Pirell tyres for classic cars

[Furyblade_Lee]

I know this is subjective.... Thanks to the thread highlighting old tyres I am going to order a set of tyres for my Scimitar SE5a, 185/70/14 is the ideal size, however a 60 or 65 profile should be OK. I have found the car originally would have had Pirelli Cinturato tyres fitted. Ideally, as the car is pretty standard I wouldn't mind putting new Pirellis back on. But my only recent experience of Pirellis consists of rock-hard P6000's which are not too clever in the wet and NEVER wear out! I am planning to use the Scimitar for some spirited driving so would appreciate some feedback from anyone who runs some Pirellis on their Classic and finds them good all round.

[Paul S4]

I fitted a set of Pirelli P3000s ( 165/70/13) to my Elan and have found them pretty good. The car was previously fitted with Avon Turbosteels, and the Pirellis are certainly an improvement. It must be said that the Avons were 155/80/13, so there would be a difference in profile anyway, but I find the handling is better overall, both wet & dry ( although any rear wheel drive 1970's fibreglass bodied performance car has to be driven more gently in the wet; I would guess that a 3 litre Scimitar would tend to be a handful anyway, wet or dry ).
I would add that it has taken a while to get the pressures sorted; I run 22F/24R on what is after all a very light car.
Tyre choice on a Classic is more down to personal preference, perhaps the Scimiter club may be of more asisstance to you.

[RichB]

Pirelli Cinturatos are available these days...

http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/Pirelli-Cinturato....

Ah but having checked I don't think they do them in a 14" dia.

Edited by RichB on Friday 13th November 10:47

[V10Mike]

The Vredestein Sprint Classic is available in a 195/70 VR14, which should be close enough. They have a period appearance but an excellent performance reputation.