[nrr]

A lot of newer[0] US domestic market manual transmission cars do, in fact, have an interlock that prevents the starter motor from getting power without the clutch pedal also being depressed. Of particular note, my 1984 Ford Bronco II, 1991 Mitsubishi Galant, and 2004 Honda Accord all had such an interlock.

0: This is basically everything after the three-on-the-tree/four-on-the-floor era. I have yet to drive anything with an overdrive gear that didn't require popping the clutch to crank the starter.

[HeyLaughingBoy]

My 1987 Toyota 4x4 pickup had such an interlock. It also had a switch to disable the interlock, allowing you to start the truck in gear. A very useful feature when you were stalled on a very steep hill offroad. Starting in 1st gear, low range basically turned it into an electric car for a few seconds :-)