1991 Toyota MR2 NA with the 5S-FE Engine. Hard starting and other complications...

As stated in the title, I have a 91 NA MR2.

The issue started occurring one day idling in traffic. The engine just cut out, like if it had stalled. Check engine light went on. Tried starting it again; cranked but no start. Pedal to the floor, start again, and it roared to life. Drove off, thinking it was just the car having a mood. After all, it is 25 years old.

The problem has steadily become more recurring:

• Once, after filling up at a gas station, the car would not start. Endless cranking, but not start. Would be fine after a couple of minutes and attempts.

• Rolling down a hill in neutral when the engine cut out. Had to roll to a lucky side parking spot. Again, would not start after several attempts.

• Waiting to turn left onto a side street. Clutch in, first gear, engine shuts off. Cue frustrated commuters behind me as I try to bring the MR2 back to life.

I have my own suspicions of what it might be, but I would appreciate advice from the more seasoned mechanics here for a better chance of pinpointing the problem.

Any ideas?

update: lots of oil in the distributor. Could explain why?