Why did older cars have a key, fuel pump switch, and a starter button?

[82SC]

just wondering why all the complexities...

(am watching Victory by Design: Ferrari and saw the setup)

And the 550's had it...and S2000 is imitating and so is the ne M-B (without the fule pump step)

Was it because of the older fuel system?

Maybe an interesting little tidbit to add to my ground up porject 911....

But then I am scared of valet drivers...they already have problems with my RS door panels...

MJ

[makaio]

MJ, the fuel pump switch was for the electric fuel pumps. My old Tahiti jet boat had a similar set-up. You turned the key on, flip the fuel pump switch to on, then hit the button and the 454 chevy, breathing through 2 -750 cfm holley carbs, and un-corked Bassett headers, came to life, with a thunderous roar. I was the Kurt B. of the water!

[rvanderpyl]

I just put this setup in my car to replace the broken ignition switch.

An electric keyed switch for security, hidden, a toggle switch with a cover that flips up before you turn it on, and if pushed down turns the switch off, and a nice big starter button. Except I wired the toggle switch with the fuel pump and power so that when you turn it off it also kills the car.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

You guys want to someday try to start an R2800 radial (F4U Corsair, etc.). I always wish for a third and sometimes fourth hand.

Stephan

[Wayne 962]

The 550 didn't have an electric fuel pump though (pretty sure). Are you referring to the fuel cock instead?

-Wayne