Re: Starter switch - fascinating!!
Certainly they had relays when the Model A was made. The cut-out on the generator is a relay, although much lighter duty than one would be required for the current of the starter.
I am convinced that the only reason for not putting in a relay was purely cost. Henry made the cars very simple and straight forward and knew the cost of every nut and bolt. They all add up.
Given the alternative of going out front in freezing windy wet weather and cranking the engine by hand versus the absolute convenience of having a simple button to press on the floor, that would have seemed pretty danged convenient at the time.
The best part of it all is that it is reliable.
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