Weird problem
 

Turn the ignition key and starter starts to engage immediately but car never starts...never had this happen before. Thoughts?

First, what year is the car?

Second, based on the info provided, you are out of gas. (I wonder why I have no friends?:D)

Have you done any maintenance recently? Has it sat for a while? Has it been running differently?

are you turning the key over the spring or just so the light on dash comes on?
If yes your el.portion of ignition switch is bad...

Ivan

1982 911sc. Literally just turning key just a wee bit engages the starter. Car is full of gas.

Check for spark at the plugs.... Use an inductive timing light on a wire, or pull a wire and ground it against the engine while someone cranks the car for you. Don't get shocked in the process. :eek:

again ......do you turn the key over the load spring??????
Your car has no DME relay that is from 1984 Carrera models only...
Ivan

I gather from your last post that the starter engages as soon as the key is moved from the vertical position, long before it reaches the far right START position. If so, I agree with proporsche, problem with the electrical portion of the ignition switch. If not, you need to make that clear.

If you turn the switch to the start position does it start then?

It sounds like the electrical part of the ignition switch is no good.

Lorne M.