The ‘Big Healey’ started life in 1952 in its 100/4 guise with a 4 cylinder 2,660cc engine. In 1956 it evolved into the Austin Healey 100/6 when the 4 cylinder engine was replaced with a 6 cylinder 2,639cc engine. Then in 1959 it became the Austin Healey 3000 with the 6 cylinder engine enlarged to 2,912cc. All of these cars had fairly Spartan interiors with side screen windows and a hood that took several minutes to erect.

Then in 1963 the Austin Healey 3000 became civilised with the announcement of The Austin Healey 3000 Sports Convertible (now normally referred to as a MkIIA). This has full wind up windows and a hood that can be erected in seconds rather than minutes. The gear lever was moved from the side of the gearbox to the top and the brakes were up-rated with the addition of a servo