Key enters in it prior to Bluebird running (8)
I believe the answer is:
ignition
'bluebird running' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'key enters in it prior' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'key' could be 'g' (musical key) and 'g' is located in the answer.
'in' is within the answer.
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ignition that I've seen before include "Beginning of combustion" , "Starting of combustion" , "Act of setting something on fire" , "Point at which combustion occurs" , "The starting of car engine" .)