Radial Tyres
Radial Car Tyres
- Radial tyres were first patented in 1946 with the vintage Michelin X.
- The movement towards radial tyres started slowly throughout the 1950s.
- In the 1950s with the introduction of the Pirelli Cinturato CA67, sports car manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo and Lancia started using radial tyres.
- By the mid-1960s radial tyres were the predominant technology throughout Europe.
- In 1965 Michelin developed the asymmetric radial tyre with the XAS.
- Radial tyres were not the main tyre technology in USA until 1970.
- In 1968 low profile tyres became available with Pirelli CN36, Dunlop SP Sport and Michelin XWX.
- Pirelli were making 60% profile Cinturato CN36 for Porsche 911 RS in 1972.
- Ultra low profile tyres hit the streets in 1974 with the Pirelli P7, and then Michelins millimetric TRX.
- The handling of your classic car is dramatically improved by fitting a tyre design of the period that suits the chassis set up of your classic car.
- A modern radial tyre is better than a classic radial tyre on a modern car, but a classic radial tyre will suit a classic car better. A late 1960s Porsche 911 is better with a CN36, however a late 1970s or 1980s 911SC is better off with a P7.