Yeah but when they do break-they're done for. Or at least that
assembly is.

The small block Chevy is still in production (as the GM corporate Gen
III V8) but there's nothing inherently better about the core engine
being produced today. Anyone who builds hot rod or racing engines
prefers the Gen I blocks, heads, cranks and rods over the new ones.
They do last longer in the stock application because EFI engines don't
dribble raw gas over the cylinder walls during shutdown, and because
oils and filters have improved. But with modern closed loop EFI and a
catalyst just about any old engine would meet today's emissions
standards.

Now when a car refuses to start it is generally summarily towed to the
dealer. Tow fees are at an all time high although most people have
motor club towing.

As has been pointed out a large number of electronics geniuses drive
old nonelectronic cars. Pease has his VW and Jim Williams used todrive
an Alfa of pre-Graduate vintage. Of course, they live in California.