more a touring set-up than racing. The demise of column changes possibly goes hand in hand with the demise of bench front seats.