The Official 356Talk Forum

I do agree that the Vredestein tire is probably a better choice but being a cheapskate and not driving my cars in the winter I decided to buy the Sumitomos for 50% of the cost of the Vredesteins and accept the limitation and the increased RPM.

I first started using Michelin tires in 1963 on my Volvo PV544. I have never changed brands. The tires are round! That is important. The finish on the tires are excellent, and they usually do not deteriorate quickly. For the 356 my last purchases were the Michelin Defender 205/65X15. This tire is a little wide for a 4.5 inch rim. The edge of the tires will not be flat on the road unless you use factory inflation pressures. Reproduction Michelin tires manufactured by a tire company in the U.S. use a different case than the Michelin company uses and the construction is not the quality of Michelin. My Opinion al zim 2018/08/30

Al, I found that 185's rubbed badly on the rear of the inner fenders and limited lock when parking and also made the low speed steering heavy. I imagine 205's would be even worse. Hopefully one does not have to negotiate too many hairpin bends in Texas.

165 x 15 Vredestein T Tracs on my Healey 3000 and soon my 356C. IMO wider tyres spoil the ride and make steering heavier. Trouble is that they often feel better than worn out tyres they replace so you may not realise.

Tire rack has a "house brand" . It's called the Classic All Season, I've been using them and I like them. The price varies, I've gotten them for $65 each, but had to buy one last week and paid close to $90.

Adam, What appears to be those classic tires are on amazon for $56. and here for less but more for shipping.https://simpletire.com/cordovan-p165-80r15-cpt08-tires

David Jones wrote:Adam, What appears to be those classic tires are on amazon for $56. and here for less but more for shipping.https://simpletire.com/cordovan-p165-80r15-cpt08-tires

Wow, that's even better.

Adam, where are those classic tires made and what manufacturer does it say on the sidewall?

Made in China, isn't everything?

No names, just Classic radial.

Actually, made by SHANDONG LINGLONG TYRE CO., LTD. 0U ZHAOYUAN CITY SHANDONG CHINA

To read the code, the first two digits after "DOT" , unless you miss the words "Made In China" that Adams photo'd. -- see http://www.tiresafetygroup.com/tire-dot ... lant-code/

I'm with Al Zim. I don't like paying the higher prices, but with Michelin I've always gotten excellent quality. I'm going to try the 195-65 15 Premier A/S next (on my 5.5" wheels). This isn't the ultimate sports car tire, but an all around tire (emphasis on Round) with an outstanding reputation. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... mpare1=yes

Thanks for all the advice. Went with the Vredestine Sprint from Tire Rack. Will be here next week.

Hi Bob,
What a good choice you have made. We have The Vredestein Classic Sprints on both our cars in 165 x 15 .
I can't recommend them enough. Good looks for any Classic car, superb performance , both in wet and dry and at a very reasonable price ! David, didn't know there were tires that you couldn't use in cold weather .
Cheers Jay

For what it is worth Jay, here is a write up on summer tires.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech ... techid=220

Update on my Roadster tires; I found some Bridgestone RE960 A/S Pole Position in 195/65-15; these are what I had on the car and they are excellent performers (I think the euphemism is "spirited driving")