This is a rare example of the LE 50, the ultimate evolution of the iconic MGBGT model as developed by Frontline Developments in Abingdon. The cars are fully rebuilt and re-engineered to an extremely high standard with a level of performance and detail quality not normally associated with this marque.

The original car is stripped and rebuilt with new body panels and is de-seamed resulting in a perfect fit and finish. The engine is a brand-new factory supplied 2.0 4 cylinder all aluminium unit from Mazda featuring a billet crank and rods, Teflon coated pistons, solid lifters, variable cam timing with Omex engine management and a six-speed manual box. This results in 214bhp at 7,200rpm, a top speed of 160mph, 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds and a power to weight ratio of 226bhp/tonne – not figures one normally associates with the MGB!

Inside much Connolly leather and Alcantara is featured with hand formed sports seats, Wilton carpet over Dynamat sound deadening, and a lined luggage area.

Each LE50 is unique and individually specified by the customer as noted on an under-bonnet plaque. The range of colours and finishes is almost infinite with many options available including air conditioning, auto transmission, heated seats, power steering, limited slip differential, wire wheels, remote central locking and DAB radio with Bluetooth etc.

Needless to say this standard of MG does not come cheaply with prices starting from £64,900 before extras. This example features a high specification with an invoice price when new in 2014 of £75,500. Finished in Old English White with a Caribbean Blue Connolly leather interior with contrasting dark blue Alcantara dashboard nearly all of the available options are fitted including power steering, air conditioning, limited slip diff, Winter Pack with heated seats and windscreen, chrome wire wheels with three ear spinners, high power (400W) Bluetooth stereo with phone connectivity, remote central locking, immobiliser and tracker unit.

This is LE50 number 19, one of only 50 ever built and it was ordered when new by a gentleman as a birthday present for his wife, whose name appears on the under-bonnet commission plaque. This super car has obviously been carefully used and maintained as it remains in unmarked immaculate condition in all respects and comes with a full history file detailing the service work completed.

On the road this MG is a really capable little car, a truly wonderful drive that gives nothing away to far more modern performance machinery. It feels so finely honed and has clearly been well developed by Frontline. I expected it to be good, but it was truly great!