On the road towards electrification, the most common speed bump—sorry—encountered lies in the loss of the visceral thrill of the analogue driving experience; one that can also be attributed to the widespread dominance of automatic transmissions in contemporary vehicles. As a result, a small subset of niche restomod brands are contemporising classic cars to combine the driving experience of yesteryear with the horsepower of today.
You’ll also enjoy:
The Retro-Futuristic BMW Vision Neue Klasse Hints At The Marque’s EV Future
The 1960s-Inspired Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Comes In ICE Or EV
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail Is A One-Off Automotive Love Letter
Oxfordshire-based MG specialist Frontline has taken the wraps off two new MGB models; the V8-powered LE60 and the electric BEE, which offers an old-school driving experience with a manual gearbox.
The former derives its moniker from the 60th anniversary of the MGB, one of the most underrated, low maintenance sports cars. Pop the hood and you’ll find a new 4.8-litre Rover V8, delivering an output of 375 bhp; three times more powerful than the original and the most powerful car Frontline has built. As a result, the Frontline LE60 darts from 0 to 100km/h in 4 seconds, with a top speed of 274km/h. It’s mated to a five-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential and features a bulked up brake package.
The newfound power requires exceptional torsional rigidity and a solid amount of grip to ensure optimal acceleration, handling, and braking. Exclusively offered as a GT coupe, the Frontline LE 60 features subtly reworked bodywork (which still retains the Pininfarina touch) to allow for a wider stance and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. The suspension has also been tweaked, with specially-tuned Nitron coilovers to account for the power increase. With a pressed-steel body, the Frontline LE60 boasts a 50/50 weight distribution with a kerb weight of 1122kg.
Meanwhile, the affectionately named BEE is the first fully electric MGB produced by Frontline. According to the restomod brand, it’s “the solution to every classic car owner’s dilemma: how to enjoy the driving pleasures of a classic sports car while aligning with the benefits of going all electric.”
Delivering a driver-focused experience, the BEE sees a 40kWh battery power a ‘Hyper9’ 100v motor which is capable of revving to 9000rpm. It’s paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, which ostensibly works like a conventional one — but this time, you can stop and start in any gear. Like its restomod sibling, the BEE boasts a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and clocks in at just 1186kg. The BEE goes from 0 to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds, has a range of 225km and tops out at 274km/h.
The LE60 GT coupe is limited to 30 examples, while the BEE is available as a hardtop or roadster, with owners of previous Frontline models also offered the opportunity to convert their cars to fully electric.
Words by John Deckard
