Tolman introduces Group B restoration service
RS200 and T16 are now back in use thanks to Tolman's expertise - and a 5 Turbo 2 is coming next...
We all like to see classic cars being used. That is, after all, what they were intended for. But we also all know how it goes when trying to source parts for certain old cars; they don’t get laid up intentionally, the problem is simply one of supply. A problem only made worse in lots of cases if the vehicle is a limited edition. Manufacturers aren’t inclined to support a tiny number of old vehicles.
The issue is especially bad for Group B road cars - and, by extension, owners. Yes, first-world problems and all that, but you only need to witness the reaction to these machines at Sunday Services (when we’re really lucky) to see what mid-'80s rallying still means to people. There are some very special cars out there that keepers want to drive and enthusiasts want to see, but thanks to patchy availability, they’re being kept tucked away. If you can’t get fresh tyres for a mid-engined French hatchback worth hundreds of thousands, for example, you aren’t going to drive it…
Enter Tolman Engineering, and its new service offering recommissions for Group B homologation specials. It isn’t just some nice idea, either - they’ve already finished two, a Peugeot 205 T16 and Ford RS200. Predictably enough, they look sensational. Tolman says the aim is to ‘rediscover the thrill of these legendary machines, not just as static collectables, but as dynamic, capable road cars.’ Amen to that.
Not that it’s been an easy task, of course, requiring the development of numerous new components for both. Group B ended almost 40 years ago, and plenty of parts from road cars will have been taken for various projects over the years. So for the T16, Tolman created a bespoke cambelt timing and pulley kit, front anti-roll bar bushes, and CNC-formed coolant pipes. They even rebuilt the gearbox, somehow getting hold of ratios through contacts in France. Dampers were reassembled, and there are even Michelin TRX tyres out there somewhere. Who you know, not what you know, as always.
Tolman, of course, has some 205 experience with the 205 GTI Edition, and there are said to be some transferable skills. Founder Chris Tolman added: “We can apply our knowledge to pretty much any model to dial up the driving experience, reliability and performance. Knowing your car is properly sorted can transform your feelings and enthusiasm to get out and use it.” Which sounds a pretty irresistible offer for those that can; no wonder a 5 Turbo 2 is coming next, with demand for everything from a Group A Evo to a historic MGB coming Tolman’s way.
As for the 1,200-mile (!) RS200, it now benefits from an ECU upgrade that should make it more driveable and reliable, so there’ll be no excuse for not adding to that tally. Tolman actually says that any fuel-injected Group B car can benefit from the electronic tweak, so if there is a Sport Quattro or Delta S4 lying around that doesn’t run as it should, you know who to call. With the process for these two enabling the reproduction of plenty of new parts, the hope is that more Group B icons can be returned to a driveable state. Which would be fantastic.
“Even with the best intentions, not exercising a car, especially those increasing in value, can lead to more headaches,” added Tolman. “Rubber components such as belts, engine or drivetrain seals and fuel lines will deteriorate over time, making them potentially unsafe or unreliable. The scarcity of parts means those that are fitted might be beyond their planned life, so you can’t push the cars to get the most out of what they can offer... Just like our Tolman Editions, we want owners to experience these cars as they were meant to be - thrilling, engaging and alive.”
While no price has been published for either of these recommissions, given what a Tolman 205 costs, it’s clearly not going to be a cost-effective endeavour if you're currently using Shed of the Week as a buying guide. Good job values of Group B cars show no signs of easing, then - see the £625,000 Audi Quattro…
On the other side it was refreshing to see that dashboard resembling Ford Sierra. Brings back ol' memories of the 80s 90s when dashboards were just purposeful and practical: just clusters of instruments/controls, practically within reach of the driver. Just what you needed. Unlike this fashion of German living room interiors bloated with useless elements and design tricks. Just to make you feel more accomplished and important, so that they can squeeze more money out of you. And then we ask ourselves why current cars get so heavy, complex and less reliable.
Does that change the braking balance or something?
Giving rear wheel drive, 50 / 50 lock or 37 / 63 torque split.
Most cars run permanently in 37 / 63 with many having the lever removed.
Closed came when a very lovely later build as new example came up for sale in the UK, could buy it then for 100k euro a few years ago... but, had to sell my car back then so... I was to late, it went shortly after that.
superb car, not like a kit kar, not screaming to loud look at me, but when you look and spot it its. wow.
ah, was this one, back in 2019 it was I believe.
So one of those please!
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