<!–

–>

Frontline Cars is back with a pair of restomod MGBs, both shown in their attractive GT, hardtop form. While one, the LE60 is a V8-powered hot rod, the other, called MG Bee, is a subtle, all-electric version that retains its manual transmission and weighs just 2,614 lbs (1,186 kg).

Although that’s a few pounds more than the original car, it’s considerably less than the likes of, say, the Abarth 500e, which tips the scales at 3,108 lbs (1,410 kg). In addition, unlike the original MGB, Frontline Cars has managed to even out the weight distribution to give the sports car a perfect 50/50 split, whether you opt for the electric or the V8 version.

For the latter, power comes from a Rover V8 that offers MGB LE60 drivers 375 hp (280 kW/380 PS) and 297 lb-ft (403 Nm) of torque, which is nearly four times more than the engine it replaces. Sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed Tremec transmission and a limited slip differential, it can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in four seconds flat.

advertisement scroll to continue

Read: David Brown Unveils Mini eMastered With 18.8 kWh Battery And 97 HP

By comparison, the electric Bee is more of a cruiser. Its electric powertrain offers drivers 114 hp (85 kW/115 PS)and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque, which means a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint of 8.8 seconds. While slower than the V8-powered LE60 model, it’s still faster than the car could originally manage.

What will separate the Bee from other electromods is its motor, which is said to offer torque a bit like an internal combustion engine. That means that it, too, has a five-speed manual transmission that drivers can really use. Although owners can stick it in third-gear and not worry about shifting (being electric, the motor can’t stall), they can also shift through the gears to take advantage of the 9,000 RPM electric motor’s torque curve.

Energy is stored in a 40 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 140 miles (225 km), Frontline Cars claims. It adds that the car can be recharged in five hours, using a domestic 7 kW charger.

Whether you opt for the electric option or the V8 variant, the MGB will be thoroughly restored, with Frontline Cars perfecting its body work and refining the interior with leather and other high-quality materials.

Deliveries of the Bee and the LE60 are set to begin in 2024, though the company plans to make just 30 examples of the V8-powered hot rod. It will also offers restoration services for people who already own an MGB.