RESTOMOD MGB MODELS FEATURE V8 OR ELECTRIC POWER AND A MANUAL GEARBOX

Frontline Cars, a UK-based company known for building reimagined MGBs, revealed its latest pair of restomods, a V8-powered "LE60" model to mark the original model's 60th anniversary, and the “BEE” model, featuring an electric motor paired with a manual gearbox. Frontline plans to build just 30 examples.

Working from the factory MGB chassis, each restomod sports a widened track and body. The LE60, weighing approximately 2,473 pounds, is capable of 375 horsepower, nearly triple the output of the original MGB, made possible by a new 4.8-liter Rover V8 engine. A five-speed manual transmission routes its available 297 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. A limited-slip differential provides more traction to support the sports car’s quick four-second zero to 60 mph acceleration time.

The BEE EV, pictured in GT trim with a roadster body as an option, features a 114-horspower electric motor with 162 lb-ft of torque, which, like the V8 version, is sent to the rear axle via a manual gearbox with clutch pedal activation. Frontline Cars claims the electric sports car revs like an internal combustion engine, up to 9,000 rpm. A 40-kWh battery pack provides the power and can be fully charged in just over five hours. It weighs in at 2,615 pounds, just 142 lbs. heavier than the V8 model.

Each vehicle’s chassis is reportedly strengthened to handle the extra power. Plus, the car’s all-new suspension is co-developed with Nitron, with both variants achieving a nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution for optimal handling capabilities.

The cars can be seen in-person on October 8 at the Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble. Deliveries of the LE60, BEE GT coupe, and BEE roadster are scheduled to begin next year. Frontline also states that current MGB owners can have their cars converted to electric power.

2023-09-25T21:14:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd