A timing light and a sharp ear used to be enough.

In the '70s and '80s, basic computers appeared but remained simple to maintain. Still, new electrical gremlins emerged - water leaks caused wiring faults, and intermittent issues required brand-specific knowledge.

Yet, many mechanics fondly remember the “Spanner era”, when there was room to swing a spanner, suspension and brake systems were straightforward, and engines were built to last. Welding was routine, whether patching an exhaust or crafting a quick fix on the fly.