here's the scoop!! First, James and John, sorry, but wrong answers.
After everyone fueled and we were ready to leave, John turned the ignition key and nothing happened. He was kind of panicing, not knowing what was wrong. So, I suggested he put the transmission in gear, move the car slightly and try again. Sure, enough, that beast fired right up and off we went. So, what was wrong? Not sure, but guess the starter might have been stuck with the starter gear lodged against a tooth on the flywheel.
End of story.
Next question.
Jim