MGB (Custom Performance Build)
At first glance, this MGB looks reassuringly familiar. Original lines. Subtle stance. No visual theatrics.
But this build was never about appearances.
This project for customer Ben is a ground-up re-engineering exercise, focused entirely on what happens when you turn the key and drive. A classic British roadster, hiding something altogether more serious beneath the bonnet.
When this MGB hits the road, it will look familiar.
When it accelerates, turns, or stops, it will feel anything but.
Not a Factory Restoration
This is not a return-to-original build, and it was never intended to be.
Ben wanted a car that retained the charm and understatement of the MGB, while delivering performance that no factory engineer in Abingdon ever signed off on. The result is a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. Visually it is what you expect, mechanically it is an uncompromising drivers car.
TVR Power in a Very Small Engine Bay
The heart of the build is a TVR engine, which presents an immediate and significant challenge: it simply does not belong in an MGB.
Making it work requires far more than “making it fit”.
- Custom engine mounts designed and fabricated in-house
- Precision machining of engine components to reduce overall height by 25mm
- Continuous trial fitting and removal while clearances are refined
This is complex, tolerance-critical work where millimetres matter. The engine is currently back out of the bay while we finalise machining and mounting solutions to ensure it sits correctly, safely, and serviceably.
Drivetrain & Transmission
While the engine work progresses, the drivetrain has moved forward.
- T5 gearbox fully mated to the TVR engine
- Clutch system installed and aligned, ready for final installation
- Trial fits completed to confirm bellhousing, tunnel, and driveline geometry
This stage is about ensuring everything works as a cohesive system, not just a collection of upgraded parts.
Suspension, Brakes & Rear End
With the engine temporarily out, access was taken to overhaul the entire running gear.
The original suspension has been removed and replaced with a John Hoyles performance setup, transforming how the car will behave on the road.
- Coil-over suspension
- Disc brakes all round
- 7.5” limited-slip differential at the rear
This isn’t about chasing headline numbers it’s about balance, control, and confidence when driving hard.
Steering Clearance & Front-End Engineering
Getting the engine physically into the bay confirmed what we already expected: further work was required.
- Custom engine mounts will lower the engine position
- A heavily modified front housing is being developed to gain clearance around the refurbished steering rack
This is where experience matters. The goal isn’t just clearance — it’s ensuring nothing compromises steering feel, reliability, or long-term serviceability.
Taking Advantage of Access
With the car stripped and accessible, additional improvements were made where it made sense to do so properly.
- Brake hard lines completely re-done while access was available
These are the details that don’t shout, but matter every time the car is driven or worked on.
Bodywork: Intentionally Untouched
One of the defining choices of this build is what hasn’t been changed.
The customer was happy with the existing paintwork, so there are no resprays, no cosmetic distractions, and no unnecessary visual changes. The exterior remains understated exactly as intended.
Interior & Electrical Work (Upcoming)
Still to come:
- Full vehicle rewire
- New fuel lines throughout
- Bespoke interior customisation to suit the new performance character
Everything will be engineered to the same standard as the mechanical work already completed.
The End Goal
This MGB is being built for pure driving engagement.
Not a show car.
Not a spec-sheet exercise.
A classic that feels alive, urgent, and deeply capable.
Got a Build in Mind?
We are currently accepting restoration bookings for 2026.
If you’re considering a full restoration, recommission, or long-term project, now is the time to get in touch and secure your place in our workshop schedule.