Why does my 1971 Dodge Challenger have a column shifter

Because it is an automatic or it has a 3 on the tree.

A console shifter was probably optional. Sounds like a plain jane base model. Before you decide to change it, I wouldn't. It's probably a rare thing to see on one of those! Just my opinion. Hope that helps! Jim

Guessing at the questions intent I would say someone did some swapping and left the old steering column in place.

Hello none of these answers are helpful when i do i vin search the cost code comes up as high it has a big block so most cars with big block and high cost code would have a slapstick

Find a chrysler discussion website and ask there . They have a data base they can run the vin thru . Plus a whole world more knowledge then on here about those cars.