Yet another wee problem with the squareback.
it will start fine from cold, run fine with a slight flat spot that I think is due to me running it on 98 octane, but if you stop after only 10 mins or so its a real sod to get started again. The car always has a slight petrolly smell after being run but its almost like the carbs have flooded, yet you have to gentley pump the pedal to get it to start. Is it a pull the carbs to bits, clean and go from there problem, or something much simpler. its a 1600 twin carb with the automatic choke.

Points. Check the points. Closed up points can make it harder to start. What type of dizzy are you running. Good chance it is a 009. If so, this is more likely the cause of the flat spot than the type of fuel. You need a dual advance (vac & mech advance) dizzy to overcome the flat spot.

Is the petrol smell coming from the back or the front and is it stronger after going around a corner. Check all your fuel lines as stiff, cracked hoses are a common source of leakage (and BBQ cars). Also check the overflow line up the front as this is commonly cracked and leaks fuel every time you turn left.

Also check the system for air leaks.When cold the chokes might mask the presence of extra air entering the system.When hot there are no chokes on and it will be harder to start and give ya flat spots.Just one of 1000 things to check...:beer:jesus

how do I check for air leaks?
More and more becoming convinced the previous owner did bugger all servicing and maintanance on the poor car...

dunno about the flat spot...i'd think that may be dizzy related at a stab... as far as being hard to start... I find my Kombi is a bitch to start when warm if I just push the starter... I find that if the engine is warm, I have to hold the pedal to the floor while turning over the engine until it starts... usually starts within a second or 2 if I do it this way.

If I dont, then it just turns over without starting and floods itself...

maybe running a bit rich