904 dual pumper

At least it didn't cost you more to get it rebuilt.

As I recall, the shop manual says to push the car to 40 mph in 2nd gear with the ignition on to start (or you could roll down a hill). I have 3 pre-1966 Mopars like that. I think the 2 pumps went with the cable shift design.

I expect push starting and towing were not the reason for the 2 pump design. It probably was superior in some technical way and was dropped as a cost savings and/or to prevent owners from push-starting (lawyers). As time passes, the manufacturers often cheapen a design, such as going to cast cranks, stamped rocker arms, fewer bolts, etc. "They don't make it like they used to" often has truths.