OK so here's the problem! I parked the car facing downhill on a relatively steep hill, and although the "low fuel" light had only just come on, I couldn't restart it some hours later. The key turns and it sounds like the car is "seeking" to start. Looks like the battery is OK - still showing 12V and all electronics work, so I'm thinking that it's the fuel which is too low because of the angle. The problem is of course I cannot drive it downhill to a horizontal plane, because the gearbox is immobilised. So, is there anything I can do, short of walking 2 miles to the nearest fuel station?

You might want to put some GAS in it. Parking on a steep hilland having a very low fuel in the tank will uncover the fuel pickup sock and the out come is a fuel starved no start

I'll agree with Fireplug on this one. Same exact thing happened to mine. *Never* park it nose down like that with less than half a tank of fuel. Pull on your hiking boots and grab your gas can...you're going to see your neighborhood on a nice, lazy hike. ;)

You could put it in neutral and coast down, that is if there aren't any obstacles in the way...

Ya i had the same thing happen to me, only parked on a slight incline and had no idea why it wouldnt start. never looked at gas gauge and was stupid enough to get it towed! luckily i am part of the amoco club so it was towed free