Is ‘restomod fatigue’ a factor? I’m unsure, however whether it is, then I’ve definitely been affected by one thing prefer it over the previous yr or so.

The early exponents of this updating artwork have been pretty easy of their strategy, serving up a sharper driving expertise whereas retaining the donor automobile’s retro appears to be like and character.

Yet just lately the scene seems to have modified, the emphasis shifting to outlandish money-no-object initiatives that seemingly obliterate the unique machine’s character in pursuit of the coffee-run (ugh!) bragging rights of a well-heeled few.

However, the Tolman 205 GTi proved that it doesn’t must be this fashion.

For starters, it truly appears to be like just like the automobile it’s primarily based on, to the purpose that even eager lion lovers will most likely dismiss it as a inventory instance, albeit a fantastically saved one.

And whereas the period-perfect exterior and inside disguise some closely modded mechanicals, not one of the many modifications dilutes the quick French hatch’s core enchantment.

If you’ve pushed a 205 beforehand, then a blast within the Tolman will convey joyful reminiscences, and in case you haven’t, then you definately’ll quickly perceive what the fuss was about.

Yes, it’s sooner than the outdated automobile (a bespoke 200bhp twin-cam 16-valve 1.9-litre motor sees to that) however the razor-sharp throttle response and traditional hot hatch big-engine-in-a-small-car vibe stay intact.

And whereas there’s a welcome injection of precision, management and braking energy, the Tolman handles with the identical old-school Gallic aptitude as the unique, its acrobatic agility, fluid journey and limitless throttle adjustability serving up engagement and leisure no matter pace or circumstance.