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.
During his visit, Hopkirk encountered a familiar sight. The centrepiece of Yokohama’s show stand was a replica of the Mini Cooper S Hopkirk drove to victory in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, an event that helped catapult the Mini to prominence in the sixties. The Autosport car was fitted with Yokohama Advan HF Type-D A008 tyres in size 165/70 R10.
Yokohama now makes the A008 in a number of 10- to 15-inch sizes. As with all tyres in the classic range, it aims to provide classic car drivers with tyres that incorporate modern technology and performance while retaining the style and design from the 1960s and beyond.
“While we continue to focus much of our efforts and attention on the cars of today and tomorrow, we’re equally proud to provide the many passionate owners and enthusiasts of classic cars with our dedicated range of hobby tyres which complement their vehicles perfectly,” explains David Seward, managing director, Yokohama HPT. “Classic tyres form an important element of our comprehensive premium tyre strategy to deliver the very best products for race, road and off-road vehicles, and we look forward to showcasing these further throughout 2020.”
Four classic car tyre lines
The current Yokohama hobby tyre range for the UK includes four patterns. In addition to the A008, the brand offers the 16-inch Advan A008P. Yokohama originally developed this tyre for the Porsche 911 type 964. Then there’s the GT Special (Y350), available in 14- and 15-inch sizes in a period-correct 80 profile. The fourth tyre is the classic A539 pattern in 12- to 14-inch sizes.
Yokohama will continue promoting its hobby tyre range at various events this year. It will return to the Silverstone Classic, Europe’s biggest classic motor racing festival, as official tyre partner.
