I'm almost positive that the 74s never had a column shifter. The column could have come out of any of the general motors cars and put on with some modifications.
You can get all the info on your car, including the sales receipt from Pontiac Historical Society, http://www.phs-online.com/ I have a 69 Trans Am and never knew how rare the car was untill I bought the sheets from them. You might have a very rare car there.
yes, 74 firebirds came with a column shifter, i owned one in the early 90's and there was no holes in the trans hump for a ratchet shifter. it did make it easier to put in new carpet, but it didnt look very cool with carpet between the front buckets. you may want to double check your VIN because i can't imagine them putting a column shifter in a Trans Am since they are the sports model, you may have a clone.
No way. they didn't produce the TA wiht column shift. What you have is TA front clip grafted on a firebird. very common. Check out your car with PHS to get the real scoop on your car.