Frontline Cars Relaunches with Electric MGB Restomods
Frontline Cars, a specialist in MGB restomods, has made a comeback with two bespoke sports cars based on the classic MGB GT. The highlight of the relaunch is an electric conversion called the Bee GT, which combines an electric motor with a fully functional manual gearbox, promising to maintain the analogue driving experience.
The Bee GT aims to be engaging and pleasurable to drive without compromising on performance. It is equipped with a Hyper 9 100V motor that delivers torque comparable to a conventional combustion engine. The motor revs up to 9000rpm and produces 114bhp and 162lb ft of torque, allowing the Bee GT to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 8.8 seconds.
One of the unique features of the Bee GT is its ability to start and stop in any of its five gears, unlike a conventional combustion engine that can stall. Additionally, the driver can choose to exclusively drive in second or third gear if desired. The Bee GT is powered by a 40kWh battery, providing a claimed range of 140 miles, which Frontline believes is sufficient for enjoyable electric car ownership. Recharging the battery from empty to full takes approximately five hours using a 7kWh charge point.
In terms of weight, the Bee GT is significantly lighter than most electric sports cars. While an Abarth 500e weighs 1410kg, the Bee GT tips the scales at just 1186kg, evenly distributed over each axle.
Inside the Bee GT, the traditional rev counter has been replaced with a power delivery gauge that displays how much of the motor’s potential or energy recuperation is being used. The remaining range is shown on the fuel gauge.
Externally, the Bee GT features subtle styling tweaks, including period-correct Dunlop racing wheels and a more aggressive front chin spoiler. It is available as both a coupé and a roadster, with the roadster variant dropping the ‘GT’ moniker.
Deliveries of the Bee GT are scheduled to begin in 2024. Frontline Cars also plans to offer electric conversions for existing customers.
Alongside the Bee GT, Frontline Cars has introduced the LE60, a successor to the LE50 that was launched a decade ago. The LE60 is a restomod with hot-rod-esque de-chromed bodywork and a modified 4.8-litre Rover V8 engine. This powerful engine produces 375bhp and 297lb ft of torque, almost four times the original four-pot MGB’s power output. It is paired with a five-speed Tremec manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, enabling the LE60 to accelerate from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.0 seconds.
To support the increased power, the LE60 has undergone chassis upgrades, including a wider footprint, strengthened bodywork, and 310mm vented brake discs. It also features a bespoke suspension setup from Nitron, an Oxfordshire-based manufacturer. Despite the reinforcements and larger engine, the LE60 remains slightly lighter than the Bee GT, weighing 1122kg, with a 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear.
Frontline Cars plans to produce a total of 30 LE60s, with deliveries set to begin next year.
The relaunch of Frontline Cars with these two unique MGB restomods showcases the company’s commitment to preserving the classic driving experience while incorporating modern powertrains. Whether it’s the engaging electric Bee GT or the powerful LE60, these restomods offer enthusiasts a chance to experience the best of both worlds: classic design and cutting-edge technology.