I have a Typical sewing machine with all the electronic bells and whistles, also needs an air feed for certain operations, however if the air feed isn't connected it will work with basic functions, ie no auto footlift, no auto high foot lift, no second stitch length on switch.I imagine as long as the motor works it will also function in basic mode, if not a swap to a basic servo motor with needle postioner will get it working fine.
However we also have a durkop adler machine at work with similar functions but due to an electronic fault will not work, no manual foot lift so cannot be used even if the motor was swapped out.