Classic Car Tires: Everything You Need to Know

There’s a certain “chef’s kiss” feeling when the details on a car are just right. Whether you’ve spotted them at a show, a local cruise-in, or an online listing, period-style tires on a vintage car look great—and they can make a big difference in how an old vehicle drives. Modern tires made specifically for classic cars are even better than the originals.

The terms “modern” and “classic car” may seem incongruous when describing this type of tire, but in reality, they’re a perfect descriptor. A modern classic car tire looks like what might have been mounted to a car’s wheels from the factory when it was new, but they’re manufactured with up-to-date rubber compounds and construction designed to last a long time, hold up to major temperature variations, and provide good traction on a variety of surfaces. These are not your typical reproduction parts.

Here’s what you need to know about this special kind of tire.

Classic Car Tire Basics: What Makes Them Different?

The wheels on many postwar cars can handle standard passenger car tires, even if their sizing isn’t quite the same as what the manufacturer originally specified. For instance, the original tire size on a 1968 BMW 2002 is listed as “165 SR 13” in the owner’s manual; if you roll down to your local big-box tire shop with those numbers, they’ll probably steer you toward the present-day equivalent, approximately a 185/70R-13 tire. Major retailer Tire Rack offers a few tires in that size, ranging from about $72 to upward of $330 per corner. That’s a massive price span, and it might seem tempting to buy four of the cheapest for less than one of the most expensive.

The compound and tread on the cheapest tire in this situation is meant for a modern compact car, like a Toyota Corolla, while the big-buck ones have been designed for a vintage car. They’re both round and black, but that’s about where the similarities end.

Compared to today’s tires, classic car tires have a uniquely shaped carcass—the industry term for the tire’s profile—that results in a smaller contact patch with the pavement below. A thinner patch of rubber on the ground isn’t a boon for traction, but it does make the car easier to turn if the steering system is unassisted. The rounded carcass of a tire meant for a classic car also rolls over differently in hard cornering, which results in handling more akin to what the automaker originally intended.

These tires are also made from modern compounds that are more durable and heat-resistant than what tire manufacturers were able to use in period. They’ll last far longer than the originals, and they’ll provide better traction. Manufacturers assemble them to quality standards simply unachievable back when your car was brand new.

“Using a high-quality, full-silica tread compound, we ensure an ideal blend of heritage styling with modern safety and handling performance,”  says Patrick Meeley, a representative for Dutch manufacturer Vredestein, which has a wide lineup of classic car tires. “Every aspect of the tread and compound works together seamlessly to achieve this balance.”

Classic car tires also have a tread pattern that looks period-correct. Put tires intended for a Corolla on the BMW 2002 example above and they just won’t look right.

Bias-Ply vs. Bias-Ply Look vs. Radial Tires

Beginning in the late 1960s and continuing into the early 1980s, automakers phased out bias-ply tires in favor of long-lasting radial tires. If you have a classic car that was built before the phase-out, you may want to weigh the advantages of each construction type.

Bias-ply tires have lots of rubber and soft sidewalls that result in a pillowy ride. However, they give up quickly in hard cornering, tend to make the steering wander at speed, and don’t last very long. Unless you’re willing to live with these major compromises in pursuit of a wholly authentic vintage driving experience, or the only movement your car does is from the trailer to the concours field, you should probably stick with radial tires.

“[Bias-ply] tires replicate the look, feel, and driving characteristics of the original period-correct tires, making them ideal for car shows, Concours events, and hot rods where maintaining historical accuracy is essential,” Coker Tire representative Matthew Millsaps explains.

Then there are bias-ply look tires—modern-construction tires designed for cars from the mid-1970s or earlier that, despite authentic appearances, are radials. They feature an “R” in the tire size descriptor, indicating as such.

“They’re simply the best of both worlds,” Millsaps said.

Shopping For Classic Car Tires

Enthusiasts have a lot more tire choices today for a period-style tire than even a decade ago. A number of tire manufacturers offer classic lines, including Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli, and Vredestein. Others, like BFGoodrich and Firestone, have licensed their designs to Coker Tire.

Not all classic tires are created equal. Michelin’s Pilot Exalto PE2 tire, for instance, was developed in the early 2000s when the manufacturer watched wheel sizes grow and discovered that owners of 1980s and 1990s “modern classics” with tires sized between 13 and 16 inches had few options. The Exalto range doesn’t emulate a classic tread design, though the small sizes make it an appealing choice for sports cars.

Some choices come down to personal—or period—preferences, like white sidewall lettering (commonly called OWL, or outline white lettering), whitewalls, or Vogues with gold stripes. There’s nothing like Firestone Wide O Oval lettering for a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, after all. Such decisions may be very easy to make.

A handful of automakers—Porsche and Mazda, in particular—make it easy. They have partnered with tire manufacturers to develop rubber specifically intended for their vehicles. Tires vetted by Porsche have an “N” marking on them, which major tire retailers will also typically call out. The automaker’s classic division, Porsche Classic, even maintains a tire approval list, though you may want to contact a dealer for the latest iteration.

Ultimately, you should talk to an expert before ordering tires. Coker, Tire Rack, and other specialty retailers have car enthusiasts on staff who can help steer you in the right direction.

“We like to talk cars,” Millsaps says. “And tires.”

Why You Might Not Want Classic Car Tires

Beyond price considerations, there are a few reasons why tires designed for a modern car might be a better fit.

Suppose you plan to use your car for track days. In that case, you may benefit from a dedicated performance tire with a wide contact patch and a rubber compound specifically meant for the heat generated by repeated, grueling use. Of course, that’s all thrown out the window if your car competes in vintage road racing, where period-style tires are a must-have.

Beware, however, that a modern-style tire will wear out your car’s suspension components and wheels in ways you might not expect. That wide contact patch and stiff sidewall that contribute to so much grip will stress the vehicle’s components beyond what its designers intended. You may wind up replacing suspension parts and wheels earlier than expected.

“This can make the ride harsher and reduce the ‘vintage’ driving experience, such as the softer, more forgiving ride and looser handling dynamics some classic cars are known for,” noted Millsaps.

Speaking of wheels, your resto-modded muscle car that rides on 18-inchers will need modern-design tires. Then again, if you’re putting big wheels on your old car, you’re probably not prioritizing ride quality, anyway.

It’s all a matter of preference, but there are more tire choices than ever to create the driving experience, look, and authenticity enthusiasts want. Happy driving!