My Dad had a 1927 Dodge Bros. that would sometimes start just by turning on the ignition, without hitting the starter. Very disconcerting when it happened, especially when still in gear.
I think it had the low compression continental 4 that most cars used at the time... This was just a hobby car, i can't imagine it being used as a daily driver in modern traffic. Everyone sure got a kick out of it just seeing it on the road. He graduated up to a 1934 Buick...much more drivable.
He told me in the winter when he was a kid, those old 20's cars would turn over so slow, but would start. If not, you built a small fire, push it over the hot coals and heat up that engine!
