> Is it normal for the gear selector lever on an
automatic to get very hot near the base?

uh, no.

> If it isn't normal, what does this indicate?

probably an older bus without the insulation kit that
came on the later ones. it was some silvered foil stuff
under the bus, and kept the radiator air and coolant
hose heat away from the floor and the shift linkage.

> The whole base of the console become very hot as
well, it radiates uncomfortable amounts of heat into
the cabin.

check the bentley page 19.20-19.23 for the info about
the insulation. it's not specific to automatics, by the
way.