Thanks for replies...I must point out that this has happened on only two occasions in the last fortnight, all other times runs as normal. The car is a 1988 with 194.000 ks up, i have owned it 5 years and it has beeen well cared for, serviced as per the book and it would appear that prior to me owning it, it was also serviced as per book. It is used for pleasure mainly but driven everyday. The overall condition of the car is excellent, looks and drives as new. I am not sure if this is a fuel problem or spark, it seems when turning over that it wants to start but not quiet able to do that, once going it seems to run on less than 6 cylinders and then corrects itself. I hope this extra info may help. regards graeme.