Having access to a carb flow stand was a plus.
We thought we had arrived when we got our hands on a timing light and a dwell meter... Most had an extra condenser and set of points in the glove box, and an ignition wrench, a feeler gauge and a screwdriver could get you going.
Real performance required 'talent', some money, and the willingness to experiment.
For most of us, at first, so long as it got to highway speed, didn't wake the folks up if you came in late (as if they weren't awake anyway), and didn't burn more oil than gas, that first car was a big step toward self-sufficiency and maturity.
It wasn't until later we discovered going fast...