[750hp]

Yep - exactly what Ron says.

I ran a 13:1 compression big block with the standard Ford "clapper" starter for years without a problem, so that's definitely not the issue. Another old bomb car of mine once had a sticky solenoid that made it sound like the starter gear was just spinning without throwing out into the ring gear. I used to just give the solenoid a tap and everything was fine for the next week or so.

Ahhhh, old ****boxes - gotta love them. I learnt all about oversteer in that little Gemini. Still the most fun driving experience of any car I've ever owned.