Paying attention to detail and maintaining the car's original condition are among the most important aspects for a classic car collector. Added to this is the choice of tyres. Identifying the right ones is in fact essential to finding the perfect balance between the authenticity, performance and safety that a classic car requires. Dierk Möller test editor of the German magazine AutoBild Klassik and classic car expert, knows this well.
One of the latest comparative tests, conducted by the magazine on the main classic summer products on the market, was won by the Pirelli Cinturato CN12, a tyre from the Pirelli Collezione range dedicated to the most iconic cars built between 1930 and 2000 and characterized by products that reflect the original in appearance but made with modern materials and technologies.
The tyres were tested in dry and wet conditions in the 15 inch size (205/70 VR R15) on a Jaguar E-type (car produced from 1961 to 1974) and the Pirelli Cinturato CN12 stood out as the best among the 7 candidates put to the test, earning the final rating of "exemplary".
Mr Möller, what motivated you to write specifically about vintage tyres and why is important to test these products?
Readers of our magazine AutoBild-Klassik have often asked us to test tyres for their "automotive treasures", and since then tyre tests for vintage cars have become an integral part of our editorial testing work. Writing about vintage tyres is an opportunity to provide valuable information to enthusiasts who invest time and money in repair and maintenance activities, trying to best preserve the original conditions. Precisely for this reason, the choice of tyres is important, as they not only contribute to safety and performance, but also help to maintain the authentic look.
What challenges do you face when testing and evaluating vintage tyres compared to standard tyres?
There are a number of challenges in testing and evaluating vintage tyres compared to modern car tyres. These relate to both the technical aspects of the tyres and the expectations of vintage car enthusiasts. Our test methods have therefore had to be adapted to evaluate the specific characteristics and expectations of vintage tyres without measuring them strictly against modern standards. In addition, our test candidates are tested not only for their performance but also for their ability to maintain the historic driving experience. Our job is to find the optimum balance between grip, braking performance and authenticity.
What would you recommend to vintage car owners and collectors when faced with the decision of choosing new tyres for their historic vehicles?
Choosing the best tyres for a vintage vehicle requires careful consideration and balancing of authenticity, safety and individual driving needs.
We are pleased to offer our readers the following tips and advice:
• Choose tyres that match the original design and specification of the vehicle, to maintain an authentic look, whilst ensuring they meet modern safety standards.
• Consider how often and in what conditions the vehicle will be driven. If it will be used mainly in good weather and for short journeys, certain aesthetic and authentic aspects can be prioritised. If the vehicle is used regularly and in varying weather conditions, the attention shifts to safety, considering tyres with better grip properties on all surfaces, especially wet ones.
• Store tyres in a cool, dry place and protect them from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Consult experts and specialist dealers and talk to other classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
• Think of buying new tyres as a long-term investment in the safety and value of your car. High quality tyres can not only improve driving safety, but also maintain or even increase the value of your classic car.
• Document the purchase and fitting of new tyres to prove the condition of the vehicle in the event of a future sale or valuation.
• Periodical replacement with new tyres should be envisaged, even before reaching the wear limit, to guarantee the best safe driving conditions: classic cars are often driven less, so tyre aging is an important factor.
How do you think the market for vintage tyres has developed in recent years and what could be the next big innovations in this field?
The market for vintage tyres has seen a remarkable development in recent years, driven by an increasing demand for authentic and high-quality products. For this reason, more and more tyre manufacturers are specialising in the production of vintage tyres. The supply of vintage tyres has improved through online sales and specialist marketplaces, making them much more accessible to enthusiasts. Regarding the future, the integration of sensors in vintage tyres to monitor tyre pressure, temperature and other key data in real time would be progressive and could contribute significantly to safety. The use of recycled and sustainable materials could help reduce the environmental impact of vintage tyre production.
How do you see the future of the vintage tyre industry, especially in terms of new materials and technologies?
The future of the vintage tyre industry will be shaped by the integration of new materials and technologies that improve authenticity, performance and safety. Sustainability, smart technologies and advanced production methods will play a key role in meeting the growing demands and expectations of the classic and vintage car community.
