self-starter

noun3

1. •
   A person who shows initiative and resourcefulness.
2. •
   A mechanism (usually one operated by electricity, compressed air, a spring, or an explosive gas), attached to an internal-combustion engine, as on an automobile, and used as a means of starting the engine without cranking it by hand.
3. •
   An engine so equipped, or the vehicle that it powers.

   • His ancient Cadillac was one of the first self-starters.