The star of the 1952 London Motor Show, the 'Big Healey' would enjoy fantastic success and steady development, with the early four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100-Six in 1956, which in turn was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959.

By now the engine capacity of its straight-six had risen to 2912cc and the power output to 124bhp - sufficient to grace a standard car with a 0-60mph time of 11.4 seconds and a top speed of around 114mph.

There was also the option of Laycock de Normanville overdrive for the four-speed gearbox and braking had been improved by the adoption of discs at the front.

There were two body options available - a two-seater (BN7) or an occasional four-seater (BT7).

By the time the MkI 3000 was superseded by the MkII in 1961, a total of 2,825 BN7s and 10,825 BT7s had been produced.

Originally built on 29th October 1959, this 3000 Mk 1 2+2 was supplied new as a left-hand-drive export model finished in Ivory White with red interior and black hood, and dispat...