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A Is for Awesome in Frontline’s Latest MG Restomod
Seventy years since it made its debut, the MGA has been given an astonishing update by British specialist Frontline.
“The MGA 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,” explains Frontline founder Tim Fenna.
The company, which has already worked wonders with the MGB, has now applied a similar formula to its 1950s predecessor to create the Frontline MGA Factory Edition. It starts with a choice of two Ford Duratec motors: a two-liter offering 228 hp and a 2.5-liter with 290 horses. That’s more than double the output of the original 1500-cc twin cam and will propel the lithesome MGA to 70 mph in less than five seconds. Shifting gears is taken care of by a Mazda Miata five-speed manual transmission, and there’s a limited-slip differential as well.
Frontline’s five-link suspension replaces the leaf springs at the rear, and Nitron components are used, with optimized spring rates, camber, and caster. It’s a tried-and-tested system that Frontline has supplied to more than 2000 MG owners since 2005. Up front, there are new telescopic dampers, and an electric power steering system is also installed. Braking comes from vented discs at each corner with four-pot front calipers and two-piston rears.
“We’ve dialed in the handling to create an experience that’s as engaging as any modern sports car while maintaining that classic roadster feel,” says Fenna.
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Outwardly, the Frontline MGA Factory Edition is only subtly altered, with modern LED lighting and improved panel gaps, while the interior is a mix of leather and Alcantara, which can be fully personalized. Alloy tub seats replace the original items, and there are new Smiths instruments along with hidden modern touches such as electric windows and an audio system.
The asking price in the U.K. is £145,000 plus taxes ($190,000), although that will vary depending on the condition of the donor car and final specification.
MG built more than 100,000 As between 1955 and 1962, with well over half of those finding homes in the U.S.A. How many owners will be tempted by this astonishing upgrade?
The new MGA is very interesting car but compared to the early ones the only comparison is the outside view. Absolutely no problem with that, but having worked on the early models in the mid 1960’s makes me want one of those. Not to take anything away from the new one, bless the new one with good sales.
I like much of what they have done. My head is still spinning at $190k though.
I could put a different motor and suspension in my MGA with helpful how-to’s already online. The rest of the car isn’t very different (gauges, interior, body). I’d save about 186k. But I’m fine with my A with it’s 1967 MGB motor and later axle/gearing
Yep! I agree with the ( gasp) $ 190k. All these retros coming out are WAY overpriced. It’s like all the shops are trying to get all their R & D costs out of EACH car or truck. I guess for the person who can’t build their own it’s great. I’ll bet though with a little shopping around you could find a shop to build them for a lot less.
As an owner of a 1960 MGA, I am not much of a fan of this iteration of the car. Even with the updated suspension work, I am not sure I would want almost 300HP in this 65 year old chassis. Part of the charm of these old British cars is the simplicity and the fun that can be had at lower speeds.
If I were to “restomod” an MGA, I would focus on reducing maintenance needs by eliminating grease points and upgrading various seals. Upgrade brakes all around and increase electric system, lighting, and seat belts. Make the car comfortable and fun to drive (more) safely in modern traffic. As far as engine power, I think the existing bolt-on supercharger system that is available would give just enough additional power to make good acceleration when needed.