Aston Martin DB Mk3 Tyres
Aston Martin DB MK3
Aston Martin DB2/4 MKIII 1951–1953
- At last, there is a perfect crossply tyre for the Aston DB Mk3: 6.00-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA.
- The original equipment tyres for the DB2/4 Mk3 was the 600 H 16 Avon Turbospeed, which is only H rated.
- For modern road use, we would suggest 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 as the radial alternative that Aston offered in period. It is still the best road tyre today.
- Wire wheels need innertubes, and we suggest Michelin 16 F RET as the best choice of Aston Martin DB Mk3 innertube for these tyres.
- As in period, one of the best upgrades for an Aston Martin DB MK3 would be a set of Borrani Wheels.
- Aston Martin DB MK 3 tyre pressures of 30 psi front and 32 psi rear.
Another satisfied customer e-mailed us. (This email was sent before the 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 was back in production)
Dear Dougal & Simon,
Well, Dougal you aren't the prettiest sight on YouTube but I did enjoy your clip on the best tyres for a DB 2/4.
I think I have just bought either the sixth or seventh set of Michelin Pilote from you for my DB Astons, and I could not agree with you more. They are 'head and shoulders' above all other tyres, and I regret using Avons for twelve years on my DB4GT before I bought a set from you for it about two years ago. They provide much lighter steering, better grip, no squealing, and of course there isn't a better looking tyre for the car. Will send you some shots of them fitted to my 2/4 Mark II shortly.
Kind regards,
Anthony
Aston Martin DB Mk3 Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Aston Martin DB Mk3 Tyres
DB3 Tyres
Classic Tyres Explained
It is worth pointing out that since this film was made Pirelli has made a new 600V16 Pirelli Stella Bianca which we would suggest is by far the best crossply tyre. It is V speed rated.
The Dutch company Vredestein make radial tyres in the size 185-16 Tyres. Vredestein tyres are proving very popular with the XK Jags as a cheap tyre but this tyre only has an H-speed rating (130mph).
With these 50s performance cars in mind, they produced the Michelin Pilote X 600WR16 which is a tall, period-looking tyre designed to keep the steering light with a tread pattern that can move water very efficiently. 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.
Importantly, with classic cars, a tyre should be designed to give you, as the driver, the feedback 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.
DB Aston Martins were 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.
Cross-ply tyres are still just right for some, where originality is important. Fitting crossply tyres will keep your steering good and light, and they will also give you 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 600 H 16 as it is the tyre your cars left the factory on.
Michelin also still manufactures 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 possible when fitting a radial. The Michelin X is its own worst enemy in that they last forever, 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 makes the 185 R 16 Avon Turbosteel - another good sporty option. If you want to slightly lower your car and have a big footprint 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.
DB MK3 Tyres
You wouldn't give Marilyn Monroe, Marge Simpson's hairstyle. So the exciting news for cars such as these is the re-emergence of the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ 185VR16. This is the only genuinely period tyre available in this size with a suitable speed rating (V 150mph), this was a hugely famous tyre in Europe as it had the advantage of being a radial tyre whilst also being progressive, making it perfect for road and track, just like an Aston.
These PIRELLI CINTURATO™'s have become available again, exclusively through Longstone Tyres (00 44 1302 711 123). 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 a club member you will get a club discount!
Aston Martin DB MK3 Vantage & DB MK3 Volante
The Aston Martin DB MK3 Vantage and Aston Martin DB MK3 Volante both fitted the same tyres as the standard Aston Martin DB MK3.
Aston Martin DB MK3 Borrani Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your Aston Martin DB Mk3. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding, then please contact us at [email protected]
Wire wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
Click the link for Aston Martin DB Mk3 Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge
