When it launched in 1955, the MGA was a clean break from MG’s past – lower, sleeker, and shaped more by airflow than a draughtsman’s ruler. Now, restomod specialist Frontline has made a break of its own, moving beyond its usual MGB and GT builds to tackle the A for the first time.

The result is the MGA Factory Edition: a lightweight, re-engineered take on the classic, unveiled ahead of its debut at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

Underneath the familiar silhouette is the most focused build Frontline has produced to date. Starting with a fully restored donor shell, the car has been rebuilt from the ground up. Dry weight is just 815kg, and buyers can choose from two naturally aspirated Ford Duratec engines: a 2.0-litre making 225bhp, or a 2.5-litre with 290bhp. Both feature individual throttle bodies, uprated cams, stainless exhausts and a modern ECU. Despite making comfortably more than 100bhp/litre, Frontline states the engine mapping has been tuned for throttle response above headline figures. 0-60mph takes 4.8 seconds and 4.1 seconds respectively.

Both powertrains are paired with a Mazda sourced five-speed gearbox driving the rear wheels via a limited-slip diff with uprated shafts and bearings. The original MGA’s cart springs are consigned to the history books, replaced by a five-link rear suspension co-developed with Nitron. Up front, the geometry has been revised and fitted with modern telescopic dampers, sharpening turn-in without sacrificing the car’s overall character.

Brakes are four-piston at the front, two-piston at the rear, and there’s adjustable electric power steering – tuneable on the fly to suit driver preference. A traditional fly-off handbrake remains, now integrated into the modern system as a subtle nod to the original.

Visually, the car stays close to its roots. The overall shape is untouched, though details have been pared back for a cleaner finish. The original sidelights have been deleted in favour of etched LED units, and for the first time in Frontline’s history, a small bonnet badge confirms the car’s identity.

Inside, it’s a bespoke build. Customers work directly with Frontline in Abingdon to choose paint, trim, and materials. More adventurous options include louvred bonnets, Perspex aero screens, or picnic storage integrated into the boot. Both coupé and roadster versions are offered, with left- or right-hand drive available for global buyers. Deliveries begin in summer 2026.

“The MGA always had more to give,” says Tim Fenna, Founder and Chief Engineer at Frontline Cars. “The laggy engine and running gear, the leaf suspension – the list goes on. Our goal was to take that stunning design and engineer it to perform at a level that finally matches its looks, bringing the MGA’s full potential to life. It’s light, fast, and incredibly rewarding – but still, unmistakably, an MGA.”