idling problem, nearly dies, but only once after cold start
 

I have only had this car for a few months, 1997 Civic LX sedan, bought from a friend... and it has this problem - had it when the friend had it also.

EVERY day, after a cold start, car runs fine, then within 1/4 mile from the house/work the car dies, does not stall, but will not accelerate. You can crack the throttle and it will kick back in after 3-5 seconds... sometimes I floor it... and it comes back with a lurch. Once it does that ONE time, NEVER twice, its golden... maybe the strongest driving Civic out there.

Any ideas? It has new cap, rotor, plugs, wires, fuel filter, timing belt, air filter is clean... getting 40 mpg in mixed driving - so nothing could be THAT wrong...