Tolman gives classic Mini Cooper S the restomod treatment

Warwickshire-based Tolman Engineering has revealed details of its new project, delivered just in time for Christmas.

A 1968 Mini Cooper S MkII is the company’s latest restomod, completed after a painstaking, year-long build process. 

Restored and comprehensively upgraded, the Mini was commissioned by an enthusiast who wanted a car that could be enjoyed every day. 

And having already been the Mini’s custodian for a decade, the owner also had definite ideas about which of the standard car’s idiosyncrasies could be improved upon.

Going back to basics

A complete strip-down back to bare metal kicked off the project, allowing the Mini’s bodywork to be restrored. This included ensuring the panel gaps were tight and even.

Tolman Engineering removed the original Hydrolastic suspension, replacing it with a brand new set of KAD adjustable tie rods and Bilstein dampers. This allows the car’s setup to be tuned as required, whether for track use or daily commuting.

Front disc brakes are included, along with rear drums using ATEC CNC brake lines for a more consistent pedal feel. 

Period-style Dunlop Aquajet tyres are fitted to the Mini’s 10-inch wheels, promoting cornering adjustability rather than outright grip.

An engine overhaul in miniature

The Cooper’s engine has been fully rebuilt, too. Housed in the battery box inside the boot is a collector fuel pot, high-pressure pump return and lift pump for its new fuel injection system. 

There is also a bespoke Tolman-designed stainless steel exhaust, said to deliver a sportier take on the classic A-Series engine sound. 

Tolman’s efforts have almost doubled the output of the Cooper S, with a total of 90hp and 80lb ft of torque now on offer. Combined with a kerb weight of just 695kg, the Mini is said to feel ‘lively when driven hard’.

A refreshed four-speed manual gearbox is installed, but Tolman decided against a limited-slip differential to preserve the Mini’s classic character.

Modern touches on the inside

Tolman also turned its attention to the interior, starting with extra sound deadening to make the Cooper S easier to live with. An electronic engine management system is used to improve cold starts and idling.

The cabin retains as many original parts as possible. This includes much of the brightwork, along with the headlining. 

However, black leather upholstery replaces the original vinyl, while a Bluetooth-compatible head unit is cleverly hidden away. The Webasto sunroof has also been returned to working order. 

The Mini’s original exterior colour combination of Tartan Red and black has been reapplied, but with Supagard ceramic protection. A generous dose of stone chip protection is also used underneath to fend off the risk of corrosion.

Enhancing the classic Cooper S

It might be the smallest car Tolman Engineering has restored to date, but the Mini Cooper S was tackled with the same vigour as earlier restomod builds. 

“The Mini is already a famously fun and practical car to own. Our job was to take these attributes to the next level,” said company founder Chris Tolman. 

“In keeping with our previous projects, our team’s decades of motorsports experience have not been used to create the fastest Mini possible. Instead, we’ve been tasked with the greater challenge of enhancing what made the car special in the first place.”

With the Mini completed, work has now started on four new Tolman Editions of the Peugeot 205 GTI, alongside two new bespoke commissions.

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