I think your thread stated the car has around 83k miles, When cranking does the engine sound different? You're in the zone for timing chain problems.
Mike

Car sounds absolutely normal when cranking, except that it doesn't fire up. It just turns over. I checked the fuel quantity, the battery and all connections between distributor and spark plugs.

Thanks for any additional suggestions.

Got it started by tapping on the fuel pump while my wife turned the key.

Drove to mechanic for a new fuel pump.