Nor did the advert say how long the Special LE was likely to remain on sale, preferring instead to describe it as “for a limited period, the Allegro of a lifetime”. The advice was simply to snap one up before they all sold out: “A visit to your nearest Austin showroom in the next few weeks could pay you handsomely. Unless someone’s got there before you…”

With its leather-bound steering wheel, tachometer, push-button radio, striped seats and a choice of Tara Green or Astral Blue paintwork, the Allegro Special LE was… well, special.