Appreciate some pointers to trace down the following problem.

For the last month or so have experienced extremely poor low end power ie from standing start. It has reached the point that if I stop the car with the front wheels just touching a speed hump it won't get up enough power to go over. Same happens in reverse - but I get the feeling that it is actually worse if that is possible. Once the car is moving things are relatively ok ie can cruise up to and run on 100 - 120 KPH etc. The problem is generally there but sometimes not. Another thing is sometimes when travelling along at normal road speed, say 60-80 kph and I go over a bump in the road the car gets a "squirt" of energy from somewhere. When having the "power problem" the engine is not revving ie no slippage in the transmission. If I have the auto in neutral/park I can rev the car normally.

I have checked the fuel pumps and regulator(pressure tested). Cannot see/feel/hear any vacuum leaks.

I haven't done any recent mods/changes/service to the car.

The car is an aussie 245 auto (1980) with ci.

(The price the parts down here prohibts the shotgun approach of replacing parts one at a time until fixed.)

Thanks again for any hints on where to look now.

cheers

Mike

1980 245 auto ci (daily driver)
1978 244 auto ci (bought from parents to give to daughter but stolen by wife!)