Tires for OEM 15 inch wheels

Does anyone have more information about the possible future of 285/50R15 P7 ? Going to happen / not going to happen / keep on waiting ?

Hi

 I'm sorry if I am spamming this comment a little but I would like to try to rally up as much support as possible so I don't want anyone that might be interested to miss it. I hope you'll agree it is for a good cause. I have the blessings of the forum administrator.

I have made a De Tomaso Pantera  web page, here's a link: 
 Longstone Tyres - De Tomaso Pantera page
Please let me know if you see any mistakes. Any pictures you have that might make it better please send them over.

 Importantly if you may be interested in a set of the 285/50R15 P7 tyres please drop me a note via the "contact us" link so we can keep your email on file and use that collection of email addresses to convince Pirelli to make these tyres.

Dougal, I assume these “new” 285 and 345 P7s are fully endorsed (as noted by their official speed rating) for extended, high speed use?

Anyone with first hand experience on these “new” P7s at extended high speed?

Thank you,

LS

A few of my personal thoughts on tire and wheel sizes FOR THE STREET; all have been tested by myself and my wife over 39 yrs of ownership with no crashes.

If you're attempting to maximize tread width and cornering, 225-50 x 15" fronts on 8" wide Campys seem a bit stretched. I don't use the 7" Campy version, I use 245-50x 15"s- about the widest front tread size one can run on an unflared Pantera body regardless of wheel diameter. Even then, some minor hammer-contouring must be done on the inner fender panels and fender lips rolled, for clearance in tight turns. More so if the U.S DOT bumper-height/headlight height spring spacers are removed and extra caster added. 8" Campy front wheels also correct the poor scrub-radius produced by 7" Campys. I suspect Dallara's first recommendation for the Pantera was for 8" fronts.... or else the excellent fit is pleasantly coincidental.

The first instance of 10" x 15" 'DeTomaso' Campy 5-window wheels were on the Euro Pantera GTS/Gr-3, noted in the 1972 GTS/Gr-3 Supplemental Pantera Parts Catalogue. Along with those wheels were listed 225-50 x15" P-7 front tires and 285-50x 15" P-7 rear tires. The rears were about the widest street tires available at the time and were used in club-racing & hill-climbs. 295-50 street sizes were not yet available or go-fasters would have snapped them up! GR-4 and GT-4 racers, of course used even wider slick 'gumball' racing tires with relocated a-arm points and flares.

 The 245-50 front/295-50 rear tire combination works well on the street on our '72, but to maximize big tire benefits, I use stock OD HOLLOW front antisway bars and HOLLOW 1" OD rear antisway bars. Hollow bars cold-bent of thickwall 4130 tubing are slightly less stiff than replacement solid bars of the same OD. The softer hollow-bar action works well with an otherwise stock Pantera chassis and drops about 50% of the unsprung weight of the bars. I also found it necessary to add Koni adjustable shocks front & rear with different springs (available in the '72 Gr-3 catalogue).

All this, along with all-custom alignment specs, a 2 degree nose-down attitude and a minimal Peter Revson front spoiler (the Gr-3 catalogue lists an equivalent front blade spoiler but I like Revson's curvy design), allows us to take full advantage of the remarkable handling and high speed stability Dallara gave the Pantera. Above 170 mph, a blade rear spoiler (or wing) might be needed for added anti-lift, according to regular SS runners. And if you're running way up there on the speedo on the street, you don't need MY suggestions! You may need a Viet Nam era 'get-out-of-jail-free' card, though...YMMV.

J DeRyke

Jack, good historical info.

There is also a benefit to going smaller on a given wheel width, stretching the tire a small amount. This promotes better sidewall action especially with modern performance tires using stiff sidewall construction.

My experiment with a 235/50-15 Toyo R888R on a 15”x10” wheel yielded some good benefits in transition speed due to the stiff sidewalls being at a more desirable angle in relation to the wheel bead.

Is ultimate overall lateral grip lower? Possibly. Is the reduced overall grip offset by more transition speed in mid corner performance? Possibly.

I have yet to perform instrumented testing back to back with a wider tire. That would prove challenging since same model tires in different, but appropriate tires sizes aren’t easy to come by in the 15” diameter.

I can only comment on track testing which proved to be excellent. The 235 R888R performed superbly on the 10” wheel. Ultimate lateral grip was stupendous and transitioning was much better than a “too wide” tire would have provided.

Another thing to consider is that published tire sizes are often guides rather than actual measurements. Case in point, the 235 R888R is actually 9.7” in width, which predicted its favourable performance and fit on an otherwise unadvisable 10” wide wheel.

Other 225 or 245 mm tires are often much narrower than their published widths may suggest.

However, for looks on the street, it may not be an aesthetic choice for most.

I was hoping to hear from someone who is running these new P7s at higher speed (over 100mph) extended to get their impressions versus the existing TB5/15, P7 Corsa Classic, P Zero, Avon and Yokohama AVS options that have been available.

The Get Out Of Jail Free card sure sounds good!

LS

Lash apparently Dougal isn't following this topic. To get an answer to your question it may be more expedient to contact him via the Longstone Tyre website.

Jack, it is true the 15x10 Campy wheels came on the scene in late 1972 or 1973, but the 225mm & 285mm Pirelli P7s came on the scene in late 1977 or 1978. The 15x10 Campys where manufactured for a different tire which came on the scene in the summer of 1972 … the H60V15 Goodyear Arriva. It followed De Tomaso's convention of fitting tires on the widest wheel possible. The 15x10 wheel offset makes much better sense with a 255mm wide tire, which is set about 15mm inside the fender edge.

lashss posted:

Dougal, I assume these “new” 285 and 345 P7s are fully endorsed (as noted by their official speed rating) for extended, high speed use?

Anyone with first hand experience on these “new” P7s at extended high speed?

Thank you,

LS

these tyres are Y rated 

https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

so that is 300kmh (thats about 200mph). the load and speed ratings are listed on these pages

I have a question nevertheless, a tire 285x40x15 is 11.4% smaller than the OE 255x60x15  and the 345x35x15 is 9.4% smaller.

Beyond the problem of technical controls if they are meddlesome,  doesn't it have a true problems? 

Rene, running slightly larger OD  but narrower rear tires causes no particular problem on a Pantera. All they do is slightly re-gear the final drive to the pavement and, if you have the torque available, maybe a bit more speed in all gears. I ran 275-55x 15" Pirelli P-7Rs on 8" Campys for 15 years , before a pair of 10" Campys fell into my lap. As mentioned in my 1st post, wider wheels & tires are for maximizing traction and handling. If that's not your primary goal, a narrower, taller rear tire will work fine, look OK and can even be 'adjusted' outboard a bit for better appearance with wheel shims.There's plenty of clearance for even giant rear tires with proper wheel backspace. Front tires are a completely different story.

The 285x40-15" tire was the first really wide street-type radial tire available to the public, so thats what wound up on Gr-3s with the optional 10" rear Campys. If 295-50s or 305-50s had been available, DeTomaso and the racers would have gone with those. Many Gr-3s ran gumball race tires on track or during hill climbs, or in some cases they used treaded racing rain tires because with most Gr-3 club-racers, they WERE interested in maxing traction, not necessarily in European street legality or tire longevity.

One 275/55 has almost the same diameter that the OE tires but one 285/40 is much smaller, the back of the car will be 1"1/2 lower and there will be a more space  of 1"1/2  between the wheels and the wings, that should not be pretty.

285/40R15 is the FRONT tire for the GT5 & GT5-S versions. It is 23.98 diameter.

285/50R15 is the REAR tire for the 1977 and later GTS, Gp3 versions plus the Longchamp GTS. It is 26.22 diameter.

Is anybody running the OEM Size Michelin XWX  used on early pre L cars of 185/70VR15 fronts and 215/70VR15 rears? Coker Tire sells them, but I want to make sure they dont look wimpy, compared to the Avon tires I am used to. Its only used for street driving, no racing. Any photos out there?

Here are some pictures with OEM tires. I have a set on my car. Yes they look wimpy especially from the rear, and they don't feel good on the road. I have decided to take mine off and go with wider tires, and just keep the OEM's as a spare. Good for originality show, but not for GO!

https://www.mecum.com/lots/CA0...72-detomaso-pantera/

Adjustable shocks so the car can be lowered would improve the looks IMO, but then you are breaking from originality again.

Nice car! Thanks for the reply,,,Hmmmm, I liked the way the Avons looked, but they were so sticky they would throw stones all over the underbody. I'll need to sleep on this one for a long time!

I don't think the XWX's are DOT approved.  Worth asking.

John

Hi John

I did a little checking on Google and they are advertised as DOT approved, we know the internet is never wrong! I'll confirm befor ordering if I go that direction, thanks for the heads up!

Actually, I don't have the XWX's but these:

https://www.cokertire.com/tire...-classic-579858.html

Hi Kevin,

It's what Longstone Tyre told me when I asked a couple of years ago.  Maybe they have been approved since then?  For insurance purposes, I would recommend asking the source.  

John

215/70/15 tires are no longer recommended on 8 inch rims. See Michelin and Vredestein websites. Possible repercussions on your insurance or am I being paranoid?

Dr. Innocenti

I noticed 215/70/15 are recommended for 7.5 inch max width rims.

I wonder if going up to tire recommended for 8 inch, 225/70/15 would make more sense , Just wanted to keep the stock look

I wonder if anyone has tried Mickey Thompson Tires?

The Sportsman S/R are available in 26x10 (255/55) and 26x12 (305/45) in 15 inch. They even have the european E-Label on them, which make them street legal in the EU. the 26x12-15 is just 2% smaller than the 285/50-15, which is closer than the 275/55-15 Avon (3% bigger).

https://www.mickeythompsontire...-tires/sportsman-s-r

The ET Street S/S are available in a number of different sizes but look a bit sporty for the street.

https://www.mickeythompsontire...-tires/et-street-s-s

Does anyone have experience with these tires?

Speed rated is only 85 mph   

https://www.mickeythompsontire...ng-speed-rated-tires

The Speed Rating of the Sportsman S/R is H.

I didn't find it on Mickey Thompson's website but that's what Summit Racing says.............????? !!!!!! 

And even H,  it's only 130MPH .

But these are interesting dimensions and they're not very expensive.

https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

back  in  stock

In the US go to these guys https://www.lucasclassictires....RATO-P7-2854015p.htm

Is there any hope that Pirelli will ever make the much needed 285-50-VR15 P7's that we have been waiting for?  I never hear any mention of it now.

That would leave only the AVON's if you wish to use 15" wheels, and the 17" tire selection is not good either.

Thanks for the information.

I was just e-mailing with Dougal (Longstone tyres) about that Pirelli 285 / 50 R 15 tyre. He said, that he has a list of people waiting for that tyre, but that list is unfortunately a very short list. He also said, that he should be meeting some Pirelli people in October and they should be discussing the production of new sizes. So maybe, if you are interested in that size, it just might be good to add your name on that list before that meeting. I have been on that list for a long time, but I doubt that my interest for one set means very much for Pirelli... dougal@longstonetyres.co.uk 

Hi.

Are there anybody who have experience with AVON CR6ZZ tires.

215-60-15 on 7inch rims and 245-60-15 on 8inch rims.

Or anybody who know other Brand in this size . in VR or higher

Kjeld, I‘m also invested in this tire combination. The Avons are track tires, but still street legal. They have about 5mm of useful tread depth and are made with a soft compound, meaning relatively rapid wear with outstanding traction, but will also pick-up small stones and shoot them to rear of the car. Avons are used by the Cobra colleagues and you will find plenty of interesting threads in their forums. Alternatives are Pirelli P12 in 255/60/VR15 and Pirelli P6000 in 205/60/VR15.

Kjeld, I used the Avon 215-60-15 but used 275-55-15 for the rear as they are closer to the exact measurments of the original Arriva tires. They look and fit perfect and the only issue was they are very sticky rubber which does throw up a lot of stones and debris depending on the road conditions.

Here is a link with photos of the tires on a car that I sold at RM a while ago.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auct...era-l-by-ghia/545607

Good luck, Glenn

Actually 255/60's more approximate the original Arriva's. 275's cause the side walls on an 8" wheel to be sunken in. I just put 275's on 10" wheels and the side walls are nice and full.

thanks for the input.

215-60-15 is really close to the height (- 0,16%) of the original 185-70-15.

I think 215 is right with on an 7 inch. 185 is to small.

245-60-15 also close to the height (-1,03%) of the original 215-70-15.

I think 245 is the right with on an 8 inch. 215 is to small.

The only problem is that the only match tires i can find in this dimention is AVON and they are so expensive. 

Kjeld

Kjeld, I‘ve spent many hours searching for tires. The Avons are the best compromise. The cheapest I have found are at MOR in Munich. Would be interesting to seek out the number of potential buyers from the Pantera and Cobra communities for a more streetable version of the CR6ZZ tire and approach Avon with this information. If the demand (money) is there, they might just do it.

300km/h rating for the new Pirelli P7 is exactly what we needed!

Now we have yet another modern, high speed 15” choice.

Fingers crossed that they are lighter than the 345mm P Zero.

It is a great time to be on stock wheels...

EDIT- looks like the new P7 is 3lbs lighter than the P Zero in the 345mm size. Bravo!

Hi

OK i have 2 important points for you.  one, i have some news for you that should help you help yourselves, and 2 i woud like your help.

1. If you are going to be wanting to buy the wide body set up (285/40YR15 & 345/35ZR15 P7). then can i suggest doing it now. The price is going to go up. Soon. https://www.longstonetyres.co....-tomaso/pantera.html my guess is the prices will be going up in the next few weeks.
2. This is the exciting one for a lot of you (i hope). i have heard back from Pirelli, who have said - "Dougal, we are now ready to order the 285/50-15 P7 mould and whilst checking some details regarding top speed, weight etc. all the data I found refers to the front tyre size as 285/40-15, can you refresh me as to the documentary evidence that 285/50-15 is correct ?"

I hope you guys are serious about these tyres. I am putting my reputation on the line with Pirelli. They are not convinced it is the right thing to do. I have comitted and said it will work, and put in the order needed. i will be up to it up to the eyeballs in it, as they say. My hope is that you guys will buy them.

Anyway any actual pictorial evidence (like a picture of a Pantera build sheet or sales brochure listing 285/50R15 P7) that i can send to them will be great. (Or stuff like this off a 308 Ferrari)

Hi, Dougal

I just sent you an e-mail containing a picture from a Pantera GTS sales brochure from 1977 or 1978. It´s even in Italian, so those Pirelli people can easily enjoy about it.

...and trying to put it here also.

Epic, we're on.

After i posted on here i found this fitment guide.

Amusingly the chap i deal with, within Pirelli, when he was a young man, he actually compiled this fitment guide back in 1980. 

Anyway I have backed that up with picture from Kimmosch, and we have the green light.

I have always said this project will take a long time, and it already has. Pirelli are on the case. i cannot garuntee any dates as yet. In fact i make a habit of not garunteeing a tyre untill i actually have it in front of me. However pirelli have been excellent in my dealings with them.

I hope i am right in saying that the people who have been buying the

https://www.longstonegomme.it/...li-cinturato-p7.html

&

https://www.longstonegomme.it/...li-cinturato-p7.html

Will back me up as to how good the quality is. The Countach Fraternity have been over the moon with them, as have the Porsche boys. I will try to keep the price as sensible as possible. However i stand by my earlier recomendation to buy P7 tyres now if you need them.

Great news Dougal. I have the 225/50/15 P7 from you on the front and am very happy. Really looking forward to having the 285/50/15 for the rear to match.

Cheers, Tim.

Cheers Tim

Does anyone have any period pictorial stuff that Pirelli would be able to use for their marketing material?

Does anyone see a downside to running Avon CR6ZZ P225/60R-15 and P295/50R-15's on 15-8 and 15-10 Campagnola wheels?

I found 225/60-15's were too tall and hit inside the stock wheel well. I had to go with 215's for the front. The 295's on the back are perfect for a 10" wheel.

I run 245-50x 15" tires on 8" Campys in front with no spring spacers and a lowered front end. (295-50x 15" in back on 10" Campys & the car's balance is exceptional). The contact areas- all show up only in full lock turns- are very minimal and I was able to correct them all with a ball peen hammer in less than an hr. This was in 2002. You may find the left side tire has issues while the right side does not (except for the wiper motor shield).

A 245 is about the max width tire a narrow body Pantera can run, regardless of 15, 16, 17 etc wheel. IMHO, the larger footprint of a 245 and resulting traction & braking improvement is worth an hour's fiddling.

I'm running the following and have no clearance issues:

• Front: 225-50x15 tires on 7" Campys 
• Rear: 295-50x15 tires on 8" Campys 

rs1, Jack and Garth, thank you.  I currently have little-used, but over-aged P225/50R-15 and P295/50R-15 Dunlops mounted on 8" and 10" aftermarket BBS-style wheels on my 1974 GTS that fit well, but Avon does not make a P225/50R-15 (or a P245/50R-15) CR6ZZ tire, and the diameter of their P225/60R-15 is 25.7" vs the approximately 23.9" diameter of P225/R50-15's.  I am planning to buy a set of 15-8" and 15-10" Campagnola reproduction wheels and would like to buy a new set of tires from a single manufacturer to fit them, but as rs1 indicates, my primary concern is what interference or other problems the taller tires may create.

It appears that a number of owners like me who want to keep their OEM wheels are having to install front and rear tires from different manufacturers.  I have read that other than aesthetics, as long as they're all radials and you don't mix them on the same axle, this doesn't create a significant problem with handling or premature wear of suspension components.

Comments?  Has anyone else tried the Avon CR6ZZ's in these sizes?

Here's a pic of my car with 205-60x15 tires on the front and 305-50x15 on the rear.  The 205-60x15 tires have a diameter of 24.7", so only 0.8" larger than the 225-50x15 tires, which is negligible.  And FWIW, I had no rubbing issues with the 205-60x15 tires on 7" Campys up front.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: This pic was taken with the original spring spacers still installed on the car.

Hi

there has been a development.

i know i said it would take a long time to get these 285/50 -15 P7's made, but i didn't plan on Covid19! I have had this coment from Pirelli

"285/50R15 (104Y) P7          Building proto at the moment. Final product expected towards the end of the year"

Can i just say, that i am not by any means garunteeing that they will be ready at the end of the year. There are all sorts of things that can get in the way of having them by then. Basically all the production of our tyres is very difficult at present because so many tyre factories got shut down to isolate, and you can imagine, the little piffling batches i ask them to make are not as high priority of the Likes of Porsche or Ford asking for production space. However i will still keep on fighting for production.

Incidentally i am out of the 345/35-15 P7 for now, but i beleive there will be some in the States at Lucas classic Tyres

Good to know, they are in process & hopefully ready before the season 2021. 

Hi

We have just had a new delivery of the 345/35R15 P7 tyres.

https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

Date code 3820. doesn't get much  better than that.

We still have the 285/40-15 P7 in stock https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

i am still chasing the 285/50R15 P7. I have been told we should have them by the end of the year. I do give them a regualr nag just to keep the ball rolling. i must admit to being a little bit skeptical about them, because there have been several factory shut downs etc. However all being well we should have them soonish

Hi Dougal, thanks for the update and fingers crossed that the 285/50/R15 P7s do eventuate.

cheers, Tim.

I just hope you lot do buy them when they come in.

Hi

I have had another update from Pirelli. I now beleive i should be getting them in April.

I shall keep you in the llop

Anyone have an opinion on the Vredestein's?

Hi

I now beleive the 285/50R15 P7 has actually been produced. I also beleive they are currently in a lorry on their way to Longstone Tyres! which is great news.

They will be on here soon https://www.longstonetyres.co....aso/pantera.html?p=2

Of course i will post on here again when they get here. How exciting, but blimey iot has taken some time, but the Pandemic has cost us an extra 2 years, and i do have other projects in with Pirelli that have just been put on the back burner so it will be great to get these.

i am relatively confident i will be able to keep the price sensible.

Hi Dougal,

great news indeed, much appreciated by the Pantera community! Let us know when you have them, and the price of course ;-)

Cheers, Tim.

Hi

Ok we do have the first delivery.

These tyres are now being shipped out to the various intenational distriutors of the Pirelli Collezione range who can be found on here

https://www.cinturato.net/

(you may also like the very cool period marketing film for the Cinturato. When did you last see a truck driver drinking red wine out of a magnum and smoking fag all while driving in an advert. I think i would have liked the 1960s with all those mini skirts)

Back to business.

Many of these international dealers will not have received these tyres quite yet, however they are on their way. I would ask you to respect the dealer network, it will save us money and it is a far greener way of distributing these tyres than for us flying them all over the world.

I truly hope you guy are as happy about these tyres as the Lamborghini Countach fraternity were when we got the 345/35R15 P7 made again. I'm not for a minute denying i am in this to make a living, but it is great when our customer are really happy, like a truly hope you guys will be.

Not a very good photo, but here you see the new 285/50x15 Pirellis on the back matching up with the 225/50x15s on the front. I am sure this is the first time in decades this car has matching tyres front and back. Very pleased with the new 285/50x15s. Thanks Dougal for making this possible.

Cheers, Tim.

Another one :-)

Outstanding look with the correct tires!

How do they drive?

Thanks

They drive fine :-) I haven't used them under very demanding conditions. About 800 km so far, mostly on highways and on wet and dry roads, but no torrential rain so far. No track work.

Cheers, Tim.

Sounds great. I am looking forward to getting a set and pushing them a bit.

Hi Team.

Might i suggest anyone who is thinking of doing some tyre shopping in the near future, get stuck in and do it now.

The Pirelli P7 range for your cars are incredibley good value. I was amazed when i managed to ge them to market at such a good price. yes i know it amounts to a large credit card bill but for such rare weird obsolete tyres that don't fit anything else the prices are amazingly good. for instance go and look what you will pay for a P-Zero 345/35R15

https://www.tyrereviews.com/Ty...ico/price/345-35-15/

https://www.tirerack.com/tires...o=35&diameter=15

When you go looking for a comparison for the 285/50R15 P7, you can't find one, because nobody else makes it, because no cars fit 285/50-15. The closest you will get is only an Avon Race tyre. which are similarly priced. What they aren't is a incredibly high performance bespoke road tyre made by one of the worlds best tyre manufacturers specially for you!

Anyway. i can wobble on about what good value these tyres are and how incredible it is that i managed to get this tyre made specially for you guy; by Pirelli no less. The fact of the matter is the reason behind this post is to let you know that the price will be going up early next year or before, so grab them while they are such good value.

https://www.longstonetyres.co....-tomaso/pantera.html

I'm afraid price rises are something we are going to have to become accustomed to.

oo these might be of interest to you.

https://www.bonhams.com/auctio...maso-pantera-wheels/

Do you have information on when the next batch of 285/40-15s will be made?

Yes

I have just been told by Pirelli that the 285/40R15 P7 will be with me in the next few days. Mayb even tomorrow.

https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

Thanks Dougal.  What is the cost of shipping 2 tires to US - California?

Just wanted to pass along a “shout-out” to Dougal from another car club I am a member of….  This from the Jensen Owner’s Club Nov/Dec 2022 issue.

Happy Reading, and thanks, Dougal!

Finally on the car, Pirelli 285/50r15. Oh spring, where art thou?

Can you please post a pic straight from the side so we can better judge the looks?. The tire is 2.6% shorter in diameter (26.2" vs 26.9") exposing more of the wheelwell. Is this a problem? I like the colour of the car. Do you have a reference for the paint colour?

Thanks

The garage is too narrow for a good side shot, but I took the car outside briefly yesterday and took some winter pics. My other set of tires are 335/35zr17 and they have the exact diameter as the 285s, so I didn´t have to change anything in regards to ride height. The color is Monza Rosso, the mobile phone seems to pick up all kinds of colors though - sometimes it looks pink or towards orange. It´s really more of a typical Ferrari red (see 2nd pic).

Thank you for the info. I still have a few questions if you don`t mind.

1. Where do I find Monza Rosso? What paint company or what contemporary car has this colour?

2. What mufflers have you got?

3. Where are you located? Sweden?

Thank you once again.

@eugenioinnocenti posted:

Thank you for the info. I still have a few questions if you don`t mind.

1. Where do I find Monza Rosso? What paint company or what contemporary car has this colour?

2. What mufflers have you got?

3. Where are you located? Sweden?

Thank you once again.

I´ll send you a PM, to keep thread topic on tires

They look great. What i am really looking forward to is the influx of people posting how much nicer the car is to drive now it on proper tyres.

I bet particularly you guys who have taken off tall wheels with modern tyres are in fro a real treat.

I dont suppose there is a chance of getting hold of a period picture of the side wall of one of these tyres. I would like to see what was written on the side wall (yes i am a nerd)

I also beleive in the States you guys had to have a sticker in  the window telling what the tyre size was and the tyre pressures. i love stuff like that for this web page.

https://www.longstone.com/de-t...ntera-tire-pressures

One option for our cars may soon disappear, Avon Motorsport (now owned by Cooper tires brand) is closing their factory in Melksham, UK at end of 2023 which I believe manufactures the CR6ZZ tires, no confirmation if any of the tires produced in Melksham will be shifted to an alternate site.

Historic racers are already hoarding slick tires to try and counteract the impact.

Can anyone speak about the Vredestein tires?

I recently bought two Pirelli P7 tires for the front in 225 50 15 and I'm surprised to see two speed ratings written on the tires.

A first in large letter 205/50 VR15

and another inscription, smaller 225/50 ZR15 (91Y).

My supplier tells me that these are "Y" but is unable to tell me why there are two contradictory inscriptions.

What do you think about that?
Did Pirelli keep the large lettering for the original look?

@rene4406 "Did Pirelli keep the large lettering for the original look?"

Yes - here´s a quote from the Longstone website:

"The tyres were originally named 285/50VR15 P7 however they are actually homologated as a 285/50 R15 104Y, as they do actually qualify for the higher Y speed rating. This detail is written on the side wall in less conspicuous smaller writing to keep the tyres looking as they did back in the day."

Hi

It is a bit complex, because to make it more complicated, throughout the original production of the tyre the script on the sidewall would have changed, as wopuld the speed rating. the V speed rating means the tyre is capable of speeds above 149 mph. but since then they have develoiped more speed ratings (including the Y in this case)

the small script on the side needs to be there to make sure these tyres cover the current tyre regulations.

have you fitted them yet? is the handling improved compared to what you had on before?

@judgepaul posted:

Can anyone speak about the Vredestein tires?

I don't think they make the right sizes?

we do have the proper Pirelli now so they arent really a consideration.

Vredestein are pretty good, and they were histrorically they were a budget option, but now they seem to be comparatively priced with the top brands so not worth considering.

And they look daft.

No, I haven't fitted them yet, the car isn't running yet and I bought it as a project car, so I won't be able to compare.
I was talking about the 225 front tires, the 285 rear tires are well marked 285/50 ZR15 in big letters and 285/50 ZR 104Y in small letters.

yep there is a lot more side wall to fill on the 285/50R15 P7

The honest answer is i don't really know. It could be down to the different styles of doing it within the production of the P7 which did go on for a good few years. it could be that the 225 is the 1975 script, but your 285/50 is the 1979 script. It would not be completely out of the question for them to do it one size in one country and another in another, or ot could just as easily be down to the heighth of side wall, which is my guess. there is considerably more side wall on the 285.

Good to hear.  I just bought and installed my 285/40-15's on the fronts and they are really nice.  Will need 345's next year.  Thanks for what you do for us!

@panterapatt posted:

Good to hear.  I just bought and installed my 285/40-15's on the fronts and they are really nice.  Will need 345's next year.  Thanks for what you do for us!

Its a pleasure.

Here is a delivery up date that i have also published in the Pantera chat:

What about 275-55-15?