Rolls Royce Corniche Tyres
Our recommended classic tyre for the Early Corniche 1 is the 205 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN72, for the Post-1973 Corniche we recommend the 235/70R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall, for the Corniche S we recommend the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27, and for the Corniche 5 we recommend the 255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D.
Here is a short film made about the Silver Shadow 1 tyres, also relevant to post-1973 Rolls Royce Corniche tyres.
Early Rolls Royce Corniche 1 Tyres 1971–1973
- Original equipment tyres on an early pre-1973 Rolls Royce Corniche were 815-15 crossply or 205 R15 radial.
- We would suggest the best tyre for an early Series 1 Rolls Royce Corniche is a 205 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN72. The Cinturato is the best driver's tyre in this size.
- Avon also make the 205 R 15 Avon Textile which is an option for pre-1973 Corniche.
- Although not exactly the correct size, we could also offer a 215/75R15 Galaxy Whitewall. They do fit and people are often tempted by the budget price. It has a thin white band (which can be fitted inwards if you don't want whitewalls).
- Many people fit Corniche tyres without innertubes; yet the wheels lack the safety beads that prevent tyre slippage in the event of a flat tyre.
- At Longstone we would suggest running these wheels with innertubes, even if you fit tubeless radial tyres.
- The Michelin 15/17H will be the best fitting innertube for these tyres.
Post 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche on 235/70R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall Tyres at Longstone HQ
1972–1995 Corniche Tyres
- In 1973, Rolls Royce followed the trend and moved to what was at the time a more modern, low-profile tyre size: 235/70 R15 on the Corniche.
- Rolls Royce was keen to fit Michelin's asymmetric XVS tyre as standard because of its handling characteristics; however Michelin was not keen to support Rolls Royce's very low-pressure recommendations.
- So the post-1973 Corniche was fitted with 235/70 R 15 Avon Turbosteel or the 235/70 VR 15 Avon Turbosteel Whitewall for its soft, quiet ride.
Post 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche on 235/70R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall Tyres at Longstone HQ - Rear
- The 235/70x15 Michelin XVS White Wall is the best option for those owner-drivers who wanted to dramatically improve the handling of their Corniche.
- The Michelin 235/70R15 XVS was offered as a handling option in period by Rolls Royce.
- There is a budget alternative 235/70-15 Galaxy Whitewall with a white band on one side. However, we strongly recommend the Michelin or Avon.
- For the Corniche 1, Corniche 2, Corniche 3 or Corniche 4 with 205R15 or 235/70 R15 tyres, we suggest the Michelin 15/17H innertube.
Modern Classic Corniche Tyres
- In 1995 the Turbocharged Rolls Royce Corniche S (Corniche S meaning Sport) fitted 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
- The 5th series Rolls Royce Corniche fitted 255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D from the year 2000 through to 2002.
- These later Corniche 5 and Corniche S cars with tyres of a profile lower than 70% should not fit an innertube.
Rolls Royce Corniche Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Rolls Royce Corniche Tyres
The following video is the Longstone Classic Tyres Team how to use a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow on the autobahns in Germany sporting a set of 235/70 HR 15 Michelin XVS tyres.
History of the Rolls Royce Corniche
The Rolls-Royce Corniche is a front-engined, two-door, rear-wheel-drive luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce. The Corniche was available as a hardtop coupé between 1971 and 1980 and a convertible between 1971 and 1995. The Corniche was a Mulliner Park Ward-designed variation of the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. In 1965 and 1966, the 2-door Saloon and Drophead Coupé were introduced. The manufacture remained at Mulliner Park Ward in London until March 1971, when the new name was established.
The Corniche was named after the experimental Corniche prototype that was produced in 1939. The name comes from the French word corniche, which refers to a beach road, especially one that runs down the face of a cliff, such as the Grande Corniche, which runs along the French Riviera above Monaco.