- UK company Tolman Engineering has announced a range of specialist parts and accessories for Group B rally homologation legends.
- The programme is an extension of the 'Tolman Edition' run of hot hatch restomods.
- The company has so far recommissioned a Peugeot 205 T16 and a Ford RS200, with a Renaut 5 Turbo 2 up next.
It is pretty much impossibly to argue against the fact that the Group B era was a truly golden age for not just rallying, but also the utterly mad road-going homologation specials produced in limited runs for eligibility.
Between 1982 and 1986, the FIA's flexible and open rules for the top level of rallying meant that carmakers such as Audi, Lancia, Ford, Peugeot, MG, Citroën, and others could homologate their fire-breathing rally cars by building small runs of 200 road-going versions.
However, this did mean that, due to tight timings and a natural focus on building a competitive car with a low weight, refinement and reliability weren’t exactly a priority, often leading to a raw but often seriously flawed road driving experience.
And as for reliability? Well, they only really had to make it through the stages for the day, so long-term reliability and spare parts availability were simply not a consideration outside of a rally season or two, even for the supposedly road-going homologation runs.
But now UK company Tolman Engineering has stepped up to offer an expansion of its existing restomod programme and accessories that it says will "unlock driving performance, pleasure and reliability, resulting in a driving experience that’s closer to the expected thrills from seeing their competitive cars in action."
Building on the success of the Tolman Edition programme, which extensively enhances a variety of modern classics, such as the original Mini Cooper S, Peugeot 205 GTi and Ford Escort XR3, the company is now focusing on revitalising the road derivatives of Group B homologation specials.
The ban of Group B in 1986 led to many of the road cars being cannibalised for other categories like ice racing, hill climbs and rallycross, or simply turned into rally replicas. This, along with little or no support from OEMs, meant that remaining versions were often underused, amplifying issues with the rare motorsport parts used. Limited demand meant manufacturers or aftermarket suppliers simply weren't interested in producing new replacement parts.
"Even with the best intentions, not exercising a car, especially those increasing in value, can lead to more headaches," said Chris Tolman, founder of Tolman Engineering.
"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."
To this end, Tolman has developed a range of new parts specifically for these rally legends, and has so far successfully recommissioned a low mileage Ford RS200 and a Peugeot 205 T16, with the next car to benefit from Tolman’s new service is a Renault 5 Turbo 2.
For the Peugeot 205 T16, Tolman developed a bespoke cambelt timing and pulley kit, front anti-roll bar bushes and CNC-formed coolant pipes. An ECU upgrade for the Ford RS200 has been carried out to improve reliability and driveability, and Tolman says this is available as a specialist service for any fuel-injected Group B model.
Tolman says his company's commitment to non-invasive enhancements and contemporary engineering solutions has attracted demand from owners of cars such as a Group A Mitsubishi Lancer and even a historic MGB rally car.
"We can apply our knowledge to pretty much any model to dial up the driving experience, reliability and performance," he said.
"Knowing your car is properly sorted can transform your feelings and enthusiasm to get out and use it."
