timing retard for starting

We had one years ago that was a 13.5:1 race only engine. All we did was run the ignition hot through a toggle switch. That way, we could simply switch it off, spin the engine with no spark and get it spinnin good then flip the toggle to on. BAM it would light off every time. In fact, my friend still has the car. We are talkin about gettin it outta mothballs and maybe gettin it goin again.