Classic car tires can set you back anywhere from $72 to over $330 per tire, based on your brand and specification choices.
Your vintage automobile needs more than just the right tire size. The perfect balance between authenticity, performance, and safety makes all the difference. Classic car tires stand out with their unique profiles that create a distinct road contact patch compared to modern options. These vintage tires were built with special performance features that modern standard tires can't match.
The choice becomes trickier for collectors and enthusiasts who must weigh their options. Bias-ply tires give that authentic look while radial tires provide better grip and last longer. Many classic car owners feel lost at modern tire shops trying to figure out current sizing equivalents. Take a 1968 BMW 2002's original "165 SR 13" that matches today's "185/70R-13" - it's enough to make anyone's head spin.
This detailed guide will help you pick the best classic car tires that match your needs. Whether you want to keep your show car's original look or boost your weekend cruiser's performance, we've got you covered.
The rise of tire technology stands as one of the biggest changes in automotive engineering in the last century. Classic car enthusiasts need to understand different tire types to make smart choices about their vehicle's appearance, handling, and safety.
Cars built before the mid-1970s came with bias-ply tires. These traditional tires have cord layers that run diagonally (at a 45-degree angle) across the tire in a crisscross pattern from bead to bead. This design goes back to the early 1900s when pneumatic tires first appeared.
Bias-ply tires give you that authentic vintage experience with their unique look—squared-off shoulders, narrow treads, and taller sidewalls. Collectors love them because they match the period-correct look that takes their classic car back to its glory days.
"Bias-ply tires replicate the look, feel, and driving characteristics of the original period-correct tires, making them ideal for car shows, Concours events, and hot rods where maintaining historical accuracy is essential," explains Coker Tire representative Matthew Millsaps.
In spite of that, this authenticity has its drawbacks. Bias-ply tires lose grip quickly in hard turns and make steering unstable at speed. They also wear out fast. These tires tend to follow grooves and breaks in the road, which creates an unsettling wandering feeling for today's drivers.
Automakers started switching from bias-ply to radial tires between the late 1960s and early 1980s. European brands made the change in the 1950s, but American companies didn't fully switch until 1975.
Radial tires differ from bias-ply because their cords run at a 90-degree angle from bead to bead, with steel belts added under the tread. This basic change in design creates a more flexible tire that grips the road better.
Radial tires offer big advantages: better traction, longer life, better fuel economy, and improved handling by a lot. They run cooler, which makes them safer on highways and long trips. Classic car owners who drive regularly will appreciate how radials glide over road bumps instead of following them, giving a smoother, quieter ride.
So, unless you're keeping a concours-level restoration or your car only moves from trailer to show field, radial tires work better for classic cars that hit the road regularly.
Bias-look radials offer a clever solution for people who want both authentic looks and modern performance. Coker Tire introduced these state-of-the-art tires in 2013, marking a breakthrough for classic car owners.
"They're simply the best of both worlds," says Coker Tire's Matthew Millsaps about these hybrid options. Bias-look radials feature vintage-style sidewalls, narrow tread profiles, and period-correct markings—looking similar to original bias-ply tires while having modern radial construction inside.
You can spot these tires by the "R" in their size code (like 670R15 instead of 670-15), that indicates their radial construction while keeping vintage-style sizing rather than modern P-metric numbers like 205/75R15.
These tires bring amazing benefits: you get the comfort, wear, and safety of radial design while keeping the right period look that shows off your classic car's character. Enthusiasts with driver-quality classics from the 1940s through the 1960s have welcomed this innovation.
Note that you should never mix bias-ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. This combination leads to poor handling and dangerous driving. Your choice of tire type should be consistent on all four wheels to ensure safety and performance.
Classic car enthusiasts can now choose from these tire technologies whatever their priority—pure authenticity, modern driving feel, or the perfect mix of both.
Your classic car's tire selection ended up depending on your driving habits and how you plan to use your vintage vehicle. The right choice creates a balance between authenticity, performance, and practical aspects to give you the best classic car ownership experience.
Your classic car's main goal determines which tires work best. Cars meant for display at shows usually value authenticity over performance.
"If it's a concours-level restoration, then bias-ply tires are a must," according to tire experts. These period-correct tires keep the historical accuracy that judges and purists love. Show cars that move just occasionally in good weather do well with authentic bias-ply reproduction tires that match the original equipment specs.
Cars that hit the road regularly for weekend drives or commuting do better with radial tires. These daily or weekly drivers get more from modern radial construction that delivers better road handling, comfort, and substantially longer tread life. Radials might not look exactly period-correct, but the improved safety and driving feel make them worth it for cars that see real road time.
Classic car enthusiasts face this tough choice often. Cars restored to concours-level authenticity just need tires matching what they had leaving the factory—usually bias-ply tires with specific tread patterns, sidewall styling, and sizing conventions.
Your choice really comes down to what you value most. Restoring a vehicle to factory-original specs or competing in judged events where historical accuracy counts means bias-ply tires become crucial. Vintage road racing also usually calls for period-style tires to stay eligible for competition.
Road safety makes a strong case for modern options though. The "seat of the pants difference is significant" between tire types. Bias-ply tires tend to follow ruts and breaks in pavement, which creates an unsettling wandering feel at highway speeds. They also get flat spots overnight and feel like "a box of rocks" when you first drive after parking.
Radial tires glide over road imperfections smoothly and quietly. They grip better, especially in wet conditions, which helps substantially with safety on modern roads and today's traffic speeds.
Keep in mind: you should never mix bias-ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. This mix can lead to dangerous handling—"the front of the car wants to do one thing while the back does a different dance".
The way you use your classic should guide your tire choice. Here are some key factors to think about:
Occasional use vehicles: Cars driven just a few times yearly might prioritize looks over longevity. Bias-ply tires make sense here, especially if period correctness counts.
Weekend cruisers: Cars that see regular but not daily use do well with bias-look radials—you get that vintage look with modern tire benefits.
Frequent drivers: Classics used several times weekly deserve modern radial tires for better durability, wet-weather grip, and comfort.
Long-distance tourers: Classics covering lots of miles just need radial tires. They run cooler on highways, use less fuel, and last longer.
Seasonal considerations: Some owners switch between winter and summer tires to get the best performance whatever the weather. Most classics stay in storage during harsh winters though.
Regular tread checks each month show when you just need new tires. This happens more often with bias-ply than radial tires. Knowing how you typically use your car helps balance the original cost against how long tires last and how often they need replacement.
Your classic car tire choice should make ownership more enjoyable, not less. The best pick matches how you actually use your vehicle—whether that's collecting show trophies, enjoying Sunday drives, or experiencing authentic driving from years gone by.
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Classic car owners often struggle to figure out classic car tire sizing because these systems have changed so much over the decades. Finding the right tires for a vintage automobile can be tricky since old sizing systems need modern-day equivalents.
Tire sizes on classic cars look quite different from what we see today. Cars built before the 1960s had numeric sizes like "6.70-15" or "7.50-16". The first number showed width in inches while the second told you the rim diameter. Later models from the late 1960s to early 1970s switched to alpha-numeric sizes such as "G78-15". The letter showed load capacity, followed by aspect ratio, and rim diameter in inches.
Each system tells us something about when your car was made. Early numeric tires came with what we'd now call a 90-series aspect ratio. Later versions had a "lower" profile similar to today's 80-series. These differences matter because they help keep your classic car's original look and feel on the road.
You'll need to do your homework to match vintage sizes with modern ones. Take a 1965 Ford Mustang - its original 6.95-14 tire matches up with today's P185/75R14. Car enthusiasts have created online tools that help owners find the right modern tires for their classics.
Here's what works best:
Look through your car's original documents - You might find factory specs in manuals or on tire placards
Talk to specialty tire shops - Places like Coker Tire and Tire Rack have staff who know vintage cars inside out
Check conversion charts - Many trusted sources provide detailed conversion tables for different years and makers
The best conversions keep your tire's overall diameter the same. This approach helps your classic drive just like it did when new. Most numeric tires work best with modern 80- or 75-series sizes, especially on original wheels.
The right tire size does more than just look good. Your tire diameter affects how your car works in several ways:
Your speedometer accuracy depends on tire size. A tire that's 3% bigger than stock will make your speedometer read 60 mph when you're actually going 63.3 mph. Modern speedometers work by counting wheel turns, assuming a specific tire size.
Wrong tire sizes can change how your car handles. Engineers designed your classic car's suspension around specific tire dimensions. Those early cars had narrow tires and wheels - this shaped their entire design philosophy.
Straying too far from factory specs creates safety risks. Experts say to stay within 3% of the original diameter. This keeps your ground clearance, gear ratios, and braking distances right. Going beyond these limits means wrong speeds and poor handling.
You can check your speedometer after getting new tires with a simple test: drive at 60 mph using cruise control and time yourself between mile markers. You should take exactly 60 seconds to cover one mile if everything's right.
The right tire size balances history with modern driving needs - this makes it one of the most important choices in classic car ownership.
Classic car tire sidewalls are one of the most distinctive visual elements that define a vehicle's era and character. Your classic's authentic appearance depends on these esthetic choices.
The whitewall tire has become legendary on classic vehicles. These tires first showed up in the 1920s and became a popular choice—sometimes mandatory—on cars and trucks through the 1960s. Black rubber with a crisp white band creates a nostalgic, elegant look that pairs beautifully with chrome bumpers and trim.
Muscle car fans love their redline tires, which became popular during the performance-crazy 1960s and 1970s. A red stripe runs along the sidewall, adding unmistakable color and attitude to muscle cars from this era. One tire maker puts it well: redlines look "equally at home on optioned-up muscle cars with disk brakes and air conditioning as they are on stripped down sleepers".
Looking for something unique? Goldline tires might be your answer. Select 1965-66 Corvettes with big block engines and knockoff wheels first featured these tires. Gold stripes add luxury and exclusivity to your classic beauty.
Your classic car's authentic appearance relies heavily on period-correct tread patterns. These designs changed dramatically through the decades. Simple patterns marked early automobiles, while complex designs emerged in the muscle car era.
Patrick Meeley from Vredestein shares an interesting insight: "Using a high-quality, full-silica tread compound, we ensure an ideal blend of heritage styling with modern safety and handling performance". Modern classic car tires now offer period-correct looks without compromising safety.
Tread patterns make a huge visual statement. A vintage BMW 2002 would look strange with modern Corolla tires. Show cars and concours entries often win or lose points based on their historically accurate tread designs.
Sidewall lettering runs deep in automotive culture. Race teams colored sidewall lettering a century ago when tires were still gray or white. This racing tradition moved to street vehicles through smart marketing aimed at muscle car buyers.
Modern options include:
Raised white lettering - Muscle cars made these popular in the late 1960s. Firestone's Wide Oval and Goodyear's E70-15 led the way (Shelby Mustangs had exclusive rights in 1967)
Outline white lettering (OWL) - This style matches period-correct muscle cars like the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with its iconic Firestone Wide O Oval lettering
Custom lettering kits - TredWear and other modern options let you add raised rubber letters to any tire, creating custom vintage looks
These styling elements turn ordinary rubber into period-defining fashion statements that complete your classic car's authentic presentation. The right sidewall choice makes your vintage vehicle stand out at Concours events or during a casual cruise through town.
Tire selection for classic cars requires manufacturers who blend vintage looks with solid performance. Here are the top brands that classic car enthusiasts trust around the world.
Coker Tire has invented many products since 1958 and created their award-winning American Classic Bias Look radial tire. Their big selection has whitewalls, redlines, and goldlines in sizes from 14 to 21 inches. Coker leads the world in collector tires and makes wide whitewall tires that match classics from the 1950s and 1960s perfectly. They also serve as North America's exclusive distributors for prestigious brands like Avon. Check out our Classic Tires page to find the right fit for your Classic Car.
Michelin's vintage tire line stands among the most prestigious globally, with famous models like the Double Rivet bias ply, X Radial, and XWX. Their XZX series remains very popular for 1960s European sports cars, Volkswagen Beetles, and hot rods. Michelin has introduced new whitewall tires designed for 1950s and 1960s vehicles. Their classic line gives historically accurate options for vehicles from the 1920s through modern times.
The BFGoodrich Radial T/A changed everything as North America's first performance radial tire. These tires fit 13, 14, and 15-inch wheels and deliver great wet and dry traction with long, even tread wear. Cars get an aggressive, muscular stance from the distinctive raised white letter styling. These tires have become the go-to choice for Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, and almost every muscle car and hot rod on the road.
The Sprint Classic from Vredestein pairs vintage styling with modern technology. Its symmetric tread design and solid rib pattern give confident straight-line tracking while offering modern radial construction benefits. The internal structure has twin steel belts on a rayon casing. Customers give excellent feedback about comfort, consistently scoring 8-10 for smooth rides and low noise.
Firestone has the biggest line of vintage tire designs in the world. Their iconic Deluxe Champion comes with bias ply construction, distinctive "piecrust" shoulder, zigzag tread, and authentic Firestone sidewall lettering. You can get these in wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, blackwall, redline, and goldline options for 13 to 21-inch wheels. Builders and restorers trust these tires for their authenticity and quality.
Classic car tire shopping can be tricky. You need to avoid several common mistakes that could affect your prized possession's safety, looks, and performance. Here are the biggest problems you should watch out for when buying vintage rubber.
The price range of $72 to $330+ for vintage tires might make those budget options look attractive. Cheaper tires use rubber compounds designed for modern economy cars like Toyota Corollas that don't match your classic ride's unique handling. These budget options wear out faster and need more frequent replacements. You'll end up spending more money in the long run than if you had invested in quality tires from the start. Budget tires also offer nowhere near enough traction in dangerous conditions, which creates safety risks no collector should take.
Your "new" tires might be several years old already. All major manufacturers agree that tires shouldn't be used beyond 10 years, no matter how good they look. The DOT code tells you when the tire was made - the last four digits show the week and year of manufacture. For example, "5011" means the tire came from the 50th week of 2011. Rubber compounds break down as time passes and can turn to powder. Stay away from used tires - there's no way to know if previous owners damaged them or ran them with low pressure.
The construction differences between these tire types create handling problems that can be dangerous. Bias-ply tires have stiffer sidewalls while radials flex more, which affects power transfer. At highway speeds, bias-ply tires heat up and lose grip differently than radials. Cars with mixed tire types become "basically impossible to drive at speeds over about 10 mph" and feel "sketchy" even when parked. Your safety depends on using the same tire type on all four wheels.
Classic cars with wire wheels must have inner tubes. The rule makes sense: tubeless wheels with tube-type tires need tubes, and tube-type wheels with tubeless tires need them too. You should always replace tubes when putting on new tires because rubber tubes fail just like tires do. Wrong valve stems without proper grommets create unsafe conditions. These small parts play a vital role in your classic car's safety.
The perfect tires for your classic car ended up being a balance between authenticity and practical needs. This piece explores the basic differences between bias-ply tires that give you that period-correct look and radial tires that deliver better safety and performance. Your driving habits should shape your choice, whether you're keeping a showpiece or taking weekend cruises.
Your classic's intended stance and driving characteristics depend on vintage sizing systems. The right fit impacts everything from your speedometer's accuracy to handling dynamics, so proper research becomes vital before you buy. Your vehicle's visual appeal can get a substantial boost from sidewall styling elements like whitewalls, redlines, and period-correct tread patterns.
Quality plays a vital role in classic car tire investment. Trusted names like Coker, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Vredestein, and Firestone have created specialized options that respect vintage looks while adding modern safety features. Our Classic Tires page offers a big selection for your Classic Car.
Note that you should avoid common mistakes like choosing tires based just on price, ignoring their age, mixing different construction types, or skipping components like inner tubes and valve stems. The right tires showcase your classic's authentic character and keep you safe during every memorable drive. A careful look at these factors helps you strike that perfect balance between history and enjoyment of your classic automobile with confidence.
Q1. What's the main difference between bias-ply and radial tires for classic cars? Bias-ply tires offer a more authentic vintage look and feel, while radial tires provide better performance, safety, and longevity. Bias-ply tires have diagonal cord layers, giving a period-correct appearance but less grip. Radials have perpendicular cord layers, offering improved handling and tread life.
Q2. How do I choose the right tire size for my classic car? Start by checking your car's original documentation or tire placard for factory specifications. Use conversion charts to translate vintage sizes to modern equivalents, maintaining the original tire's overall diameter. Consult specialty tire retailers for expert advice on finding the closest modern match to preserve your classic's intended stance and handling.
Q3. Are whitewall tires still available for classic cars? Yes, whitewall tires are still widely available for classic cars. Many manufacturers, including Coker Tire and Firestone, produce whitewalls in various sizes to fit vehicles from different eras. You can also find options with redlines or goldlines to match specific classic car styles.
Q4. How often should I replace the tires on my classic car? Even if tread wear isn't visible, it's recommended to replace classic car tires every 10 years due to rubber compound degradation. Check the DOT code on the tire sidewall to determine the manufacturing date. For cars driven regularly, more frequent replacements may be necessary based on wear and tear.
Q5. Can I mix different types of tires on my classic car? No, you should never mix bias-ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. This combination can cause dangerous handling problems due to the different flex and heat characteristics of each tire type. Always use the same construction type on all four wheels to ensure safe and predictable handling.
