.. From a practicle standpoint why would a console car receive a different color carpet than a non-console car or even an automatic car with column shift? Seems like Chrysler would want the carpet to match the seat covers and door panels but then again common sense often times is left to us common folk. I trust Paul's judgement as his cars seem to win an awful lot of Gold.
Sorry, I mistook Bill's response for yours. I wasn't paying attention. I'm a Grandpa too...but not an excuse. The carpet is probably fine but it sounds like you did not have the original for reference. (some had shag carpets instaled by their owners back in the day). 
The main reason in a console car is that it matches the color of the console. I do not know why it is not a requirement in the automatic column cars but it is stated in the 69 trim options that only black carpet with 4 speed non-consoles.
