As mentioned, there were three main Austin-Healy generation types: the 1953-1956 A-H 100, the 1956-1959 A-H 100-Six, and the 1959-1967 A-H 3000. Austin-Healey 100 wheelbase was 90 inches (2286 mm), whereas for the A-H 100/6 and 3000 it was 92 inches (2337 mm). This increase was probably related to the replacement of the inline-four cylinder motor of the A-H 100 by an inline-six.
Over time, some other changes impacting design included replacement of side-curtains with roll-up windows and the addition of tiny back seats to some models. But those impacts along with facelift details were minor, because the final Austin-Healeys looked largely the same as the first ones.
Earliest Austin-Healey's had windshields that would fold down, as seen in this photo. The character line on the side is shorter than those of later models. The profile is very nice, though note that the peak of the rear fender is slightly aft of the rear axle line (as denoted by the wheel hub). The profile of the wheel opening is distorted away from the roundedness of the tire so as to better conform to the fender shape. Very subtle, and probably not noticeable to casual viewers.
The longer character line is seen here. The added wheelbase probably resulted in lengthening forward of the cowling/firewall. Note that the front fender seems to curve downward more forward of the aft edge of the wheel opening than that of the A-H 100 in the previous image. Very subtle.
This shows the extended character line as the division between paint colors on two-tone Austin-Healeys. This late example car features a bulkier folding top and a raised, chromed belt above the fenderline for roll-up windows.
The grille is a widened version of those found on earlier Healey cars. Note the knob and track for the fold-down windshield. The hood strap and louvres are not found on the most basic A-H 100s.
The grille profile is different, as are grille bars. The raised hood scoop was required due to the added height of the inline six cylinder engine. The windshield does not fold down.
The 3000 featured a windshield that was wider and more greatly curved than on previous Austin-Healeys. This required a revised cowling-firewall structure. Note the different grille bars.
This was a true roadster with side curtains for rain protection (not seen here).
The character line ends at the rear bumper, a professional styling touch. Turn-signal lights are added to the rear.
Turn-signal lights are enlarged. One of my college fraternity brothers had a A-H such as this, and I recall that it struck me as looking a bit more massive than earlier Austin-Healeys. However, all A-Hs had the same width: 60 inches (1924 mm), so that impression was probably due to the styling changes cited above.
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