PEUGEOT

Tolman Edition 205 GTI: 200hp engine, fly-by-wire throttle and Alcantara-lined steering wheel

At a time when the most striking restomods are appearing on the market, Tolman Engineering's philosophy is completely different: to carry out non-invasive works where every component they touch can be returned to series without any problem. The result is models like the Tolman Edition 205 GTI, the first of which has already been delivered to its buyer.

Visually, except for the company logos, it is identical to the Peugeot model, but after receiving a complete restoration process that leaves it as new. The company dedicates around 700 hours to complete each example and the most important changes affect, above all, the mechanical part.

It can be equipped with a 1.6 or 1.9 liter engine, both with improvements that allow it to reach a power of up to 200 hp, it has an ECU with fly-by-wire throttle, a stainless steel exhaust system and, optionally, can install a Qualife ATB differential.

On a dynamic level, the car's response is now more noble and predictable thanks to the incorporation of a specific adjustment of the Bilstein dampers, the installation of a custom-made rear stabilizer bar and the possibility of mounting higher-performance AP Racing brakes.

Finally, the company offers several options for customizing the interior with materials and colors, as well as the possibility of installing a modern infotainment system with a touchscreen and compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The buyer of the first example opted for a digital instrument panel that replicates the original analogue, Alcantara-lined steering wheel, electric windows and a Blaupunkt sound system, among other things.

Chris Tolman declared: “For me and I'm sure for many others, in the 80s and 90s the Peugeot 205 GTI was a first contact with high performance cars; something gratifying, receptive and attractive. We wanted to recreate that feeling with the road, a car that you just get in and enjoy driving hard.”

Each Tolman Edition 205 GTI costs £55,000 plus tax. The company has access to many Peugeot models, both left and right-hand drive, and is already working on the next example, which will be unveiled before the end of this year.

Autonews