Attractive Old English White over Mulberry with recent full body respray
Low mileage car with good history
Modern performance and comfort but MOT, ULEZ and tax exempt
The Appeal
The enduring popularity of the MGB and the factory’s steadfast refusal to stray far from the original specification has led to an army of specialists ready and willing to improve it.
At the head of that list is surely the aptly named Frontline Developments, the Abingdon-based MG fettler that offers parts and complete car makeovers. Its first car, the LE50, was a statement of intent – scintillating Mazda 2litre power, bespoke suspension fittings and luxurious interior. The idea was to offer a reliable, civilised daily driver with supercar performance, one that was practical but equally at home on the track.
The Frontline process was very expensive. Each LE50 was essentially a new car, such was the level of recommissioning. Just 50 were available in a choice of standard 214bhp or ‘Plus pack’ 238bhp trim.
This beautiful Old English White with winter Pack LE50 is car number 14 of that run, built in October 2013. It comes to us in superb condition with low mileage since conversion and fresh from a full specialist body strip down and respray. There is also the reassurance of a long MOT, although of course the LE50 is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 2nd March 1970 and VIN records verify this is an early Mark 5 BGT
Five owners in total since 1970
Current owner since 23rd August 2022
DVLA notes a colour change on 22nd October 2013 when we understand the Frontline conversion was completed
Only 50 LE50s were every built, between 2012 and 2021
2 keys with remote fob
Original MG owners manual
Frontline build sheet carefully detailing the specification
Warranty for Pipercross air filter
Evidence of recent wheel alignment
MOT to 5th October 2024 with no advisories
Although essentially a new car in 2013 this car is of course MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
The Condition
Attractive colour combination of Old English White over Mulberry leather
Full body strip down and full respray completed recently
Clever Frontline evolution retains classic chrome bumpers with Dunlop-style alloys
These alloys are reminiscent of the Jaguar D-Type wheels and have three ear spinners
Yokohama 195/65 15in tyres all round with good grip and tread
Original factory chromework in well kept and bright condition
Luxurious, hand-trimmed in full Mulberry Connolly leather with twin tram stitch in Mulberry
Centre tunnel in Mulberry with twin tram stitching to match
Door cards and rear panels in Mulberry Connolly leather
Dash top and crash rail in Alcantara dark grey with Mulberry French stitching
Dash panel surround in grey Alcantara with steel crackle black fascia panel
Carpets in Wilton light grey with Alcantara grey edgings stitching in Mulberry matching leather
Headlining in full Alcantara padded ribbed with grey stitching
Seatbelts in matching Mulberry
Black leather and polished alloy spokes Moto Lita wheel
Fitted with Winter Pack including heated seats and heated front screen
Mazda front seats with Mazda headrests trimmed in Mulberry leather
Luggage deck option with storage
MG LE50 branded Smiths dials with digital odometer
JL Audio system with multiple speakers, tweeters and a subwoofer for superb sound
JL Amplifier with crossovers and the latest Pioneer retractable screen DAB media player with Bluetooth and Apple/Android play
Electric windows
Alongside the mechanical makeover executed by Frontline Developments, key to the appeal of the LE50 is the exquisitely rendered bodywork and interior. Outside there are few hints that this is not quite like any other MGB GT – the suspension is lowered, there is a chin spoiler and stylish Dunlop-style alloys, but no obvious Frontline badging or other giveaways. Inside the story is somewhat different – the factory architecture is retained but leather and Alcantara abounds.
This car left the factory as an early ‘Mark 5’ MGB GT from March 1970 – verified by VIN records – but was neatly specified in Old English White during its 2013 makeover. The paintwork is impeccable with no obvious marks or signs of age.
Inside there is complementary Mulberry burgundy leather with dark grey Alcantara highlights. It is a beautifully updated MG interior that reflects the high cost of these cars when new. There are nods to modernity in the Pioneer infotainment system but otherwise it leans into the classic vibe that has made the BGT such a perennial of the enthusiast scene. As with the exterior, the cabin is in superb condition.
The Mechanics
2litre 16v 4cyl Mazda MX5 ‘Duratec’ engine with 215bhp
Mazda 6spd manual gearbox
Frontline quoted 0-60mph in 5secs and 160+mph top speed
Trans-X LSD differential
New high pressure Bosch fuel pump and filter recently fitted
Tubular exhaust manifold and stainless big bore exhaust manifold
Power assisted steering
5 link suspension with Frontline adjustable coilover telescopic dampers at the rear
Front double wishbones with Frontline dampers
Four pot calipers at the front with 2 pot at the rear
The guiding principle behind the LE50 was to create a reliable and civilised daily driver with what the firm describes as ‘supercar performance.’ More than doubling the standard BHP of the factory car certainly delivers that. The vendor tells us that the car sounds superb and at higher revs gives away that something rather special resides under the bonnet
This car has covered less than 20,000 miles since completion and has evidently been cared for.
Summary
The LE50 is highly regarded by enthusiasts because Frontline sympathetically enhanced the factory car. It takes what was good about the standard BGT and makes it better, much better.
Just 50 LE50s were built, which makes this car rare and very desirable. Well specified and in superb condition we’re sure it will generate a lot of interest.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
