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