Tim,
First, Let's check for spark, as it's one of only three things you need to make a car run. The other two are fuel (air and gasoline), and compression.
Since the car has run for you, we can assume the compression is adequate. ALWAYS check for spark FIRST, then fuel.
Disconnect the large diameter wire that runs from the center of the distributor cap to the center of the coil, from the cap. Insert a number two phillips head screwdriver into the metal end on this wire. Holding the screwdriver by the handle (Don't touch the metal blade or if you are getting spark you'll REALLY know it!) place some portion of the blade within about 1/4" of the engine block, where you can observe the gap. I like to use a head bolt or stud for this. Now, being careful not to touch the blade, have someone crank the engine over with the ignition on. Make sure the car is out of gear!
If the ignition system is working, there should be a bright purple/blue spark in the space you left between the blade and the block. No spark? We have narrowed down the possibilities a LOT. Yes spark? Now put the wire back into the coil and try each spark plug wire the same way. Remove the wire from the plug and substitute the screwdriver point, just as with the coil wire. Spark at all plugs? The problem is not ignition, with the exception that the timing could concievably be so far off that it's causing trouble. Otherwise, check for fuel delivery.
In your post you mention a whine which you felt was the fuel pump. This may be, but if it's so, the fuel pump is not the stock SU unit, which emits a ticking sound when it's pumping fuel. This sound is intermittent since the pump only runs on demand. When you first turn on the ignition, you should eperience a bit of ticking, followed by silence. To check for delivery, disconnect the fuel supply line at the feed to the carburetter, point the line into a coffee can or something else that's "gasoline proof". Trust me, styrofoam coffee cups don't work. I was one of the pioneers on finding this out a looooong time ago... Anyhow, when the key is turned on, fuel should come out of this hose at a pretty good clip. Be ready to turn off the key.
OK, look into this stuff and get back to us. We'll figger it out!!
Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon