Tolman introduces Group B Restoration Service

We all like to see classic cars being used. After all, that is what they were intended for. But we all know how it goes when it tries to find parts for certain old cars; They are not intentionally imposed, the problem is just one of delivery. In many cases, a problem is only made worse if the vehicle is a limited edition. Manufacturers are not inclined to support a small number of old vehicles.

The problem is especially bad for road cars from group B – and, by extension, owners. Yes, problems in the first world and all that, but you only have to witness the reaction to these machines on Sunday services (if we are really lucky) to see what a rally of the mid -1980s still means for people. There are a number of very special cars that goalkeepers want to drive and see enthusiasts, but thanks to fragmentary availability they are tucked away. If you cannot get fresh tires for a mid -engine French Hatchback worth hundreds of thousands, for example, you will not control it …

Enter Tolman Engineering and its new service offers recommendations for group B -homologation specials. It is also not just a nice idea – they have already finished two, a Peugeot 205 T16 and Ford RS200. Predictable enough they look sensational. Tolman says that the goal is to “rediscover the sensation of these legendary machines, not only as static collecting objects, but as dynamic, capable road cars.” Amen on that.

Not that it was of course an easy task that require the development of numerous new components for both. Group B ended almost 40 years ago and over the years many parts of road cars have been taken for various projects. So for the T16 Tolman created a customized Cambelt-Timing and Poelie kit, anti-roll beam bushes and CNC-shaped coolant pipes. They even rebuilt the gearbox and somehow have relationships through contacts in France. Dampers were put together again and there are even Michelin TRX tires somewhere. Who you know, not what you know, as always.

Tolman of course has around 205 experience with the 205 GTI edition, and it is said that they are some transferable skills. Founder Chris Tolman added: “We can apply our knowledge to almost every model to call in the driving experience, reliability and performance. Knowing that your car is well sorted, can transform your feelings and enthusiasm to get out and use it.” That sounds a pretty irresistible offer for those who can; No wonder there will be a 5 turbo 2, with the demand for everything, from a group A Evo to a historic MGB way way that comes Tolman’s way.

Regarding the 1,200-mile (!) RS200, it now benefits from an ECU upgrade that has to control it and more reliable, so there will be no excuse not to add that count. 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 langing around the way you should, you know who you should call. With the process for these two that make the reproduction of many new parts possible, the hope that more group B icons can be sent back to a riding state. Which would be fantastic.

“Even with the best of intentions, the exercise of a car, especially that in value, cannot lead to more headache,” Tolman added. “Rubber components such as belts, motorcycle or powertrain seals and fuel lines will deteriorate over time, making them potentially unsafe or unreliable. The scarcity of parts means that those who are mounted can be outside their planned life, so you can’t push the cars to get the most from what they can offer.”

Although no price has not been published for any of these recommendations, given what a Tolman 205 costs, it is clearly not a cost -effective company if you are currently using Shed of the Week as a buying guide. Good DIY values ​​of group B cars do not show any signs of relaxing, then – see the £ 625,000 Audi quattro …