There are DC brushless motors as well. I have a battery operated impact driver that's brushless. But things like that didn't exist in the '50's, and definitely not for starter motors.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.