1967 MG B Roadster 'Frontline'

One such firm is Frontline Developments. This Oxfordshire business takes the essence of what makes the B an automotive legend and enhances it still further, allowing it to trade blows with far more contemporary sports cars. Everything from full-electric drivetrains to V8 swaps are within its purview and it seems no customer request is too much for these talented ladies and gents.

Why we’re mentioning all this is because this MGB has been a familiar sight within Frontline’s workshops in recent years, after being built fresh from a Heritage shell by another well-known MGB restorer, California Classics Hull Limited. The car was also subjected to several upgrades at the same time, including power steering – now adjustable and speed sensitive according to the vendor. Electric windows, USB charging ports, modern audio, a Mazda five-speed transmission, a re-trim with heated seats and electronically controlled cooling and ignition systems have all since been added. 

In essence, this MGB has been rebuilt – at substantial cost (bills showing more than £72k spent since 2016) – as a classic resto-mod. That means it might look and feel old in its mechanical character, but there are enough creature comforts here to make this old Roadster both as comfortable and reliable as far more contemporary machines.

The Gunmetal Grey exterior shade allows this MGB to further echo the Abingdon and LE-editions that have made Frontline a world-famous name in MG circles. It’s easy to see why too, as its influence has made it very popular recently to paint classic MGs grey or silver. It’s tribute to the original design, perhaps, that the MGB looks just as good (perhaps even better) in these shades. Yes, we know there were some greys available in the 1970s, but they hardly compare to the deep metallic shine and quality of more modern finishes. 

We couldn’t discover the precise date when this example was built up on that Heritage shell, but we’d wager it can’t have been too long ago. The repaint dates to 2016, when the car was changed from black to its current striking gunmetal grey. The car’s speedo is showing just over 7k miles (likely a new odometer during restoration) and the paint finish remains excellent. The same deep shine can be found on the chrome with a Mohair hood also looking suitably smart and fresh. The latter does have a mark where it meets the rear deck, which is polish residue. The tonneau cover looks good although it was either loosened during our shoot or the fit isn’t quite as tight as it could be. Wire wheels look to be in excellent order, including the spare, with matching period-correct Pirellis.

It’s very clear from an initial glance inside this cabin that it’s seen some extensive and quality work. The first thing to strike you is just how fabulous those aluminium bucket seats are, with their well-integrated headrests. A deep red hide always looks extremely classy in contrast to a grey or silver exterior and this is no different here. The vendor also mentions that there’s replacement matching fabric being kept at Frontline, should any further work – or repair – be needed. The fabric appears to be in excellent order throughout, with only the merest hint of fraying to some of the stitching on the driver’s bolster evident. 

The stand-out ‘cyclops’ spot lamp on the grille – you can’t have missed it surely? – has been wired into the overdrive switch, which is no longer needed, as Frontline added a Mazda five-speed transmission. More modern additions creature comforts have also been installed but done so in a way so as to be almost invisible. Electric window toggles and USB ports have been well integrated into a custom centre armrest/cubby and a subtle yet more modern upgraded audio system with DAB and Bluetooth phone functionality has been slotted into the dash. The most obvious giveaway of the latter is the mic on dashtop.

There’s a useful nod to security too in the form of a concealed battery cut-off, behind the driver’s seat, and even the boot has been re-trimmed and sound proofed.

If you’ve read to this point it’ll likely come as little surprise to hear that the mechanical condition of this extensively reworked MGB seems to mirror that of its cabin and exterior. The engine bay looks clean, tidy and free of any of the usual old British sports car leaks and weeps. There’s a host of new-looking components resting under that reflective heat-proofing on the underside of the bonnet. There’s not just your usual MGB 1.8-litre engine in here either, so that heat proofing might well be needed. It’s there to insulate from the greater power and torque (and inevitable heat) developed by a Stage II, 2000cc engine from Ivor Searle (with warranty and data card in the history file).

With the increased displacement and performance, it’s reassuring to see that the cooling system has also been upgraded. An alloy radiator dominates the front view of the bay, with a corresponding Revotec electronically controlled ‘pusher’ fan up front. We spied an oil cooler in there too from Moss and some chrome MG-embossed air cleaners. It all seems to be subtly sporting and yet well thought out and executed. There is some paint peel and surface corrosion on the front of the block – and thermostat housing – with a little surface corrosion to the odd nut and thread underneath but, generally, this MGB still seems relatively fresh from restoration.

We have a good deal of recent history to accompany this MGB, showing large expenditure in recent years. There aren’t, however, any invoices older than 2016, and that was merely a MoT pass certificate. Considering the level of work and the car’s current condition (plus being a Heritage re-shell) that doesn’t seem to be of too much import.

Of the recent bills, the following appear to be most pertinent.

• August 2023 – £3652.40 spent with Frontline Developments on a rear brake disc conversion, alloy radiator and electronic cooling system. 
• April 2023 – £2386.68 spent at Frontline on new fuel hoses, wiring an uprated alternator, grille and lamp, adding a new Facet fuel pump and regulator, plus wiring for a sat-nav.
• March 2023 – £6201.96 spent with Frontline. Five-speed transmission fitted, new clutch, night-breaker bulbs added, uprated wipers and a front number plate plinth repair, plus service and MoT. 
• Oct 2022 – £3332.21. Frontline stripped the dashboard and added its own steel alternative. Sand blasted and repaired/welded up the glove box and cut new holes to spec, paint, prime and re-install.
• April 2020 – £26,460.86. Extensive custom work, including the new custom interior added with USB charging and electric windows. New heatproofing and soundproofing added throughout (Dynamat). Both front and rear axles were removed, and brand-new suspension and braking systems were fitted.
• No date – £30,630.95 bill from California Classics Hull Limited itemised work included the rebuild using the Heritage shell (£18,995) with power steering and new paint. 
• No date – Confirmation from Beech Hill Garage of a Stage II 2000cc engine from Ivor Searle (RS120399), with warranty info – plus valve clearance and compression ratio figures. 

This mightily impressive MGB seems to have been very carefully and methodically restored and upgraded. Its list of added features – both mechanical and technological – make it a far more useable prospect in 2024 than it was when new in 1967. 

The crucial thing is that these additions, depending upon your personal viewpoint, don’t seem to have destroyed the character of this perennially popular classic British sports car. 

There has been a lot spent in recent years at specialist firms with good reputations for bringing out the best in MGs to boot, further adding confidence that this resto-mod has been done right. 

We estimate that this car will sell for £35,000-£40,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.