52 Starter wont always engage

[KiwiAlex]

heya

1952 Buick Special.
12V system.

Issue:
In the mornings or when cold the starter dosnt always turn over the engine. This issue dosnt happen once the cars warmed up or been driven for a bit.

1. So I jump in the car and try to start it on up.
2. I hear the starter motor spinning over strongly and powerfully yet not turning over the engine. kinda sounds like its spinning but not hitting anything.
3. This may happen just a few times all the way up to 20 or so times before it engages normally and cranks the engine easy.

Yet once its been warmed up and driven for a bit I find its starts first try.

When it turns over the engine the car starts fine with in a few seconds either hot or cold.

So before I go pulling it off I thought I would pop on here and get a few ideas.
I can make up a video if that would help.

Im NZ based. So if im to order in parts i want to make sure I get the correct bits first time.
Will be placing an order to Bobs shortly as the fuel pump has had a small leak from the vent holes on the side for some time. So if i need a starter drive or something they have i guess nows the time.

You can see the starter briefly in the following vid of the underside of my car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojxGDfOXMWk

Any ideas?

Alex

[65specialconvert]

Springs in the starter drive are collapsed.You need a new drive.