Pour les pneus de collecte, comment choisir la gomme appropriée ?

Selecting the perfect tyres for a collector’s car is akin to choosing the right shoes for a vintage suit – it’s all about style, fit, and respecting the era. Regarding new cars, swapping tyres is as straightforward as a Sunday drive. But, for your cherished vintage vehicle, it’s a different ball game, or should we say, a different car rally. The way these timeless beauties grace the roads requires a unique approach, a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality.

So, how do you pick the suitable rubber for your vintage ride? It’s like being a detective in a garage full of classic car mysteries. You need to consider the look and how these tyres will complement the car’s age, design, and driving requirements. Whether cruising in a ’60s Mustang or parading in a vintage Rolls-Royce, the tyres should match the car’s character as perfectly as a well-tuned engine. Remember, it’s not just about making a statement; it’s about honouring the legacy of your vintage car with every mile you travel. So, buckle up, and let the journey begin to find the perfect vintage tyres!

What is a collector tyre?

Diving into the world of collector tyres is like exploring a treasure trove of automotive history. These aren’t just any tyres; they’re like the bespoke suits of the car world, tailored to fit the unique needs of classic cars, those venerable machines that have cruised the roads for over thirty years. In this exclusive club, you’ll find various tyres, from the sporty ones gracing the youngsters to the iconic white-sided tyres that make American classics look even more majestic. Collector tyres are a category unto themselves, a blend of nostalgia and performance.

What sets collector tyres apart, besides their classic charm, is their availability – and let’s be honest, finding the right fit can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack (or a wrench in a garage!). This scarcity is due to the evolution of tyres over the years. We’ve witnessed the journey from beaded tyres to revolutionary radial tyres, each step in this evolution tailored to improve the tyre’s grip and performance. The key lies in the tyre’s carcass – how it holds itself together and responds to the road. It’s fascinating to observe how each advancement, from rubber compound changes to tyre mechanics innovations, has enhanced grip and durability. For instance, the shift from diagonal to radial tyres brought about a significant change in the weave of the structures, allowing for more deformation and, consequently, better performance.

However, take your time to fit radial tyres on every classic ride. On a pre-war bike, the original beaded tyres, designed specifically for the wheel and rim, might still be the best choice. It’s like trying to fit a modern engine into a vintage car – theoretically possible, but not always the best match. So, when choosing tyres for your collector vehicle, it’s not just about what’s new; it’s about what’s suitable for the ride. Remember, the perfect tyre for your classic car is out there; it’s all about finding the one that makes your heart rev as much as your engine.

Collector tyre features

Collector tyres, much like the prized vehicles they grace, boast features that are as unique as the rumble of a vintage V8 engine. One of the standout characteristics of these tyres is their size. Over the years, radial tyres have evolved, allowing for a reduction in tyre height, much like how car designs have slimmed down from the bulky frames of yesteryear to the sleek silhouettes we admire today.

Now, let’s talk tubes. Venturing to fit a tubeless tyre on a rim that wasn’t designed for it is like trying to sync a carburettor with a smartphone – possible, but full of surprises (and not the kind you’d want!). If your classic ride sports an inner tube, replacing it with a new one is the golden rule. It’s like giving your car a fresh pair of shoes – necessary and respectful to its heritage. Then, we cruise into specific mounts, not the everyday variety, but the likes of TRXs. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill tyres; their uniqueness lies in being mounted on millimeter-sized rims, not inches, making them as distinct as a hand-painted pinstripe. While the quality of TRXs has soared with remanufacturing efforts by giants like Michelin, their exclusivity means they’re compatible with only a select few cars. And remember, if you’re considering replacing a TRX, it’s not just the tyre – the rims must also tag along. Considering the price of a TRX, that revelation can sting as much as accidentally calling a Mustang owner a Camaro fan!

By the way, how do you read the size of a tyre?

Understanding how to read a tyre size is as essential for a car enthusiast as knowing how to shift gears smoothly in a classic Mustang. Let’s rev up our knowledge engines and break it down with an example: take the 215 / 55 R 17, a size you might find on a car like the SM2, renowned for its special rims. The ‘215’ is not just a number; it represents the tyre’s width in millimetres, much like the width of a racing stripe on a vintage Camaro. Then comes ’55’, a ratio that speaks to the tyre’s height – 55% of the 215 mm, tallying up to 118.25 mm. Think of it as the height of a spoiler on a sports car.

Next up in this numeric race is the ‘R’, indicating a radial tyre akin to the engine type under a car’s hood. The ’17’ is the size of the rim in inches, essential for ensuring a perfect fit, just like choosing the right size of chrome wheels for a hot rod. Occasionally, you might spot a letter like ‘Z’ added, signifying that the tyre is built for high-performance cars – think of it as the supercharger of the tyre world. Finally, the tyre reveals its maximum load capacity and speed rating – critical factors in ensuring your ride can handle the weight of your road trips and the speed of your adventures, much like understanding the horsepower and torque of your beloved vehicle. So, next time you glance at a tyre, remember it’s telling you more than just its size; it’s revealing a part of its soul.

How do you choose a collector tyre?

Choosing the right tyre for your collector car is like selecting the perfect accessory for a vintage outfit – it needs to be just right. If you’re the type who likes to see and feel the tyres before buying, some specialised professionals showcase their wares at classic car shows. It’s like a candy store for car enthusiasts, where you can stroll around, coffee in hand, admiring rows of shiny, new tyres.

But let’s remember, we’re cruising in the digital age (unless you’re reading this in a retro magazine format). Online tyre sales sites are as plentiful as the models at a car show. Whether you are looking for a vintage tyre for a ’68 Mustang or something more modern, the internet has covered you. However, finding the best deal can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack (or a lost socket wrench in a garage). Enter tiregom.fr – the GPS of tyre shopping. This handy tool is a comparator, navigating the maze of online tyre sales sites. Just input the specific characteristics of your collection tyre, and voilà, a world of options at your fingertips.

Making your choice, though, requires more thought. Some sizes are summer-ready, while others come equipped for winter – like a convertible with a hardtop option. When it comes to brands, it’s a personal journey. Remember, on specific mountings, you might not be able to pair up with a historic manufacturer like Michelin, Pirelli, or Dunlop – it’s like wanting to fit a vintage V8 engine into a modern compact car; not always possible, but always worth exploring. So, gear up and get ready to find the perfect match for your classic ride. The correct tyre is out there, waiting to meet its wheel-mate.

Here are a few tips for oldtimer tyres

Regarding oldtimer tyres, there’s more to consider than tread wear. Think of the rubber on your classic car’s tyres like a leather jacket – over time. It loses its flexibility, no matter how stylish it looks. This loss of elasticity is more than just an aesthetic issue; it affects the tyre’s grip and can lead to cracks, risking a blowout (especially troublesome if you’re cruising without an inner tube). It’s vital to watch the year of manufacture, which is proudly displayed on the tyre itself. The general rule of thumb is to give your tyres a well-deserved retirement every six years, regardless of mileage, like saying goodbye to an old friend.

Driving your vintage car isn’t just a thrill; it’s also suitable for the tyres. When new, the outer layer of the tyre isn’t the most grippy, so they need a “breaking in” period, much like a new pair of driving gloves. However, if your Sunday drives are more leisurely than spirited, your tyres might protest by developing a flat spot, mainly if you don’t give them a bit of extra air before parking up for long periods. The older the tyre, the more stubborn these flat spots become, leading to the inevitable tyre change. And remember, choosing the right tyre is like selecting the perfect pair of shoes for a classic suit – don’t compromise. If you’re lucky enough to find snow tyres for your oldtimer, embrace the opportunity, even if it means cruising in a winter wonderland. Stick to the recommended sizes; there’s a wide range of collector tyres out there, so there’s no excuse for not finding the perfect fit. Lastly, if your wheels are designed for an inner tube, resist the temptation to go tubeless. In vintage cars, sometimes the old ways are the best.