Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -
Seems I have a recollection of a automobile at one time that the
starter motor also served as the generator once the engine was
running.

.......

Yes, Dodge had a gear driven starter/generator that was called the “silent start system. Because when you hit the switch all you heard was the engine turning over until it started or the battery was dead.

It was obviously a great idea that’s why every car has them. 😳🙄