Latest Tolman Edition commission transforms another 1980s hot hatch icon
Ford Escort XR3i Tolman Edition follows demand for Tolman’s non-invasive performance, reliability and dynamic improvements to be deployed in cars other than its 205 GTi offering
Fully restored to offer a better driving experience than the day it rolled out of the Saarlouis factory, it retains the 80s looks that made it a class best seller whilst key elements have been assessed and improved
Original 1597cc CVH engine now mated to 16V Zetec head and full electronic engine management to achieve 150bhp – over 50 per cent up on original Ford specification
Uprated Bilstein dampers and heavily revamped front suspension improve handling deficiencies that hamstrung original XR3i
Other subtle non-invasive improvements such as bespoke Tolman 15” alloy wheels unlock options for wider range of tyres and better braking performance
XR3i is one of four one-off customer commission Tolman Edition cars being built in 2026
Following the ethos of its Tolman Edition 205 GTi, the modern classic specialist has revealed a new one-off commission to re‑imagine the Ford Escort XR3i. Pairing the sensitive improvements with the charm that made the car an ‘80s favourite, the result is an Escort XR3i that looks just like the one the customer craved as a teenager and performs far beyond what the original could deliver.
The Tolman Edition XR3i follows a similar Mini Cooper S commission completed by the Warwickshire-based firm as customers seek the sympathetic attention poured into the Peugeots, but in a car that resonates with them. A further three one-off Tolman Edition customer builds, each a different 1980s icon, are scheduled for 2026 alongside the ongoing assembly of 205 GTIs.
This 1600-hour project started in 2022 with Tolman sourcing a standard XR3i in Diamond White with Rosso Red inserts. A full body restoration of the original shell was necessary to eradicate the corrosion these cars suffer from. One particular challenge was the rusted sunroof aperture. With no good roof skins available, Tolman developed a custom laser-cut jig and forming tool to accurately recreate the aperture and edges from a non-sunroof skin. With fresh steel used everywhere else, copious amounts of contemporary underseal and corrosion protection were subsequently applied underneath and in box sections - a key upgrade from factory specification to enjoy the car in all weathers.
Attention then turned to the often-misaligned CVH engine. Despite being far easier to opt for a later unit from Ford’s range and in line with Tolman’s ethos that it should still feel like an XR3i, the original 105PS 1597cc CVH unit was retained – though substantially revised to solve the performance, noise and harshness issues that contemporary road testers rued. Now it features a 16V Zetec head, new pistons and rods, a revised and stronger bottom end with a modified RS1600i cam cover. Like Tolman’s 205 GTis, it runs on full electronic engine management, hidden inside the original units to deliver smoother running, higher torque and more power. Dyno testing has recorded 150bhp at the wheels - 50 per cent more than the standard car, whilst torque now stands at 120 lb-ft. The freer-breathing and sounding engine – thanks to a bespoke Tolman stainless four-two-one collector and exhaust, is mated to the original five-speed ‘box.
Often criticised in period as underwhelming, Tolman turned to today’s damping technology to transform the Escort’s handling. Up front, its solution is to draw on experience and parts from Ford’s RS1600i homologation special and mate these with Bilstein dampers and a bespoke front anti roll bar. The changes offer more castor options to improve steering feel and turn in within the limits of Ford’s original set up. A key but subtle difference is the bespoke 15” alloy wheel designed by Tolman. Honouring the 14” ‘Dog Leg’ design fitted to thousands of Escorts, Tolman has created the larger diameter variant, retaining the original’s centre section, machined down to create a cap that retains the original factory casting marks. As well as filling the Escort’s arches – it runs at standard ride height, the non-invasive upgrade enables greater tyre choice to further improve handling and package upgraded AP discs on the front and to swap the rear brake drums for discs. As with its 205s, Tolman opted for Michelin’s PE4 tyres.
Other subtle non-invasive upgrades include LED headlights and stainless-steel brake lines. A new alarm, immobiliser and tracker mean that, unlike in period, it’s also safer from unwanted attention. Whilst the Daytona cloth trim and heated ‘screen are familiar to original owners, this XR3i now has a Blaupunkt DAB radio.
“The XR3i was hugely popular at the time, which means many people have an affinity with them,” says founder Chris Tolman. “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.”