<VV> What *could* be damaged by reversing the battery?

[WadeHalsey]

Jim Houston wrote:

> I brought an MGB home from England in '73 that was positive ground..  
> I reversed the battery, repolarized the generator (flashed the 
> regulator), installed a U.S. radio (the Brit one won't receive 
> anything over here), and drove merrily on my way...  everything worked 
> as advertised...
> Jim Houston
> Brandon, FL 

I would have thought that the starter would spin backward----is that not 
the case? I have a Model A Ford that I occasionally have jump started by 
hooking the cables up positive to positive and negative to negative. 
BTW, a 12V battery spins that 200 ci four cylinder in a hurry!

Wade Halsey