classic cars

The market for classic car tyres is small but lucrative, with some vehicle owners prepared to pay up to four times the price of a regular tyre for a fitment that looks the part. A handful of major tyre brands now offer classic lines that are either past products brought up to date with modern compounds and/or construction or else newly-developed tyres featuring period treads. But how do these tyres compare with regular, current-generation tyres?

Interest in classic cars has boomed over the past decade and with it demand for authentic-looking tyres. Yokohama is increasing its activities here and presented several ranges at Autosport International. Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk even stopped by to lend a hand.

Pristine examples of the 240Z, RA28/TA28 Celica and the like fetch top whack these days, and fastidious owners daren’t overlook the tyres in their quest to maintain their pride and joy in original condition. A new replacement tyre from Yokohama may help here – from this summer, the Yokohama G.T. Special Classic will be available in three sizes – 165/80R15 87H, 175/80R14 88S and 165/80R14 85S.