Doug Miller fired this volley in
:

No, you didn't. Chrysler starters of the 60s and 70s had a simple
plunger solenoid.

Most solenoids - even those acting as starter contactors - are "simple
plunger solenoids".

I have four cars, three lawnmowers, one tractor, and one forklift.
The four cars are all under 15 years old, and two of them have Bendix-
style starters. Both lawnmowers are under 5 years old, and do. So do
the tractor and forklift.

Even starters where the solenoid "helps" the pinion out with a fork and
spring-loaded pusher (not the positive pre-engagement style) often still
have the Bendix helix to help force the pinion back out of engagement
after the motor starts.

My Toyota van and Mitsubishi Galant have overrunning sprag clutches with
a forked solenoid and helper springs for a "modified pre-engagement".

I don't disagree that there are now other designs than the Bendix (maybe
more than not), but it's a little over-reaching to say it was
"abandoned".

LLoyd