Volkswagen Golf Tyres

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Classic VW Golf Tyres

1975 Golf GTi on CN36 Tyres

The base models of the MK1 VW Golf 1.1 L, N, C, CL, GL, Formel ’E’ and the 1.5 LD Diesel models fitted 145 R13, 155 R13, or 175/70 R13 tyres.
The early Golf was fitted with 145 R13 tyres; we would suggest 145HR13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 145 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF.
If you desire wider tyres for a MK1 VW Golf 1.1 L, N, C, CL, GL, Formel ’E’ or 1.5 LD, we recommend fitting a set of 155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
The Golf 1.3 LS, GLS, C CL, and GL Golf 1.5 LS, GLS, S, C, CL, and GL, and the 1.6 LS and Diesel C fitted 155 R13 and 175/70 R13.
For these MK1 Golf models with 155 R13 tyres we would suggest a set of 155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 155 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF tyres.
We have a close-up view of a diagram of the MK1 Golf's wheel and tyre construction showing with PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 tyres, suggesting the CA67 was a recommended and/or desirable tyre for the early golf.
The MK1 Golf GTi (Grand Tourisme Injection) and GLi (Grand Luxe Injection), both the 1.6 and 1.8 models and the MK1 Golf Turbo Diesel (1976) fitted 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tyres.
The image across shows a Golf GTi on 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tyres at the Frankfurt Motor Show, suggesting they were the most desirable tyres at the time.

For all MK1 Golfs fitting 5.5”X13” wheels we would suggest that the best choice is still the 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, as the CN36 was the tyre fitted by VW themselves.
The ideal innertube for 145 R13 tyres is the Michelin 13CG, 155 R13 tyres would best fit a Michelin 13D tube, and 175/70 R13 tyres would best fit a Michelin 13E innertube.
Our period fitment guides suggest that the Golf had tubeless wheels from 1976 (most likely from the start of manufacture, but we do not have a record of 1974-75 Golf wheels). Innertubes are not required for these wheels to function, so long as your wheel rims are still airtight.
There were also Michelin TRX options for MK1 Golf 180/65R340 or 190/55R365, neither of which are produced any more.
MK1 Golf tyre pressures: we suggest 26 psi in the front and 32 psi in the rear.
The VW Golf GTi MK1 tyre pressures on the front need a little more than 27 psi in the 1.8 Golf GTi model.

The early 1.3 C Golf MK2 still fitted 155 R13 tyres, we would suggest the 155 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF.
The 1.6 and base 1.8 MK2 Golfs initially carried on with the 175/70 R13 tyre, but we would still suggest the 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 as an ideal tyre.
In January 1984, a second-generation Jetta based on the Mk2 was introduced. There was no Mk2-based cabriolet variant; instead, the Mk1 Cabriolet was carried over for the duration of the Mk2's manufacturing life.
The Mk2 Golf GTi was introduced in 1985. From 1985 many of the more sporty models such as the Golf GTi Convertible, Golf GTi 16v fitted 14” wheels with 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyres.
Tyres with a profile below 70% (e.g 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2) should not fit innertubes.
Because there are so many classic VWs, such as the Jetta and the Scirocco, not to mention the majority of MK2 and MK3 Golf fit this size we are really pleased to offer the 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyre for these cars.
The Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 is an excellent tyre that greatly benefits sporty youngtimer cars like a GTi Golf, alongside many other notable hot hatches such as the Ford Fiesta XR2 or Renault 5 Turbo. The technology used in its design allows for great road holding when cornering, utilising its competition-based compound and Variable Contact Patch, which increases the tread's contact with the ground as cornering efforts increase.

As we get into the 'modern classic car age', specifying tyres is more difficult, as when you choose your car, you also have a selection of tyres.
For most MK3 Golf, we would suggest the 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A or the 195/50 VR 15 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2.
It is great news that Michelin produce the PE2 and the MXV3 ranges of modern classic tyres.
The top-of-the-range MK3 Golf, such as the 2.0 Golf GTi 16v and the 2.8 VR6 fitted 15” wheels for which we suggest fitting the 205/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7.
For more information about fitment, look at Classic VW Golf tyre pressures.