Jay Leno grew up dreaming of this car. He got one, a convertible, when he grew up. Today, it still brings him great memories. The host of Jay Leno's Garage show takes a restomod on a drive around Hollywood and can't seem to get enough of it.
Based on the 1970 MGB GT, the now-called LE60 makes no compromise in terms of comfort and performance. It comes, after all, with all the features of a modern car and with a power-to-weight ratio close to that of the mind-blowing Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the Ferrari F40.
The LE60 is powered by a tweaked Rover V8 engine. In fact, all that the Frontline Cars kept, under the supervision of its founder and owner, Tim Fenna, was the engine block. The team came up with new cylinder heads, rockers, and cams, and mated the engine mated to a five-speed Tremec TKO transmission.
Popping the hood reveals the 292-cubic-inch (4.8-liter) V8 instead of the original 215-cubic-inch (3.5-liter) unit. The new engine generates 375 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque. The V8 has to pull only 2,495 pounds (1,132 kilograms).
And it seems that it does it pretty well, as Frontline Cars credited it with supercar figures. The MGB GT now runs from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 3.6 seconds and maxes out at 160 mph (257 kph).
The roof is stock, and the front and rear fenders have been widened so they could get a larger track for beefier tires. They needed extra traction to match the extra oomph.
Photo: Jay Leno's Garage | YouTube
Frontline Cars fitted a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link with Frontline coilover telescopic dampers at the rear. The restomod is also equipped with a limited slip Quaife differential with upgraded shafts and bearings.
When customers want such a car, they either send their own to the UK or buy one together with Frontline cars and send it across the Atlantic to have it modified. Months later, they ship it right back to the customer, looking and behaving lightyears away from the original.
Jay Leno believes that the rear is the sexiest part of the MGB GT, with the curvy tailgate, vertical taillights, and just the right-size exhaust pipe. The car comes with two filler caps so it doesn't really matter on which side you pull up at the gas station.
Hand-made bucket seats are on board. Every seat is built after finding the right pattern and size for the owner. Frontline Cars installed new gauges on board but tried to keep the original vibe of the 1970 MGB GT. Power steering and power windows are on the menu.
Photo: Jay Leno's Garage | YouTube
The team designed a cooling system that can do without the hood scoop, because they did not want to alter the lines of the simple silhouette. There are customers, though, who specifically ask for that scoop, as well as bespoke-built wire wheels with 72 spokes. The car rides on 16-inch Dunlop-style alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
Some of those who order the restomod also ask for a reverse camera, which comes with a display in the dashboard. A heated windscreen and heated seats are also available.
Jay Leno takes the reiteration of his childhood dream for a drive. The brown leather seats enhance the retro feeling. Only 30 such cars will see the light of day.
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