A classic car is typically referred to as a car that was produced between the 1920s and the 1980s. These cars are at least 30 years old, and are not used for everyday use – rather, they are often collected and restored by owners, who seek authentic components, fitments, and original equipment parts to protect the look of the vehicle.
To identify the right tyre size for a classic car, look at the tyre size calculation on the sidewall – or search for the vehicle online for more specific information.
There are a range of car manufacturers and brands that are renowned for their older models, including BMW, Land Rover, Fiat, and Citroen. Ferrari is another popular and well-known car brand that produces a particularly high-quality classic motorsport car, considered a collectors item today. Other brands include Porsche, Jaguar, and everyday car brand Honda.
Classic car tyres are usually made using a blend of rubber and texture, with the construction differing across the different types of classic car tyre.
You may find that modern iterations of classic car tyres use more advanced rubber compounds to maximise safety and handling on the road but are finished in a way that protects the authentic aesthetic of a vintage tyre.
Many vehicle owners don’t know where to start when finding tyres for their classic or vintage car. If your restoration project requires tyres with a vintage look, the top models include the Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres, Michelin XZX tyres, and the Yokohama A539 tyres with their balanced grip and superior braking.
You can – however, most classic car owners choose not to, because of the impact that the diverse range of tyres have on the overall look and authenticity of their vehicle.
The accessibility of classic car tyres, designed and made to suit older cars, is such that owners can easily find tyres that more closely resemble the original fitment pieces.
If you’re in the market for classic car tyres, head to our tyre brand pages or visit the Knowledge Hub for more insight on classic car restoration, local tyre fitting, and more.