Sticking fuel gauge needle...
 

What would be a typical reason for a fuel gauge needle to stick at the left side? Happens occasionally, then the next time one starts the engine, it does not do it.

I don't know, but mine does it sometimes too. I tend to calculate the urgency of finding petrol by the odometer rather than the fuel gauge.

Sticking fuel gauge needle...
 

I know nothing about the late cars but if they have a float in the
tank operating a potentiometer then it is probable causing the
problem. They tend to stick, especially of the car it left standing
for a time. The best thing is to remove it from the tank and waggle
it up and down to remove any sticktion. Clean out the pot bearings
if necessary.
Ash

Sticking fuel gauge needle...
 

First, easy item to check are the electrical connections and ground
to the sender. My Alfa gauge wiggles and this will be done soon!

Unfortunately to do that on the later cars you have to remove the rear window first I think.