150 hp, 2,912 cu. in. OHV six-cylinder engine, twin SU carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, live rear axle with semi-elliptic rear springs, hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 92"

• First Austin-Healey 3000 model with windup windows, curved windshield

• 4,640 miles since complete restoration

• Chrome wire wheels, four-speed and overdrive gearbox

In 1952 the British Motor Corporation held a competition to design a new two-seater Austin sports car. Donald Healey’s “100” won, and the Earl’s Court Motor Show prototype was ordered into production.

By the time the Healey 100 made its appearance at the 1953 International Motor Sports Show in New York, it was in production at Austin’s factory at Longbridge and had become the Austin-Healey 100. It was simple, robust and reasonably priced at $2,995.

Austin-Healey launched the 100-6 in 1956, with the new Austin Westminster 2,639-cc six-cylinder engine, along with jump seats in the back. In 1959 the final version of the Austin-Healey engine arrived. At 2,912 cc, it precipitated a name change to Austin-Healey 3000, and top speed went up to 115 mph. But it was still a roadster with impractical side curtains. The introduction of the Mk II in 1962 with curved-windshield and windup windows was therefore greeted with sighs of relief. At this point the two-seater was abandoned, and only a 2+2 was built.

The car on offer today is a recent restoration of a sound car, with only 4,640 miles covered since the work was completed. It is finished in dynamic black over red coves, with a new red leather interior. One of 6,113 Mk IIs built between 1962-64, it has chrome wire wheels and a four-speed and overdrive gearbox. The panel fit is excellent, the interior is tidy, and everything under the hood is rebuilt. The chrome and brightwork are excellent as well. Big Healeys are consistently desirable among British sports car enthusiasts. They are fast enough for modern traffic and big enough for U.S. distances, with timeless styling to boot.