We like a Frontline MG at PH. Hard not to, really: whether four-cylinder, V8, or battery-powered, they’re exciting to drive, beautiful to look at, and a joy to be in. So it should probably be little surprise, given the current restomod craze shows no signs of abating, to find Frontline taking its MG B expertise into that car’s predecessor. Say hello to the MG A Factory Edition.
This year marks 70 years since the introduction of the A, appropriately enough, the replacement for the T-Series cars and a hugely popular little roadster way back when: more than 100,000 were sold beforel the B came in 1962. The USA and Australia were big markets for the MG; with right- and left-hand drive, plus coupe and roadster bodies available, Frontline will be hoping to tap into those territories again with the Factory Edition.
Spec details will be familiar from the four-cylinder Bs that have emerged from Abingdon in recent years. Individually throttle-bodied Duratec power comes in either 2.0-litre, 228hp form (revving all the way to 7,750rpm), or with a 2.5-litre variant making almost 300hp. Which ought to be more than sufficient in a car that’s now lighter than it was in the period. Thanks to a much less heavy drivetrain primarily, dry weight is now claimed to be just 815kg (when it was originally 900). Drive reaches the rear wheels through a Mazda manual, with substantially improved brakes - billet alloy four-piston calipers up front, two-piston behind - providing the stopping power from 155mph as well as saving some more weight.
Nitron has been providing suspension for Frontline MGs since 2005, so they were the natural partner again for dampers. A multi-link set-up replaces the original leaf springs for a more contemporary cornering experience, with an LSD on hand to help with 150hp more than standard, and electric power steering is now fitted. Though it’s hard to imagine much assistance will be needed given just 185-section tyres at each corner, whether the 15-inch wire or alloy wheels are fitted. Frontline believes it’s created a ‘fully realised performance machine with the heart of a classic’.
The interior overhaul will be familiar to those who paid attention to Frontline’s B work, with the minimalism of an old car maintained but a whole heap more features and luxury incorporated. So it’s reupholstered in any colour the customer chooses in-house, with Frontline’s tub seats included, a modern stereo fitted (with wireless charging even), and heated seats on the options list. Air con can also be added, which will be a boon for coupe clients - the appeal of a classic definitely wears off when it’s baking you into the hand-stitched leather. All Factory Editions will have their rear boot redesigned for more usable space, and this demonstrator even comes with picnic items back there. Just don’t expect them to arrive as packed with anything up to 350hp per tonne.
What’s changed, without wishing to state the ruddy obvious, is that this Frontline Factory Edition is an A rather than a B. Even smaller, even sweeter, perhaps even more perfectly suited to a British countryside scene. There’s a little more to it than just some more green over tan loveliness, however. Where the B-based builds (easy for you to say) featured new British Motor Heritage shells, here the original A body is restored to perfection before upgrading; chrome can be redone or removed as required. There are now LED lights, meaning the sidelights can be removed for a cleaner look as well as better illumination, and Frontline logos for the very first time on a Frontline car. As with the inside, the customer’s wish in terms of spec is Frontline’s command, with all manner of bespoking options possible. They’re already hinting at a Sebring homage, complete with a Perspex screen, louvres, and roundels, so the sky’s the limit really.
Interested? Almost impossible not to be. Frontline’s founder and Chief Engineer has said the A was the “natural next step” for the company. “The MG A is one of the most beautiful British sports cars ever made. But beneath that beauty, there was always untapped potential. The laggy engine and running gear,the leaf suspension, the list goes on… Our goal was to take that stunning design and engineer it to perform at a level that finally matches its looks, bringing the MGA’s full potential to life like never before”, he added.
Frontline will debut the MG A Factory Edition at Members’ Meeting this weekend (where else?) with media drives lined up for early May. Given the similarities in spec to the MG B, we’d expect a similar kick-off price around £120,000 - best get snapping up a donor car before everyone wants one…
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