The six – cylinder Austin – Healey 100/6 was more refined amd more grown up than the original four-cylinder 100, but enthusiasts were disappointed to learn that it was also a shade slower.

Even the later versions with six – port cylinder heads and more power struggle to outpace the earlier cars. Those looking for a faster Healey had to wait until 1959, and the introduction of the Austin – Healey 3000.

As its name implies, the 3000 was fitted with a 3.0 litre engine in place of the 2.6 litre unit in the 100/6 – actually a 2912cc straight – six developing 124bhp. Disc front brakes, now becoming common on performance cars, were also fitted. Like the 100/6, the 3000 was available in two-seater and two-plus-two forms, though most buyers opted to have the extra seats.

The next significant development was the MkIIa, which introduced a curved windscreen, wind up windows instead of the earlier removable affair.

The gentrification of the “Big Healey” continued with the MkIII of 1964, which was given a more luxurious interior featuring a wooden dashboard, and a brake servo to lighten pedal pressures – but also had a 148bhp engine for swifter performance.

The big Healeys were a major sales success, attracting thousands of enthusiasts in the home market – where the cars many rally victories kept them in the public eye – and tens of thousands more in the US. Today these are fondly remembered and eagerly sought cars which command premium prices.