There is a switch to prevent an auto from starting in anything but park (and neutral?), this is a safety precaution, as starting an auto in gear can be fatal unless you are always mindful of the fact.
Switch can be bypassed and, as you probably know, these cars are easy to start under the bonnet.
I would not recommend it - why do you want to do it?
I think i need the selector cable adjusting cos sometimes it won't start but a sharp push upwards on the lever (column change) gets the starter going.It doesn't seem to want to stay in Park and may just be sending the switch the info that it is in reverse.
Just wondered why really.I suppose it seemed a silly question!