Ford Escort XR3i Tolman Edition is another transformed 1980s classic
After wowing with its reimagining of the Peugeot 205 GTI, Tolman Engineering has revealed its latest iconic classic transformation — the Ford Escort XR3i.
The one-off commission has been created for a customer, with Tolman promising that it ‘performs far beyond what the original could deliver’. It joins other similar commissions like the Mini Cooper S, while a further three one-off 1980s Tolman Edition customer builds are set to be unveiled in 2026.
1,600 hours of work to transform the Ford Escort XR3i
Exterior
But back to the Ford Escort XR3i, which Tolman began working on back in 2022 after sourcing one in Diamond White with Red inserts. Around 1,600 hours of work have gone into the project, including a full body restoration of the original shell due to excessive corrosion, fresh steel and a custom Tolman-developed roof aperture.
Engine
Despite restomods typically swapping the original engine entirely for something more modern, Tolman chose to keep the 105PS 1597cc CVH unit to keep in line with its ethos that it should ‘still feel like an XR3i’. It hasn’t been left alone completely, however, with significant tweaks being done. These include a 16V Zetec head, new pistons and rods, a revised and stronger bottom end with a modified RS1600i cam cover, which have all solved previous issues with performance, noise and harshness.
The XR3i, like the Tolman’s 205 GTis before it, runs on full electronic engine management, hidden inside the original units to deliver smoother running, higher torque and more power. The changes made result in 50% more power than the original car at 150bhp and 120 lb-ft of torque.
Further Changes
Tolman has used modern damping technology to transform the Escort’s handling, drawing experience and parts from Ford’s RS1600i homologation special to mate with Bilstein dampers and a bespoke front anti-roll bar.
The original 14-inch ‘Dog Leg’ design wheels have been swapped with bespoke 15-inch alloy wheels designed by Tolman, although the original centre section has been kept. The upgrade doesn’t affect the ride height and enables a greater tyre choice to further improve handling. Tolman has gone with the same Michelin’s PE4 tyres as used on its 205s.
Smaller, less noticeable changes include upgraded LED headlights and stainless-steel brake lines, a new alarm, immobiliser and tracker. There’s also a new Blaupunkt DAB radio, while the car keeps the original Daytona cloth trim and heated windscreen.
“It would have been easier to slot in modern running gear in a restored shell”
Chris Tolman, founder of 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. So 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.”
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Tolman Engineering