The MGB: A Quintessentially British Sports Car Celebrating its 50th Anniversary
Over half a million examples of the MGB have been produced in the last three decades, with everyone from Prince Charles to Sharon Stone owning one. This quintessentially British sports car recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, prompting manufacturers to create an all-new version called the Frontline LE 50. Priced at a hefty £62,000, this modern interpretation of the classic MGB is sure to generate interest among enthusiasts and collectors.
The Frontline LE 50's design is rooted in the traditional British Motor Heritage bodyshell, but with a contemporary twist. Underneath its sleek exterior lies a very modern machine, boasting a 2-liter Mazda MX-5 engine that has been completely rebuilt to produce 250 bhp. This powerful engine powers the rear wheels via a Vararam Mazda 6-speed gearbox and supports a completely redesigned suspension system.
Comparing the Engine: Then vs. Now
To understand just how much has changed since the MGB's inception, we need to look at its engine. The traditional 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit from 1966 is quite different from its modern-day counterpart. This old BMC engine was a tough old unit, but it produces only about 95 horsepower - not exactly a powerhouse. However, these lightweight vehicles weigh just over a ton and can accelerate in under 12 seconds.
In contrast, the Frontline LE 50's engine has been upgraded with an aluminum version of the start and gearbox, saving a whopping 130 kilograms on weight. While this may seem like a small decrease, it significantly impacts the overall performance of the vehicle. The modern-day engine now produces about 60 horsepower in just 5 seconds and can reach speeds of up to 160 miles per hour.
Handling: A Monocoque Chassis with Torsional Rigidity
One significant change between the old and new MGB is its chassis. The classic model features a separate wing stuck on top of the chassis, providing added strength but also increasing the overall weight of the vehicle. In contrast, the Frontline LE 50 boasts a monocoque chassis that does away with this extra component.
This design shift results in increased torsional rigidity, allowing for sharper handling and more precise cornering. The new suspension system helps to keep the car stable, despite its lively rear axle and high power output of 240 bhp per ton. This translates into a beautifully weighted steering experience that's both enjoyable and responsive.
A Dash Through Time: Old-School Character vs. Modern Sophistication
The early 50s dashboard in the Frontline LE 50 is an interesting blend of old-school charm and modern convenience. Identical instruments and black crackle finish paint work evoke memories of the classic MGB, while the optional features like an iPod dock and air conditioning bring a touch of contemporary sophistication to this retro design.
This juxtaposition of old and new creates a unique driving experience that's both familiar and exciting. The car still drives very much like its predecessors, but with improved weights and performance making it more than just a nostalgic throwback.
Choosing Between Old and New
Ultimately, whether you choose the classic MGB or its modern interpretation, like the Frontline LE 50, comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a driving experience. The sixties car has undeniable character and a certain je ne sais quoi that's hard to replicate with modern technology.
However, for those who prioritize weight savings and improved performance, the Frontline LE 50 may be the better choice. Its sleek design, potent engine, and advanced suspension system make it an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for a more modern take on the classic MGB.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis is one of the most successful sports cars ever made over half a million four built in a production period that spans three decades everybody from Prince Charles to Sharon Stone has owned one I'm talking about the quintessentially British MGB which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary now as you expect them in all sorts of things to celebrate this occasion however what manufacturers got one step further and created an all-new B it's called the frontline le 50 and it costs a hefty 62,000 pounds underneath a brand-new British Motor Heritage bodyshell is a very contemporary machine for starters under the bonnet there's a 2 litre Mazda mx-5 engine which Frontline have completely rebuilt to produce 250 bhp that power is delivered to the rear wheels varam Mazda 6 speed gearbox and the whole lot supported a completely redesigned suspension but can it possibly be worth 10 times more than an original MGB from the 60s we need a comparison we'll start with the engine this 1966 example as the traditional 1.8 litre four-cylinder unit this old BMC the engine was a tough old unit if that's what in this car 92 thousand miles rebuilt this produces about 95 horsepower which doesn't sound much but these empty beings only weight just over a ton in about 12 seconds mind you it would need a long downhill run to get over a hundred miles of our the modern-day version is rather fruitier for starters by replacing an old car start engine and gearbox with a on an aluminium version they've saved a hundred and thirty kilograms on the weight we'll lack power it can now get 60 it just attach over five seconds and go up to a top speed of 160 miles an hour then there's the handling but B was the first mg to have a monocoque chassis that means it doesn't have a separate warding stuck on top of the chassis but that means it's got a lot more torsional rigidity so going through these swooping undulating corners it's really does sharpen up the hand oh whoa whoa one thing you haven't got though is purpose Terry and this is heavy but it's great feel of feedback as I go through these twisty quarters the Ellie 50s handling is dominated by its extra crunch 240 bhp per ton which made us them live rear axle can get very lively my trance now got coilover Springs and dampers that keep it under control and I have to say this is a beautifully polished earring that's nicely weighted great feel inside there's very little to choose between old and new the early 50s dashboard uses identical spits instruments and black crackle finish paint work although the optional iPod dock and 3,000 pound air conditioning are very much of today so which should you choose well in the end it all comes down to feel the sixties car has character this old beam still drives very much like a modern car but for the weights they're steering the fact that when you're going uphill look for old engines that whip out of puff come on go come on oh that's a good girl the revamped model adds sophistication the funny thing is though despite all these modern-day modifications this FGB said I don't like carrots an old car I think it's because it's still so narrow it's a small car it's a light car it's alive in my hands it's got only great carrots or toker combined with the best of new cars you youthis is one of the most successful sports cars ever made over half a million four built in a production period that spans three decades everybody from Prince Charles to Sharon Stone has owned one I'm talking about the quintessentially British MGB which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary now as you expect them in all sorts of things to celebrate this occasion however what manufacturers got one step further and created an all-new B it's called the frontline le 50 and it costs a hefty 62,000 pounds underneath a brand-new British Motor Heritage bodyshell is a very contemporary machine for starters under the bonnet there's a 2 litre Mazda mx-5 engine which Frontline have completely rebuilt to produce 250 bhp that power is delivered to the rear wheels varam Mazda 6 speed gearbox and the whole lot supported a completely redesigned suspension but can it possibly be worth 10 times more than an original MGB from the 60s we need a comparison we'll start with the engine this 1966 example as the traditional 1.8 litre four-cylinder unit this old BMC the engine was a tough old unit if that's what in this car 92 thousand miles rebuilt this produces about 95 horsepower which doesn't sound much but these empty beings only weight just over a ton in about 12 seconds mind you it would need a long downhill run to get over a hundred miles of our the modern-day version is rather fruitier for starters by replacing an old car start engine and gearbox with a on an aluminium version they've saved a hundred and thirty kilograms on the weight we'll lack power it can now get 60 it just attach over five seconds and go up to a top speed of 160 miles an hour then there's the handling but B was the first mg to have a monocoque chassis that means it doesn't have a separate warding stuck on top of the chassis but that means it's got a lot more torsional rigidity so going through these swooping undulating corners it's really does sharpen up the hand oh whoa whoa one thing you haven't got though is purpose Terry and this is heavy but it's great feel of feedback as I go through these twisty quarters the Ellie 50s handling is dominated by its extra crunch 240 bhp per ton which made us them live rear axle can get very lively my trance now got coilover Springs and dampers that keep it under control and I have to say this is a beautifully polished earring that's nicely weighted great feel inside there's very little to choose between old and new the early 50s dashboard uses identical spits instruments and black crackle finish paint work although the optional iPod dock and 3,000 pound air conditioning are very much of today so which should you choose well in the end it all comes down to feel the sixties car has character this old beam still drives very much like a modern car but for the weights they're steering the fact that when you're going uphill look for old engines that whip out of puff come on go come on oh that's a good girl the revamped model adds sophistication the funny thing is though despite all these modern-day modifications this FGB said I don't like carrots an old car I think it's because it's still so narrow it's a small car it's a light car it's alive in my hands it's got only great carrots or toker combined with the best of new cars you you\n"
