After looking again you are correct....good observation. The 'bend' in the bigger rod is what gives the "rotating leverage" when the box (at the shift lever/handle) pivots. Notice that box isn't attached directly to the mount, but has a pivot between them. That gives the left/right movement that rotates the big rod. And the fore/aft is through the small rod as you said. Neat simple design. I wonder how smoothly it shifts?I think it rotates the bigger rod, just like on the X1/9.
The difference is that the fore/aft motion is done through the other shaft.
Does anyone know what transmission this setup is for?