The Official 356Talk Forum

I am having fun bringing my 356C back to the original condition that it was delivered .
The one option that I am having problem finding is "Conti Tires."
Are they even around anymore .
Would anyone know how to buy a set?
Thanks for your assistance

The company is still around but no vintage tires from them.

Thank you,
should I go to Michelin then as that would be the closest correct option?.

The Michelin web site has a history section that tells their story. The XAS tire started production in 1963 (or 1964) I believe and was available for the early 911. That might be a "period correct" tire choice for you....but a bit pricey.

Lockie,

At one time Coker Tires cornered the market on the classic tires we used to ride on; Michelins, Pirellis; etc. but now Cokertires.com offers Michelin, Vredesteins and Metzlers. You can buy Pirellis from their website, but the classic such as CN 36s aren't there, but P6000s are there, plus the size you'll want might not be even produced anymore. Might check 'em out. Conti will come up Continental, which if I recall, were around in the sixties (?}

Good luck,

Frank

I guess on a kardex conti was an abbreviation for Continental, eventually they shortened their name to that.

Thank you,
The Coker Site does have the Michelin XAS.
They sound perfect.
Does anyone have them and think they are worth the money?
I don't like the fact that my existing Kumho's are made in China.

Lockie, I use the XAS (with tubes) on my '63B T6.

Peter Bartelli wrote: ↑Fri May 17, 2019 10:27 pm Lockie, I use the XAS (with tubes) on my '63B T6.

Hi Peter,
How are they.
Are they in your opinion worth the extra $

There is a whole, lengthy thread discussing tires.

Michelin makes the XZX tire also, which is SR rated. The XAS is HR rated.

I also don't like things made in China.

The best tire made for our cars is the Pirelli CN36. About 2 years ago, Pirelli and Porsche collaborated to add vintage Pirelli models to the N-spec Porsche tire approval and certification program. The tread and sidewall have the vintage design but the construction and rubber compound are completely modern. It is available in our 165-78-15 size.

However, the CN36 was not introduced until the early 1970's.

I also am a bear for authenticity and originality. When it comes to tires, I am not so strict. Upon reflection, it must be that I am after the highest quality parts always- I won't use reproduction parts, check date stamps, etc. - and tires have such a large effect on driving pleasure. Plus they are far from any kind of permanent choice.

Many seem very happy with the vintage-looking Vredestein tires.

I do not believe Continental offered a radial tire at the time 356s were new. The bias-ply Continental Record was standard equipment in 5.60x15 size.

My new 62 coupe had radials, Dunlop, so I presume Conti's followed suit about that time

I purchase all of my classic tires through Longstone Classic Tyres in the UK, see Porsche 356 options here, https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classi ... tml#page=1. Shipment to the US is free, no import duty or sales tax, takes about 5 days through a tracked UPS shipment, the current GBP to $ exchange rate is very attractive and they run specials on 4 or 5 tire sets on a regular basis. I used them for the 18 years I lived in the UK and have always found Longstone to be very knowledgeable and reliable.

Highly recommended.

Pascal

Perfect. Thank you,
after following the leads above I am going to go with the Pirelli CN36 and order from
Longstone