Bottom line: The £170,000 Frontline MGB GT and the £55,000 Rocketeer V6‑powered MX‑5 let you compare a premium, fully‑restored MGB with a lightweight, V6‑enhanced MX‑5 – both offer thrilling manual‑driven experiences.
MG B £170k vs V6 MX‑5 – Price, Design & Performance Showdown
Advertisement
Image: MG B £170k vs V6 MX‑5 – Price, Design & Performance Showdown – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Frontline starts each build with a brand‑new British Motor Heritage shell. The result looks like a classic 1960s MGB, but every panel is straight‑cut, de‑seamed and finished in period‑correct leather, bucket seats and a discreet Bluetooth system. The interior feels like a boutique showroom, and the rear‑wheel‑drive chassis is reinforced for modern rigidity.
Advertisement
Rocketeer’s MX‑5 keeps the original pop‑up look but adds a leather‑trimmed cabin, a Nardi steering wheel and a modern instrument cluster. The car remains recognisably a Mazda, yet the visual upgrades are subtle, keeping the lightweight ethos intact.
- Frontline: factory‑fresh MGB shell, bespoke leather, integrated climate control.
- Rocketeer: MX‑5 body, upgraded interior, no major body changes.
Performance & Mileage
Both cars share a 280‑bhp output and 240 lb‑ft of torque. Frontline gets a 6‑speed manual from the current MX‑5, while Rocketeer sticks with the classic 5‑speed unit. The V6 in the MX‑5 revs to 7,000 rpm, giving a metallic howl reminiscent of an E46 M3 CSL, while the MGB’s 2.5‑litre four‑cylinder sounds like a set of noisy Weber‑style throttle bodies.
Zero‑to‑62 mph is claimed at 4.5 seconds for both, and top speed caps at about 140 mph. Real‑world fuel use is modest for a restomod – roughly 30–35 mpg for the MGB and 35–40 mpg for the MX‑5 – but exact figures vary with driving style.
Advertisement
- Frontline: 6‑speed manual, smoother gear shifts, firmer suspension, Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres.
- Rocketeer: 5‑speed manual, lightweight coilovers, Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.
Price & Rivals
Frontline’s fully‑built MGB GT commands a price of £170,000 – roughly the cost of a modest supercar – because it includes a new chassis, bespoke interior, modern electronics and a hand‑built V8‑ready platform. A DIY or lower‑spec version can be considerably cheaper, but the flagship price reflects the boutique nature of the build.
Rocketeer’s turn‑key V6 MX‑5 costs about £55,000, plus the price of a donor MX‑5 (first‑ or second‑gen). This makes it an attractive option for enthusiasts who want a high‑rev V6 in a light chassis without breaking the bank.
- Frontline competes with limited‑run restomods like Singer Porsches and Eagle E‑Types.
- Rocketeer sits alongside other V6‑swap kits for the MX‑5 and appeals to DIY builders.
| Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L inline‑4 (Frontline MGB) | 30‑35 | £170,000 | New BMH shell, bespoke leather, 6‑spd manual, modern infotainment |
| 3.0 L Ford V6 (Rocketeer MX‑5) | 35‑40 | £55,000 + donor | 280 bhp, 5‑spd manual, lightweight coilovers, carbon airbox |
FAQ
What is the top speed of the Frontline MGB?
The manufacturer lists a top speed of around 140 mph, matching the V6‑powered MX‑5.
Advertisement
Is the Rocketeer V6 MX‑5 worth the £55,000 price?
For drivers who want a high‑rev V6 in a lightweight roadster, the package offers strong performance, a manual gearbox and a well‑tuned chassis at a fraction of the cost of a full‑built restomod.
Can I get a lower‑spec MGB from Frontline?
Frontline does offer component kits and lower‑spec builds, but the flagship £170,000 car includes a brand‑new chassis and full bespoke interior, which drives the price.
What do you think – the classic charm of the MGB or the rev‑hungry MX‑5? Leave a comment below and share your favourite restomod.
Advertisement
Source: Read Official News