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.

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20/53 - 13 (245/40 VR 13) Michelin TB5F+

Starting at £512.40 £427.00
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23/59 - 15 (265/40 R 15) Michelin TB5R+

Starting at £636.00 £530.00
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23/62 - 15 (270/45 WR 15) Michelin TB5F+

Starting at £630.00 £525.00
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26/61 - 15 (285/40 R 15) Michelin TB5F+

Starting at £642.00 £535.00
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26/61 - 15 (285/40 WR 15) Michelin TB5R+

Starting at £642.00 £535.00
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29/61 - 15 (335/35 WR 15) Michelin TB5R+

Starting at £703.20 £586.00
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Set of 4 off 125 SR15 Michelin X

Starting at £414.00 £345.00
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Set of 4 off 145 SR15 Michelin XZX

Starting at £586.80 £489.00
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Set of 4 off 165 HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £778.80 £649.00
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Set of 4 off 180 R15 Michelin XAS

Starting at £1,078.80 £899.00
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Set of 4 off 185 R15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £1,162.80 £969.00
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Set of 5 off 125 R 15 Michelin X

Starting at £510.00 £425.00
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Set of 5 off 145R15 Michelin XZX

Starting at £714.00 £595.00
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Set of 5 off 165HR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £1,102.80 £919.00
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Set of 5 off 165 R 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £954.00 £795.00
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Set of 5 off 180 R 15 Michelin XAS

Starting at £1,318.80 £1,099.00
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145/70R12 Michelin XZX

Starting at £85.20 £71.00
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185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £184.80 £154.00
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Set of 4 off 165 HR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £894.00 £745.00
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Set of 5 off 185VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £1,402.80 £1,169.00
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175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £170.40 £142.00
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185/70 VR 14 Michelin XAS

Starting at £252.00 £210.00
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195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A

Starting at £177.60 £148.00
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195/65 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A

Starting at £181.20 £151.00
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145 HR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67
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155R15 Michelin XAS FF

Starting at £259.20 £216.00
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16/53 - 13 (185/55 VR 13) Michelin TB5F+

Starting at £471.60 £393.00
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175 HR 14 Michelin XAS

Starting at £206.40 £172.00
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18/60 - 15 (225/50 VR 15) Michelin TB5F+

Starting at £538.80 £449.00
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18/60 - 15 (225/50 WR 15) Michelin TB5R+

Starting at £538.80 £449.00
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185/70 R 13 Michelin XDX

Starting at £332.40 £277.00
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145R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £126.00 £105.00
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Set of 4 off 145 R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £486.00 £405.00
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Set of 5 off 145 R 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £594.00 £495.00
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Set of 4 off 145 R14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67
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Set of 5 off 145 R 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67
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235/40R17 PIRELLI P7 CORSA CLASSIC D3

Starting at £490.80 £409.00
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235/40R17 PIRELLI P7 CORSA CLASSIC D5

Starting at £490.80 £409.00
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235/40R17 PIRELLI P7 CORSA CLASSIC WET

Starting at £490.80 £409.00
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Set of 4 off 175/70 R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £654.00 £545.00
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Set of 5 off 175/70 R 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £802.80 £669.00
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Set of 5 off 185/70R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £870.00 £725.00
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Set of 4 off 185/70 R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £706.80 £589.00
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205/70 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £192.00 £160.00
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215/60 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £201.60 £168.00
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215/70 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £200.40 £167.00
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225/60 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £189.60 £158.00
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225/70 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £212.40 £177.00
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235/60 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £210.00 £175.00
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245/60 SR 14 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £230.40 £192.00
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195/60 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £188.40 £157.00
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205/60 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £189.60 £158.00
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215/60 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £212.40 £177.00
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215/65 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £206.40 £172.00
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215/70 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £201.60 £168.00
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225/60 R 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £210.00 £175.00
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225/70 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £223.20 £186.00
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235/60 R 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £229.20 £191.00
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235/70 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £212.40 £177.00
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245/60 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £237.60 £198.00
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255/60 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £242.40 £202.00
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255/70 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £242.40 £202.00
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275/60 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £252.00 £210.00
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295/50 SR 15 B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A

Starting at £296.40 £247.00
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185 HR 15 Galaxy Whitewall

Starting at £165.60 £138.00
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205/70 HR 15 Galaxy Whitewall
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215/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5

Starting at £394.80 £329.00
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Set of 4 off 205/70 WR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5

Starting at £1,306.80 £1,089.00
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Set of 5 off 205/70WR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5

Starting at £1,594.80 £1,329.00
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Set of 4 off 215/70 R15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5

Starting at £1,522.80 £1,269.00
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Set of 5 off 215/70R15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5

Starting at £1,846.80 £1,539.00
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Set of 4 off 125 SR12 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN54

Starting at £331.20 £276.00
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Set of 5 off 125/80 SR 12 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN54

Starting at £406.80 £339.00
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255/50 YR 16 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico

Starting at £582.00 £485.00
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225/50YR16 Pirelli P-Zero

Starting at £382.80 £319.00
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125SR12 CINTURATO CN54 Whitewall

Starting at £202.80 £169.00
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Set of 4 off 125 SR12 CINTURATO CN54 Whitewall

Starting at £780.00 £650.00
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Set of 5 off 125 R 12 CINTURATO CN54 Whitewall

Starting at £952.80 £794.00
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205 R 16 Michelin X M+S

Starting at £186.00 £155.00
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Set of 4 off 235/75 R15 Hankook Whitewall
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Set of 5 off 235/75R15 Hankook Whitewall
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185 R 14 Michelin MXV Whitewall

Starting at £324.00 £270.00
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Set of 4 off 185 R14 Michelin MXV Whitewall

Starting at £1,246.80 £1,039.00
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Set of 5 off 185R14 Michelin MXV Whitewall

Starting at £1,522.80 £1,269.00
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215/75HR15 Galaxy Whitewall

Starting at £134.40 £112.00
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175/70 R 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £274.80 £229.00
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125 SR 12 Michelin X Whitewall

Starting at £126.00 £105.00
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7.25 R13 Michelin X Whitewall

Starting at £328.80 £274.00
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125 SR 15 Michelin X Whitewall

Starting at £171.60 £143.00
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180HR15 Michelin XAS Whitewall

Starting at £394.80 £329.00
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175/65 TR 13 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2

Starting at £99.60 £83.00
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175/60 HR 13 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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185/60 HR 13 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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195/55 VR 13 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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165/60 HR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2

Starting at £24.00 £20.00
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175/60 HR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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185/55 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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185/55 R 15 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2

Starting at £127.20 £106.00
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195/50 VR 15 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2

Starting at £108.00 £90.00
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195/55 VR 15 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
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195/60 VR 15 Michelin Primacy 3
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205/60 WR 15 Michelin Primacy 3
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235/60 WR 16 Michelin Primacy 3
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205/70 ZR 15 Pirelli P4000
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Set of 4 off 175/70 R15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £1,054.80 £879.00
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Set of 5 off 175/70R15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

Starting at £1,294.80 £1,079.00
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185 R 14 8PR Galaxy Whitewall

Starting at £112.20 £93.50
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Set of 4 off 165 SR15 White Wall Michelin XZX

Starting at £742.80 £619.00
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Set of 5 off White Wall 165SR15 Michelin XZX

Starting at £910.80 £759.00
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145/70 R 12 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN54

Starting at £97.20 £81.00
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Set of 4 off 145/70SR12 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN54

Starting at £374.40 £312.00
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Set of 5 off PIRELLI 145/70 SR 12 CINTURATO CN54

Starting at £454.80 £379.00
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Set of 4 off 185 HR14 Michelin MXV-P

Starting at £978.00 £815.00
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Set of 5 off 185HR14 Michelin MXV-P

Starting at £1,198.80 £999.00
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Set of 2 off 225/50YR16 & 255/50 YR 16 Pirelli P-Zero

Starting at £1,834.80 £1,529.00
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Set of 5 off 125R15 Michelin X Whitewall

Starting at £802.80 £669.00
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Set of 4 off 125 R15 Michelin X Whitewall

Starting at £658.80 £549.00
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Fiat 500 white wall tyre

Starting at £288.43 £240.36
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225/75 HR 15 Galaxy Whitewall

Starting at £144.00 £120.00
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175/70R13 Dunlop SP Sport AquaJet

Starting at £202.80 £169.00
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185/70R13 Dunlop SP Sport AquaJet
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Set of 4 off 185 HR15 Michelin XVS Whitewall

Starting at £1,234.80 £1,029.00
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Set of 5 off 185R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall

Starting at £1,510.80 £1,259.00
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Set of 4 off 205 R 14 Michelin XWX

Starting at £1,810.80 £1,509.00
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Set of 5 off 205VR14 Michelin XWX

Starting at £2,206.80 £1,839.00
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195/65 R 15 PIRELLI P6000 N

Starting at £334.80 £279.00
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205/75 HR 15 Galaxy Whitewall
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155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £118.80 £99.00
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235/35 ZR 18 Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico

Starting at £513.60 £428.00
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205 VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN72
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Set of 4 off 205/55 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £1,330.80 £1,109.00
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Set of 4 off 225/50 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £1,474.80 £1,229.00
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Set of 2 off 225/50 YR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 + 2 off 245/45 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £1,582.80 £1,319.00
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Set of 2 off 205/55YR16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 + 2 off 225/50 YR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £1,402.80 £1,169.00
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205/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £358.80 £299.00
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225/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £406.80 £339.00
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285/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £682.80 £569.00
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285/40 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £630.00 £525.00
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345/35 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £718.80 £599.00
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205/55YR16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £346.80 £289.00
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225/50 YR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £390.00 £325.00
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245/45 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7

Starting at £442.80 £369.00
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185 HR 15 Michelin XVS-P

Starting at £261.60 £218.00
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185 - 15 Vredestein Classic

Starting at £178.80 £149.00
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185 VR 16 Vredestein Sprint Classic

Starting at £234.00 £195.00
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185 SR 16 Michelin X

Starting at £267.60 £223.00
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185 R 400 Michelin X

Starting at £296.40 £247.00
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185 x 15 Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
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185 VR15 Michelin XVS

Starting at £344.40 £287.00
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185 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67

Starting at £346.80 £289.00
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185R16 Avon Turbosteel
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185VR16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67
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195/75 SR 14 Milestar Whitewall

Starting at £190.80 £159.00
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20/53 - 13 (225/45 R 13) Michelin TB15+

Starting at £520.80 £434.00
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205/55 ZR 16 Michelin SX MXX3

Starting at £374.40 £312.00
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205/70 VR 13 Michelin XDX

Starting at £445.20 £371.00
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205/70VR14 Michelin XWX

Starting at £399.60 £333.00
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205/70 VR 14 Vredestein Classic

Starting at £237.60 £198.00
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205/70-15 Avon CR28
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205/70 - 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £462.00 £385.00
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205/70 VR 15 Michelin XWX

Starting at £403.20 £336.00
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205/70 / 15 Vredestein Classic

Starting at £274.80 £229.00
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205/70 R 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN12

Starting at £358.80 £299.00
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205 VR 14 Michelin XWX

Starting at £471.60 £393.00
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205R15 Avon Textile
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205 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN72

Starting at £534.00 £445.00
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215/60 VR 15 Avon CR6 ZZ

Starting at £471.60 £393.00
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215/60 R 15 Pirelli P6000 N

Starting at £406.80 £339.00
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215/70VR14 Michelin XWX

Starting at £496.80 £414.00
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215/70 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £481.20 £401.00
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215/70VR15 Michelin XWX

Starting at £460.80 £384.00
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225/50 ZR 15 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico

Starting at £478.80 £399.00
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225/50 R 16 Michelin Pilot Sport

Starting at £439.20 £366.00
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225/60 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £500.40 £417.00
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225/65 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £506.40 £422.00
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225/70 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed ACR3

Starting at £408.00 £340.00
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225/70 WR 15 Michelin XWX

Starting at £505.20 £421.00
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23/62 - 15 (270/45 VR 15) Michelin TB15+

Starting at £640.80 £534.00
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235/60 WR 15 Pirelli P600
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235/65 VR 16 Avon CR227 Blackwall
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235/65 R 16 Avon CR227 Whitewall
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235/70 R 15 Avon Turbosteel
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235/70 VR 15 Avon Turbosteel Whitewall
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235/75R15 Milestar Whitewall

Starting at £163.20 £136.00
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235/75 SR 15 Hankook Whitewall
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245/40R17 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico
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245/45 R 16 Michelin SX MXX3

Starting at £442.80 £369.00
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245/60 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £529.20 £441.00
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255/45 WR 15 Michelin MXW

Starting at £520.80 £434.00
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255/50 YR 16 Michelin Pilot Sport

Starting at £566.40 £472.00
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255/55 WR 17 Avon CR228D
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255/60 WR 16 Avon Turbospeed CR27
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255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27
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26/61 - 15 (295/40 VR 15) Michelin TB15+

Starting at £649.20 £541.00
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275/55 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £607.20 £506.00
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29/61 - 15 (345/35 VR 15) Michelin TB15+

Starting at £715.20 £596.00
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295/50 VR 15 Avon CR6ZZ

Starting at £628.80 £524.00
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335/35 ZR 17 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico

Starting at £1,078.80 £899.00
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345/35 ZR 15 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico

Starting at £1,198.80 £999.00

Radial Classic and Vintage Tyres Recommendations

Radial tyres became the predominant tyres in the 1950's and 60's. Longstone Classic Tyres can offer
radial tyres as an alternative to classic cross ply tyres.

For help finding the correct classic radial tyres for your classic car, phone us on
+44 (0) 1302 714 072 or email us at [email protected]

Radial Car Tyres Construction

The first radial car tyres were marketed as the Michelin "X" in 1949. At that time Lancia was the first company to offer Michelin's radial tyres as original equipment on the Aurelia. The Radial Michelin X began a long line of revolutionary tyre designs which include:

Radial Michelin ZX tyres
Radial Michelin XAS tyres
Radial Michelin XWX tyres
Radial Michelin TRX tyres

Classic Radial Tyres

The radial tyre was first patented by Michelin in 1946 after years of research. The beauty of the radial tyre design is that it separates the functions of the sidewall and crown of the tyre, allowing greater vertical flexibility whilst ensuring that there is still as much tyre surface in contact with the road as possible. In classic radial tyres the sidewall has a one or two layers of textile cord giving good flexibility and the radial tyre tread is made rigid by combining the casing layer with two (or more) layers of steel cord bracing plies of the radial tyres. Both these factors give the classic radial tyre excellent road holding capabilities and a longer life span when compared to classic cross-ply tyres.

Radial Tires

Radial Tyres FAQ

Q: Who invented Radial tyres?

A: Radial Tyre technology was invented by Michelin during the war, but they chose not to patent it while they were under the control of the Nazi party so the Michelin X radial tyres were first patented in 1946.

Q: Are modern tyres radial or crossply?

A: Since the 1960s in Europe and 1970 in America most car tyres have been radial. For classic cars of the 1950s onwards we would often suggest fitting a radial upgrade such as a Cinturato over what might have been an original crossply. But importantly fitting a classic tyre carcass to suit a classic car chassis.

Q: What is the difference between a radial and a non radial tyres?

A: Before radials took centre stage, vintage cars fitted crossply tyres, which don’t last as long, don’t grip as well (specially in the wet), and tend to wander more at cruising speeds due to a less sophisticated carcass design.

Q: What does radial tyre mean?

A: The Cords in the carcass come radially from the centre of the wheel, and there is a separate belt in the tread.

Q: Are most tyres radial?

A: Yes, for road use. Though often off road tyres are still crossply or Bias ply. Most road cars fit radial tyres, since the mid 1960s.

Radial Tyres