My dad did too, I have never understood it.
I still remember the push button transmission that he put in park and went back in the house to let the engine warm up. When he went back out the car had put itself in reverse and was now across the street and on the neighbor's lawn.
I do remember with fondness his '49 plymouth where I had my first "romantic encounter" as a teen ager.
Hey - it could have been in his neighbor's living room.