Tomcat

The Tomcat Range

Short and manoeuvrable

80″ Tomcat

Smallest in stature but not in heart, the Tomcat 80 is designed to excel in trials where its short wheelbase, commanding driving position and low weight can really tell.

It is possibly the most focused vehicle in the Tomcat range but is still adaptable to a myriad of uses. Originally conceived with ALRC regulations in mind, (and therefore matching the external dimensions of the Series 1 80”) the 80 is equally suitable (with the correct build) for any other organisations events.

Ideal as a first venture into motorsport

80″ Turnkey Trialer

A Tomcat 80 turnkey trialer is the perfect vehicle for a first time competitor or a seasoned driver that cannot or doesn’t want to spend the time to build their own car.

Designed for ALRC regulations

88″ Tomcat

The original! Starting out as Series 1 Land Rovers converted to coil springs, the 88 began the Tomcat range in the hands of Drew Bowler, who came up with the pattern that so many have followed since – using a shortened Range Rover Classic chassis and space frame ‘skeleton’.

The most universal of all Tomcats, the 88 can be competitive in trials and is regarded as the benchmark in ALRC competitive safaris, but is also highly regarded for road use as a green lane or just general use off-roader. The Tomcat 88 is designed to match the external dimensions of the Series 1 88”

developed for challenge events

93″ Tomcat

A great balance between the extra stability of the 100 and the manoeuvrability of the 88, the 93 has been widely used for challenge type vehicles and extreme off-roaders where more on-road driving is required. Due to some judicious design work the 93 is able to gain the extra wheelbase while being exactly the same external dimensions as the 88 but with reduced and raised rear over hang.

The ideal clubman race car

100″ Tomcat

What can we say? The Tomcat 100 is probably the single most numerous off-road competition vehicle in the UK.

Very well thought of in cross country racing circles, the 100 retains the wheelbase from its donor Range Rovers and Discoveries, giving it stability and performance in speed events – making all the difference.

rear engine layout

106″ Tomcat

The Tomcat 106 is the last addition to the Tomcat range, developed to build on the success of the 100.

The 106 has an increased wheelbase between the cockpit and rear axle, originally, to accept a rear engine configuration. However, the extra length also allows a longer load bed on road based versions or more fuel capacity in a racer, this last point means that for longer distance events (such as Rally Raids etc) the 106 is the weapon of choice. The wheelbase also has an improving effect on very high speed stability with little decrease in manoeuvrability.

The Tomcat Build

Skeleton and chassis

Historically, all Tomcat skeleton frames were either welded to a donor chassis or supplied with a new chassis. As donor chassis’ s are becoming increasingly difficult to find in good condition, all new Tomcat skeletons are now supplied with a new purpose-built chassis from the factory to ensure quality of construction and peace of mind the skeleton / chassis combination is robust for the purpose intended.

All skeleton chassis combination are made to order and customer requirements and all meet the minimum MSA / ALRC regulations. 100” and 106” can also be specified to FIA specification

Body

While Tomcats may bear a resemblance to the original Landrover series 1 it takes it silhouette from, all tomcat body parts are unique to the Tomcat range designed and made from GRP and Aluminium in house. Various options are available for different body types depending on your requirements or preferences.

Axles and Suspension

Tomcats are based on live axle Landrover vehicles. Having won many off road championships over the last 20 years plus, Tomcat has extensive expertise in live axle suspension design, we can supply / fit suspension and axles fitted as Landrover intended or go all the way through to full Tomcat off road race suspension and axle set ups.

Engines

Tomcats utilise many engine options, if the vehicle is to meet ALRC regulations, the engine must be from a Rover / Land rover product. However, if this is not a requirement, we can in addition to the Rover engines offer M57 / N57 BMW diesel engines and LS / LT V8 petrol engines as kits and as factory build options. The LS range of Petrol engines are becoming increasingly popular, delivering reliable horsepower of 450+bhp.

Transmission

Although relatively dependent on engine choice, any Landrover longitudinal transmission and transfer package can be used, in addition 6 speed and 8 speed automatic Transmissions from BMW can be utilised for the BMW diesel engines. Tremec manual gearboxes and Chevrolet automatic transmissions are specified for the LS / LT V8 engines to harness the torque of these powerful engines.

Bespoke Manufacturer

Restomodification

Having been at the forefront of off-road racing and road rallying in Landrover based products for the best part of 20 years plus, our team understand how to make a classic live axle coil sprung Landrover product perform like modern powerful diesels.

We can / have applied this experience and engineering capability to classic Range Rover’s, classic Defender’s and Classic Discovery 1 and 2’s to deliver the power, handling and refinement of a modern sporty SUV while keeping the design and character of the original cars very much intact.

We can carry out bespoke restomod performance work to your classic Landrover car to any extent you so choose, from mild rolling restoration, with improved Landrover components, to full blown restomod with supercharged American V8’s or power diesels with drive train and handling packages to suite.

If this is of interest and you have a project in mind, we would be all too pleased to hear what you have in mind. If you wish to discuss this with either Mark or Paul, please contact us on 0115 9813000 or if preferred email us at office@tomcatmotorsport.co.uk and we will endeavour to reply as soon as we are able.

Examples of Bespoke Work

The images below are of the recently completed 2014 Landrover defender county XS utility. This has a brand-new Chevrolet 6.2 litre LT1 direct injection variable valve timing engine, producing 450bhp, mated to a new 8 speed GM automatic transmission, mated to a modified Ashcroft LT230 transfer box. The vehicle has rebuilt axles, new heavy duty rear propellor shaft, limited slip differential in the transfer case and rear axle, quick ratio steering, Tomcat tuned Fox shocks, Eibach springs and anti-roll bars, AP racing 330mm front brakes, Tomcat spec polybush throughout. Interior is full leather, with heated seats, Alpine infotainment system etc. it is a beast of a car and stunning to drive.