White Wall Tyres: Retro Style & Where to Buy

When choosing tyres, there are lots of different features and functional design attributes to consider, to ensure you make the right choice for your vehicle. While these elements are crucial for the practical use of tyres and their benefits on different terrains and in varying conditions, what they don’t do is consider the look of tyres and their aesthetic finish.

But that’s not to say drivers don’t care about aesthetics. You need only look at the popularity of certain high-performance tyres to understand the impact of a low tyre profile on the way the vehicle looks – with these particular tyres favoured by those with sports cars and luxury vehicles.

So, what are the things that drivers can look for, if the aesthetic presentation of their tyres is important? In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on one particular look: the white wall tyre.

What Are White Wall Tyres?

A white wall tyre is distinguished by either a white stripe or a full white tyre sidewall, which provides a neat contrast against the black of the rubber tread surface. Originating in the early 1900s, this style of tyre used a white byproduct of rubber production to create the white wall look – though it was later found that carbon black rubber offered greater durability.

When Were White Wall Tyres Popular – and Why?

White wall tyres were a popular choice among drivers between the early 1900s and the 1980s and were typically used on luxury vehicles as a status symbol.

They were particularly favoured among those who wanted to lend their vehicle a look of prestige and refinement, combining a sporty aesthetic with a statement and unique finish.

While the introduction of carbon black tyres, as a more durable option, took over the market in the 1980s, today white wall tyres combine their aesthetic prestige with a nod to the historical movement of the 1900s. Automotive enthusiasts in particular, and those who covet the retro addition to their luxury or sports car, tend to seek out these unique fitments in tribute to the designs of old.

But are white wall tyres still available?

Where to Buy White Wall Tyres Today

A number of prolific and premium brands still make white wall tyres today – but it is important to note first and foremost that these more unique models come at a cost.

They are typically classified as vintage or classic car tyres, and are available from brands like:

• BF Goodrich
• Coker
• American Classic
• Firestone
• Galaxy

They can be fitted to any classic or more modern / contemporary vehicle, though are best suited to the vintage models for which they were designed and produced.

Should I Buy White Wall Tyres?

White wall tyres are, at the end of the day, an aesthetic choice made by drivers who favour the retro look on a classic, luxury, or sports vehicle.

If you want to give your vehicle a unique look then this is a good option – however, it’s important to note that these tyres are less common and so the price is often much higher. They are also produced by a limited range of tyre brands, which can restrict your choices.

For regular sports tyres, low profile tyres, and high-performance tyres, browse our diverse range of brands online today. Or why not check out our Tyres.co.uk Knowledge Hub for more comparison and advisory blogs, produced by tyre experts.