DB2/4 Aston Martin Tyres

The DB2/4 mk2 was the follow up to the DB 2/4 mk1 produced between 1953 and 1955. The DB 2/4 was a 2 door 4 seater sports car available in either coupe or drop head models. The first of the Aston Martin DB2/4 models had 2.6 litre vantage spec engines, with the later cars having a more powerful 3-litre engine to help the heavier car get moving. The 3-litre engine was capable of producing 140 bhp. Although the car was produced in both saloon and drop head only 73 of the convertibles were built making them far more valuable.

The later Aston martin DB2/4 Mk 2 was mechanically identical to the Mk1 but styling changes meant the car now had a square rear wing profile. The Aston martin DB2/4 was still available in hatchback and drop head coupe but there was also a notchback hardtop saloon joining the model range, though only 30 of these cars were ever made. The Mk 2 Aston Martin DB2/4 was given a new lease of life in the form of better engine performance as a result of larger valves and different camshafts. The car was now capable of delivering some 165bhp.

DB Aston Martins, are arguably the best sports cars of the day, and until 1962/3 they fitted the same size tyres as all the other top marques such as Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar etc. Because this size is needed for the "best" cars, Michelin set themselves the task of manufacturing the best possible tyre.

With these 50's performance cars in mind they produced the Michelin Pilote X 600WR16 which is a tall period looking tyre designed to keep steering light with a tread pattern that can move water very effeciently. The Pilote X has rounded side walls with writing on the side designed to look like tyres of the period yet built with the best modern tyre manufacturing technology to keep the road noise down to a minimum with brilliant handling characteristics.

The Dutch company Vredestein make radial tyres in the size 185HR16. Vredestein tyres are proving very popular with the XK Jags as a cheap tyre but this tyre only has an H-speed rating (130mph)

Importantly with classic cars a tyre should be designed to give you, as the driver, the feed-back you need to make the experience of driving your car pleasurable, instead of the numb experience you could get if your car ends up fitted with a modern tyre carcass designed for power steering and modern suspension.

Michelin also still manufacture the original radial tyre - the Michelin X. This tyre is closest to the original crossply in shape and will keep your steering as light as is possible when fitting a radial. The Michelin X is its own worst enemy in that they last for ever and people may well have driven on a tyre that is 50 years old! The Michelin X is available at the same price as the Vredestein and for a more steady driver (speed rating 112mph) is a very nice option, keeping the handling the way it should be while at the same time being gentle to your wallet.

Avon make the TurboSteel - another good sporty option. If you want to slightly lower your car and have a big foot-print the Turbosteel is for you. Considering Aston’s long standing relationship with Avon the TurboSteel was tempting until Michelin produced the Pilote X and the re-emergence of the Pirelli Cinturato gave us better options.

Cross-ply tyres are still just right for some, where originality is important. Fitting cross-plys will keep your steering good and light and they also give a very comfortable smooth ride. Directional stability is the issue for cross-ply tyres and at cruising speeds they tend to wander. This is unavoidable by the nature of cross-ply construction, no matter what wild claims some manufacturers may make. If its cross-ply you want there is no doubt it needs to be the Avon TurboSpeed 600H16 as it is the tyre your cars left the factory on.

You wouldn't give Marilyn Monroe, Marge Simpsons hair style. So the exciting news for cars such as these is the re-emergence of the Pirelli Cinturato 185VR16. This is the only genuinley period tyre available in this size with a suitable speed rating (V 150mph) this was a hugley famous tyre in Europe and it was the upgrade tyre as it had the advantage of being a radial tyre but it was also progressive so it was the perfect tyre for road and track, just like an Aston.

These Pirelli Cinturato's have just become available again exclusively through Longstone Tyres ( 0044 1302 711123 ). There is a special offer on the Cinturato's, the Boys at Longstone Tyres will ship them free of charge, and if you mention you are an AMOC member you will get a club discount!

For an unbiased view of the 16" tyres available click here for an article which appeared in the Maserati Club magazine.

If you would like to have the ultimate wire wheel upgrade then please click here for inofmration on Borrani wire wheels.