A new service is breathing life into iconic Group B homologation specials, enabling enthusiasts to rediscover the thrill of these legendary machines as dynamic, capable road cars, rather than mere static collectables.
For many enthusiasts and drivers, ‘Group B’ was the golden era for rallying, thanks to rules that allowed manufacturers like Lancia, Ford, Peugeot, MG, Citroën, and others to build runs of 200 road-going versions of the competition cars.
Between 1982 and their ban from the world stage in 1986, the flexible and open rules of Group B enabled these and other manufacturers to build competitive cars that were renowned for their raw power and low weight, but less so for their refinement and reliability.
The results were cars that were explosively quick and dynamically talented, but which often delivered a flawed road driving experience. Then, when the FIA brought an end to the “Golden Age” of rallying in 1986, many of these road cars were cannibalised for other disciplines such as ice racing, hill climbing and rallycross, while others were turned into rally replicas.
A lack of ongoing support from OEMs meant remaining versions were often underused, exacerbating issues with the rare motorsport parts used, while limited demand meant it wasn’t commercially interesting to produce new replacement parts.
Keeping these highly strung, low volume cars on the road has long been a challenge but it’s one readily accepted by UK outfit Tolman Engineering, which specialises in the preparation, restoration, maintenance and improvement of both contemporary and historic road and race cars.
Founded in 2007, Tolman uses its motorsport expertise, including competing in GT3 and GT4 to design, engineer and produce a range of high-quality performance parts.
Having initially made its name delivering a range of non-invasive enhancements for Lotus Elites and Sunbeams, Tolman subsequently expanded its fabrication, machining and engine room capabilities to include the Peugeot 205 GTi.
Its 2022 the ‘Tolman Edition’ Peugeot 205 GTi delivered an impressive reimagining of the 80s icon with improved performance and modern amenities, with its success encouraging the Brit outfit to expanded its recommissioning efforts to include the Ford RS200 and Peugeot 205 T16.
After successfully recommissioning a 1200-mile Ford RS200, Tolman turned its attention to Peugeot 205 T16, followed by a Renault 5 Turbo 2, reproducing new parts for each of these models that will help more of the cars on the road.
Among the parts developed by Tolman for the Peugeot 205 T16 is a bespoke cambelt timing and pulley kit, front anti-roll bar bushes and CNC-formed coolant pipes.
Tolman also undertook an in-house rebuild of the 205 T16’s transmission using its network of contacts in France to source original factory, ‘new old stock’ ratios.
In the case of the Ford RS200, the company has created an ECU upgrade designed to improve reliability and drivability on any of the fuel-injected Group B models.
“Even with the best intentions, not exercising a car, especially those increasing in value, can lead to more headaches,” explains 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. When properly sorted, it’s a rewarding driving experience that feels special. Just like our Tolman Editions, we want owners to experience these cars as they were meant to be – thrilling, engaging and alive.”
