The MGA was one of the models that helped popularize British sports cars in the United States during the 1950s. It was among a cadre of similar models, such as the Triumph TR4 and somewhat more powerful Austin-Healey 3000, that provided fairly affordable, relatively small displacement performance vehicles to American enthusiasts.
When it arrived for the 1956 model year, the MGA classic car looked thoroughly modern with its sleek body styling. The original engine was a 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 68 horsepower. Later variants received a higher-displacement, dual-overhead-cam powertrain with up to 108 horsepower in street-tuned trim. Now, a restomod company is significantly increasing the car’s power output.
More Power, Classic Looks
Frontline Cars is introducing its MGA Factory Edition during the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting as a restomod of the classic roadster. The company wants the car to look like the original but with modern technology underneath the skin. Depending on a customer’s specifications, the car can get a vehicle weighing as little as 1,797 pounds and producing up to 290 horsepower..
To make this power possible, Frontline Cars ditches the original engine in favor of offering a pair of Ford Duratec units with individual throttle bodies. Regardless of the buyer’s powerplant choice, customers get a Mazda-sourced five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.
MGA Factory Edition Specs
|
Specification |
Figure |
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder |
|
Power |
225 Horsepower @ 7,200 RPM |
|
Redline |
7,750 RPM |
|
Torque |
178 Pound-Feet @ 4,500 RPM |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
|
Specification |
Figure |
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder |
|
Power |
290 Horsepower @ 7,100 RPM |
|
Redline |
7,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
243 Pound-Feet @ 4,200 RPM |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.1 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Beyond the powertrain, the MGA restomod features a new suspension that does away with the original leaf springs in favor of a five-link rear layout with adjustable Nitron dampers. The front also has refined geometry. The brakes now use four-piston front and two-piston rear disc brakes. There’s also a modern adjustable electronic power steering system.
The tuner makes a few upgrades to the MGA to keep it modern. For example, the headlights are now LED units, which must be a significant improvement over the infamously dim original lamps. Removing the side lamps makes the flanks look sleeker.
“This is a car that looks and feels like a classic but drives like something far more advanced. It’s light, fast, and incredibly rewarding – but still, unmistakably, an MGA,” said Tim Fenna, Founder and Chief Engineer at Frontline Cars, in the announcement.
Customization Options
Frontline Cars is building each of these MGAs to order, starting from fully restored bodies. Left- and right-hand drive configurations are available because the company believes there’s a market for the vehicles in the United States.
Customers can pick from a range of upgrades to personalize their machine, such as convertible and coupe bodies. There is also a vast palette of color and upholstery shades. Other optional amenities include Perspex windows, a hood with louvers, and a picnic set fitting into the trunk.
Frontline Cars will give its MGA Factory Edition a public debut at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting from April 12 to 13. The company expects the first customer deliveries to begin in the summer of 2026. No pricing details are available about the car yet.
TopSpeed’s Take
The MGA ranks among the top classic British sports cars due to its svelte lines and peppy powertrain by the standard of the time. This company’s solution seems perfect for anyone who wants a taste of that experience while also having modern levels of performance. Plus, the new engine should be much more reliable from the original units dating back to the 1950s. This solution seems to have everything a person would want from a modernized MGA.
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