Vertex Magneto. It's a self contained ignition system, has no need for an external battery or generator/alternator. Jerry could explain it better than I can, but essentially, it has its own generator built into the housing, plus the high tension coil. You can have it out of the engine, sin the shaft by hand, and it'll make a spark with a pretty good wallop to it (don't ask how I know that ;)). Those were very popular on race cars, as it eliminates several components (starter, generator), reducing weight and power losses.
