The Austin 1800 was launched in 1964 and the MKII modelled here first appeared in 1969, sporting small fins on the rear of the car in attempt to make it look less like its by then universal nickname, the Landcrab. It was the biggest of the revolutionary and high tech Alec Issigonis inspired front wheel drive range of cars and shared its engine with the MGB and had a fantastically roomy cabin. The same car was also badged as a Morris and a Wolseley.

The Allegro was later launched in 1972 as a direct replacement for it's best selling 1100/1300 range. Its styling was certainly different and for engineering reasons the car that actually arrived in the showroom, was considerably different from stylist Harris Mann’s original drawings. The most controversial fitment on the original Allegro was the almost square Quartic’ steering wheel which was dropped fairly soon after the launch. The car was eventually withdrawn in 1983 after 642,350 had been produced. JBY 794N, the 1300 Super De Luxe on which this model is based, was unusually fitted with a vinyl roof from new by the dealer who supplied the vehicle.