The latest car to undergo the Tolman Edition transformation is a Ford Escort XR3i that now boasts 150bhp to give it a 50% power hike over the original.
Following Tolman’s Edition versions of the Peugeot 205 GTi and Mini Cooper S, the Mk4 Escort XR3i has undergone a complete restoration involving subtle upgrades to improve the driving experience and reliability.
The 1600-hour Edition process for the XR3i included tuning the 1597cc CVH engine to achieve 150bhp at the wheels, which included fitting a 16-valve Zetec cylinder head, new pistons, rods, and a stronger bottom end.
A freer flowing exhaust is fitted, but the original five-speed manual gearbox has been retained.
Bilstein suspension is used to greatly improve the XR3i’s handling, while the alloy wheels appear original but are 15-inch versions of the period correct ‘Dog Leg’ wheel design.
Michelin PE4 tyres are used and behind the wheels sit AP brake discs and stainless steel lines.
Company founder Chris Tolman said: ‘The XR3i was hugely popular at the time, which means many people have an affinity with them. But revisiting one today would be underwhelming.
‘Just as with the 205GTi, we’ve applied our knowledge to make it drive the way you think you remember the original driving, while looking essentially like the one you yearned for. Balancing a desire to preserve the DNA of the original while meaningfully improving it made this a particularly challenging project.
‘It would have been easier to slot in modern running gear in a restored shell, but the experience and emotional connection the customer came to us to replicate would have been lost. We’ve got two more commission projects this year as we find more customers want a more personal restomod.’
