<VV> starter/electrical problems

[jeandelucca at aol.com]

 this morning, when i went to start my normally reliable 63 monza, it cranked right over, but before it could start, the cranking sound was replaced with a loud sound, almost sounded like a shop vac running. turning off the key did not stop the noise, nor did the generator light go off with the key off. i opened the engine lid, still a loud noise like a shop vac. the only way to end this was to remove the battery cable. i have never had this happen before. i am thinking something is stuck with the starter or the starter solenoid.touching the battery cable back to the battery results in sparks, indicating current is being drawn. i should add that it was below freezing here, but i have been using the car daily. any ideas would greatly be appreciated. thanks, jim