Classic

Longstone Classic Tyres Blog

Classic Fiat 500 Tyres

Milan, 19 August 2020 – Pirelli is launching a new tyre for the iconic Fiat 500: the car that symbolised mass motoring in Italy more than any other. This new tyre forms part of the Pirelli Collezione: a family of classic tyres dedicated to cars from 1950 to 1990, which combine a classic look with modern technology, while maintaining the overall originality of the tyre as it was first made.

Classic Fiat 500 Blog

13/11/2020
Stanley Steam Car

1914 Stanley Steam Car

It’s not every day you see a 106 year old Stanley Steam car on the road.

Recently purchased by its current owner and in need of a fresh set of 815 x 105 Ensign Chevron Cord Beaded Edge tyres.

The Ensign Chevron Cord is the direct replacement, using the exact same mould used to produce the no longer produced Dunlop Chevron.

29/10/2020

The Michelin XWX

So today, along with the many phone calls and online orders we had a visit from this completely original, 1979, 6.9 litre, W116 V8 Mercedes 450SEL for a fresh set of Michelin 215/70 x 14 XWX.

The XWX is the perfect high speed, period correct, original equipment radial tyre from one of the world’s leading tyre manufactures.

With a W speed rating allowing it to handle speeds up to 170 mph.

25/09/2020
Free Michelin Polishing Cloth Deal

Free Michelin Polishing Cloth

Buy any set of 4 or 5 Michelin tyres and not only are you buying superb tyres at a great price you will also receive a FREE Michelin embroidered Micro Fibre polishing cloth, while stocks last.

11/09/2020
courtesy of Francois-Arsene Jolivett

Circuit des Remparts d’Angoulême News 2020

After an epic event last year we have been informed that the Association of the Circuit des Remparts, in agreement with the Prefecture of the Charente and the Lord Mayor of Angoulême, has decided to postpone the 49th running of its event, scheduled for this coming 18-19-20 September, to 17-18-19 September 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Despite the organisers commitment and determination, the sudden exacerbation of the Covid 19 epidemic has led to a raft of health and regulatory decisions in the past few days which, taking into account the organisation of our event, made this outcome inevitable.

Preparations are already underway of the 2021 event, which we are told will be an even bigger success than the first three we have organised since 2017, especially as the 2020 Circuit des Remparts promised to be an even greater triumph.

The "Circuit des Remparts Organisers" would like to offer you the choice of a refund, or to carry over your Payment/Entry to 2021. Contact Information.

Contact Repayment: [email protected]

Contact Press Office François Granet, vice president-Medias +33 625 911 277 [email protected] /// [email protected]

Association du Circuit des Remparts d’Angoulême* 19, place Bouillaud – 16000 Angoulême – France www.circuitdesremparts.com *association sans but lucratif sous l’égide de la loi de 190.

03/09/2020
MGB 165 HR 14 Pirelli Cinturato CA67

165 x 14 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 MGB Tyres

Correct period 165 x 14 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 fitted to this lovely 1970’s British racing green, chrome bumper MGB GT. Although the tyres are tubeless, quality Michelin 14D inner tubes and rim tapes were fitted at the request of the customer to guarantee no air would be lost when fitted to his wire wheels. Air can sometimes leak through the spoke heads even though most new wire wheels are classed as tubeless wheel.

Another satisfied customer.

The MGB did handle at its best on 165 size tyres. Low profile tyres such as a 185/70R14 were available to MG from 1968. However, the manufacturers of the best little sports cars such as Triumph, Austin Healey, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and of course MG did their testing with 185/70 tyres, but because their sportscar handled better with a 165 tyres, that is what they continued to fit. The bigger engine MGC fitted 165R15 Pirelli Cinturato CA67, and when MG fitted the V8 engine to the MGB V8 they increased the tyre size to a 175HR14. However I don’t think these larger tyred V8 cars were complimented for their improved handling.

The first MGB’s fitted a crossply 560-14 of which you have very little to choose from today, thankfully the radial equivalent would be 155TR14 Michelin X which is still available.

Later the original tyre for MG B’s was 165HR14 Pirelli Cinturato which is still in production today.

An alternative performance tyre is the 165HR14 Michelin XAS.

An MGB will handle best with 165 tyres. However Low profile options 185/70VR14 Cinturato CN36 or 185/70 VR 14 Michelin XAS.

27/08/2020
145 R 13 Pirelli CINTURATO CA67
Michelin XAS Tyres

145 R 13 Tyres


Some Good News,
For many years the popular tyre size 145R13 has not been supported by any of the important classic tyre manufacturers.

The good news is that two of the world’s best tyre manufacturers, Pirelli and Michelin have now stepped up and made a quality tyre in the size 145R13, perfect for Austin Healey Frog Eye Sprite or Lotus Elan owner

In 1952 Pirelli developed the Cinturato, as a radial tyre designed to complement the handling of sports cars of the 1950s. The Cinturato tyre became a go to sportscar tyre throughout the 1960s and well into the 1970s. The Cinturato was used as original equipment by, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati, Rover, Aston Martin, MG and Lotus.

Pirelli have been celebrating their heritage by making many of these important classic car tyres again, involved in this was the reintroduction of the 145R13 Cinturato CA67. At the time this was not only the only H rated 145R13 tyre, but also the only 145R13 with a classic tread pattern built onto a classic car carcass that compliments the chassis of classic cars such as the Frog Eyed Sprite, Triumph Spirtfire, Lotus Elan and MG Midget.

The handling characteristics of the 145HR13 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 gives the driver progressive behaviour in the bends making it a predictable tyre and great fun in a light weight rear wheel drive sports car, this very much adds to the pleasure of driving a 1960 sports car.


In 1965 with the development of the dual carriageway and motorway, the need to develop tyres that improved the directional stability of cars at high maintained cruising speeds became more prevalent. Michelin at the time were very involved with Citroen and their new DS which was a little on the wandery side. This issue was solved when Michelin introduced the XAS, the first asymmetric radial tyre.

Michelin have now manufactured a 145R13 XAS again with a H speed rating, making it the perfect period tyre for little sports cars from the 60’s and 70’s. Giving the driver a more relaxing drive at cruising speeds on dual carriage and of course the assurance you get with Michelins fantastic build quality

14/08/2020
Pirelli Stella Bianca Wire Wheel Vintage Stella Bianca

600 V 16 Tyres

For the first time in a while we now have a proper period V rated cross ply tyre in the size 6.00 V 16. Aston Martin DB2, DB2/4, DB MK3 & DB4 fitted 6.00V16 tyres as did XK120, XK140 & XK150, not to mention Maserati 300S and some of the 1950s Ferrari. The tyre we now have is the 6.00V16 Pirelli Stella Bianca. This tyre was original equipment for Ferrari and Maserati but the British sports cars tended to fit 600V16 Dunlop RS5 which is no longer made or the 6.00H16 Avon TurboSpeed which now only achieves a H speed rating.

Up until recently we have been recommending radial alternatives the best of which being the 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67. The only other period option being the 185SR16 Michelin X, which is great value, but it does only have an S rating, so haveig such a high performance genuine period crossply with a V speed rating is great news.

Here is a review from a happy customer.

Dear Tom,

You may be interested in the following:

I fitted the Pirelli Stella Biancas on the front wheels of the LeaF this morning, and made a 20 mile test run on smooth paved roads: Great success! I shall be ordering another pair for the rear wheels shortly.

Further: Since the Pirellis are marked 185/80 vs 165 /95 on the Avon Turbospeeds that I'm now replacing, I was afraid the Pirellis might foul the longitudinal drag link on full lock. But the two brands are of almost exactly same overall width: Avons 173 mm when inflated to 26 psi, and the Pirellis 169 mm at 30 psi. I witnessed the balancing of the Pirellis, and I cannot remember ever having seen tyres that are of such consistent radius: No radial ply whatsoever on either tyre.

All the best

Bard

26/06/2020

Jaguar XJ6 Tyres

Over the last month we've created quite a few youtube videos on our channel Longstone Tyres - Vintage & Classic Car Tyres.
Here are some of our latest videos you may like:

05/06/2020

Classic Rallying

Having done the 100 miles of Amsterdam which was organised in conjunction with our friends at PreWarCar.com by Bart Klein who runs the classic Rallying organisation via-flaminia.com. I have been in contact with Bart recently as he runs Via-Flaminia because he himself is a keen classic rally man. Longstone Classic Tyres are capable of shipping tyres all over the world with surprising efficiency. In all fairness it is not us that is clever, it is the carrier companies we use. However our experience with them and need to get things right has meant that they work very well for us and the knock on effect is our customers get a good service. So now Longstone Tyres are the Official Tyre Supplier for Trails of Africa in April 2021 and Trials of Africa in October 2021.

02/03/2020

New Classic Car Pages

Over the last few weeks we've created quite a few new pages here are some you may like:


07/10/2019

Alfa Spider Tyres

Here is a discussion I have recently had regarding tyres and inner tubes for an Alfa Spider that might be of interest to Alfa fans.

Hello Dougal,

Just thought I'd let you know that the Pirellis you sold me for my latest Alfa 2000 won the "Pirelli Perfect Fit" award at the recent Concorso Italiano car show in Monterey.

Read more

26/09/2019

VW Beetle Tyres


Longstone Classic Tyres has a long and deep association with the VW Bug, in that it’s too oldest employees had Beetles as their first cars. Currently these days, because we spend so much time on dual carriageways, often people like to fit a taller tyre like the Michelin 165 SR 15 XZX. Again more sporty options like the 165HR15 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 are available. Also currently being made are 165HR15 Michelin XAS (1965) and 165VR15 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 (1968) which were fitted to cars like the Porsche 911 & 912 back in period.

VW Beetle Tyres Blog

18/06/2019

Montlhery Vintage Revival


Dougal has just come back from a great time at Montlhery Vintage revival Vintage Revival Montlhery 2019 Video
Published on 15/05/2019

Grey Fergie

Dougal's Tractor
My Poor old little Grey Fergies is in a right old Damson Jam. It has been flippin windy recently and it seems to have blown my Damson Tree over. Which is a disaster in itself because i think Damson might be my favorite Jam. but the disaster went further, because it landed on my Tractor
Published on 28/03/2019

Save The World, Drive A Classic Car

Save the world image
“the production of a new car equals with 3 years of driving a modern car. The amount of carbon dioxide involved with mining ore, the transport of raw materials to factories, building facilities, commuting workers and the transport of new cars to distributors and so on and so on is massive.”

Learn more about the Saving the World Article

07/2/2019

Loan A Classic Car Project

Classic Car

Developed by Bob Wilkinson (who I know through Model A Ford fun), the principal being to allow people that would other wise have no way in to the world of Classic cars to borrow a car and enjoy it, and as it says on their web site “There are no hire or loan charges involved …. just look after the car as though it was your own”

Learn more about the Classic Car Loan Project

30/1/2019

MICHELIN XWX

Malton Forest Rally 2018
Michelin make a great range of all the most important late ’60s, 70s and ‘80s XWX tyres. Importantly most of them attain the W – 170mph Speed rating.

Learn more about Michelin XWX
Published on 9/1/2019

Happy Customer (Ford Mustang owner) with their new Pirelli tyres

Pirelli-Mustang
lizzie_pope‪An early Christmas present for the Mustang! Fantastic service from @longstoneclassictyres – looking forward to putting some miles on these Pirellis in 2019.‬ #Ford #Mustang #FordMustang #Pirelli #LongstoneTyres #ClassicCars #ClassicFord #InstaCars #Carstagram #CarPorn.
Published on 8/12/2019

Rallying a Citroen Dyane to Mongolia for Charity

CITROEN DYANE RALLY FOR CHARITY
This summer, we drove a 1973 Citroen to Kazakhstan for charity. We wanted a bit of an adventure before we started working, and the Mongol Rally, a totally unsupported drive from the UK to Mongolia in a classic car, fitted the bill perfectly.
Published on 23/11/2018

Rallying with Pirelli Scorpions

Pirelli Stella Bianca
Tom @ Longstone Tyres entered Malton Forest Rally 2018 on the weekend, first time in the woods. A steep learning curve but very enjoyable, staggering amounts of grip with the Pirelli Scorpion rally tyres. Thoroughly enjoyable and cannot wait for the next one!
Published on 05/11/2018

Pirelli Stella Bianca

Pirelli Stella Bianca
No, this isn’t fake news or a misprint: More than half a century after producing its last cross-ply car tyre and electing to exclusively focus upon radial construction in this segment, Pirelli is once again making cross-ply tyres for classic cars. The Pirelli Stella Bianca is back.
Published on 31/10/2018

Borrani wheels

Borrani Wheels on their way to Portimao
We just received some Borrani wheels that I am taking down to Portimao race meeting. They will be going on a Frazer Nash that is racing this weekend.
Published on 10/10/2018

Lotus Elite

Castlecombe in the mighty Lotus Elite
I had a great time racing at Castlecombe in the mighty Lotus Elite this weekend.
Published on 10/10/2018

XK120 Tyres

Excitingly we have received some test tyres for the rerelease of the 345/35R15 Cinturato P7 from PIRELLI. It seemed that the best thing to do was pop down and see Harry Metcalf at Harry’s Garage so that he could test the tyres for us and here is the reply we have had from Harry.
Published on 08/10/2018

Countach Vintage Tyres

Excitingly we have received some test tyres for the rerelease of the 345/35R15 Cinturato P7 from PIRELLI. It seemed that the best thing to do was pop down and see Harry Metcalf at Harry’s Garage so that he could test the tyres for us and here is the reply we have had from Harry.
Learn More about Countach Vintage Tyres
Published on 15/08/2018

The perfect tyre for a Wolseley 1500

PIRELLI and Michelin have made a new tyre for the 1500 cars. When the Wolseley 1500 first came out it was fitted with 500X14 tyres, which nobody makes any more. There are a couple of 500/520X14 crossply tyres, neither of which I would encourage you to fit and sadly the Dunlop 520X14 is no longer made.
Learn More about The perfect tyre for a Wolseley 1500
Published on 15/05/2018

White Wall Jaguar Tyres

I have just been asked to quote for white wall tyres and thought it might be interesting to publish them. The reason being I'm a complete snob when it comes to fitting white walls on cars like Jaguars and I honestly tried to hold back from giving my full opinion.
Learn More about White Wall Jaguar Tyres
Published on 04/05/2018

Silverstone race circuit

Longstone Tyres will be there with their extensive range of vintage tyres for all your classic and vintage cars ranging from Austin Sevens to Ferraris and everything in between.
Learn More about Silverstone race circuit
Published on 06/03/2018

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta

For owners of the Classic Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the early Giulia the good news is we have just received a new delivery of the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67 155HR15.
Learn More about The Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Published on 16/02/2018

Formula Vintage series kicks off at Silverstone race circuit - 21st & 22nd April 2018

Formula Vintage series kicks off
The new year is here and the snowdrops are gracing us with their delicate, modest beauty as we anticipate the excitement of the spring season. Spring heralds the start of the racing season for the VSCC when the Formula Vintage series kicks off at Silverstone race circuit. This event is always intoxicating as competitors and spectators alike come out of hibernation to take part in the thrills of the track. We'll see familiar faces and cars as well as new-comers, but above all the most amazing eclectic collection of original, modified and special vintage and classic sports cars.
Published on 01/02/2017

Santa Delivers for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta!

Alfa Romeo Giulietta
For owners of the Classic Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the early Giulia, the good news is we have just received a new delivery of the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67 155HR15. It is a brilliant tyre that came out in the early ‘50s as the first radial tyre that was developed to suit sports cars of the period, and offer enhanced grip while at the same time remaining progressive. And of course they look fantastic. Is there a tread pattern more evocative for a classic sports car than PIRELLI’s CA67 CINTURATO ™
Published on 01/02/2017

Maserati Ghibli Tyre

I'm hoping you might be able to help me out with some anorak work, I'm wanting to clarify a date that i can't find in my reference books.
Learn More about Maserati Ghibli Tyre
Published on 14/11/2017

Classic Alfa Tyres

Currently the availability of Classic Alfa tyres is exceptional and as good as it ever has been.
Learn More about Classic Alfa Tyres
Published on 18/10/2017

Inter Classic in Brussel

Went to Inter Classic in Brussel. I was amazed how many Early 911 s and Porsche 356 cars were there.
Learn More about Inter Classic in Brussel
Published on 22/09/2017

Citroen Traction Avant Tyres

It is because of Citroen's original designs that these classics are still very collectable cars, and it is because of this popularity that the volumes of Classic Citroen tyre sales have been good, enabling us to deliver these special offers on sets of tyres for your Classic Citroen.
Learn More about Citroen Traction Avant Tyres
Published on 23/08/2017

Classic Traction Avant Citroen Tyres

It is worth pointing out that for some considerable time Michelin were the major shareholders in the Citroen, which shows in the tyres Citroen have fitted since the '30s. Michelin has been a major innovator in tyre design over the years, and much of this has come to market in conjunction with Citroens innovative car design.
Learn More about Classic Traction Avant Citroen Tyres
Published on 01/08/2017

Here is a few quotes from a forum tread about tyres shipped to USA for Ferraris (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/365-gt4-2-2-400-412/542707-240-55vr415.html)
Learn More about 240/55 VR 415 Tyres
Published on 01/07/2017

185/70 R 13 Tyres

This week's excitement was Car SOS (now nicknamed car Sausage) had a Sunbeam Alpine series 1 in for restoration. Early Alpines left the factory with 560X13 crossply tyres which are not currently produced as a sports car tyre. We only ever sell the 560X13 Camac, but it's not a sports car tyre.
Learn More about 185/70 R 13 Tyres
Published on 01/02/2017


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