Welcome and that looks like a fun project car. Yes, that is the manual climate control which is a great system in my opinion. The single-stage paint is more or less like leather in that it dries out over the years, requiring some nurturing for it to come back.

Here is a good write-up on this paint:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/25304-secret-removing-oxidation-restoring-show-car-finish-antique-single-stage-paints.html

I have had great results with this process:



Similar paint to yours, give it some love and it will really shine.

I'm pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering so we have a couple of things in common! What field of engineering are you in? And welcome!

__________________