Could be there is a problem in that gear?

 

I still think he had a fuel starvation issue from a partially clogged fuel filter being that he had done a restoration with the car laid up for a time and had never changed the fuel filter since purchase.

 

Fuel filter should be a quick switch out. Have the new one at hand, pre-loosen both hoses, say a quick prayer, pull both hoses, and place hoses on new filter super fast ( correct direction is important). Oh, and don’t swallow the gas that fails in your mouth. I think that it’s bad for your health. Oh, and don’t light a cigarette in celebration.