turning steering wheel fixes no start condition

Is it the original starter? Sounds like the solenoid is sticking.
Take a hammer and tap the solenoid on the starter when it doesn't start.

Cheers

why would turning the steering wheel fix a stuck solinoid?

If the key switch is in the steering column, then perhaps turning the
steering wheel is causing an electrical connection to connect better.

I would look at a factory wiring diagram and see what all electrical is
activated in the steering column to start the vehicle. If there is
electronic security which needs to read a chip in a key, I would suspect
something related to that.

Might also try jiggling the key switch and playing with the wires going
to the steering column from under the dash when trying to start. See if
that gets it to start as well.