Lester tires have earned their reputation as a top choice for classic vehicle enthusiasts seeking period-correct authenticity without sacrificing modern drivability. These vintage rubber options deliver impressive specifications that matter to collectors: standing 28.40 inches tall with a 4.40-inch tread width, they provide the authentic look your classic deserves. We understand that choosing the right tires for your vintage automobile requires balancing historical accuracy with real-world performance.
While Lester tires may appear slightly shorter and thinner than comparable Firestone models, they offer distinct advantages that serious collectors appreciate. The brand has maintained its "top of the class" status through decades of production, featuring a more modern tread design that delivers superior traction, especially on wet pavement. At Performance Plus Tire, we carry these premium vintage tires because we know they represent excellent value for restoration projects and weekend drives alike.
Our comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about Lester tires - from fitment considerations and design specifications to real-world performance comparisons with other classic tire brands. Whether you're restoring a Ford Model A or maintaining a pre-war Cadillac, we'll help you determine if Lester tires are the perfect match for your prized automobile.
Lester tires represent one of the most historically significant brands in the classic automobile market. The brand's reputation stems from period-correct designs and specialized construction methods that serious collectors demand for authentic restorations.
The Lester Tire Company launched in the 1960s under founder Tom Lester's leadership. Operating initially under the name "Lincoln Highway," the company quickly gained recognition as a respected manufacturer of vintage-style tires. During its independent years, Lester developed high-quality tires featuring pre-siped ribbed tread designs that balanced authenticity with improved performance.
Universal Vintage Tire Company acquired Lester Tire in 1982, when the brand had already established itself as an influential leader in antique and classic car tire development and sales. This acquisition significantly expanded Universal's inventory capabilities in the vintage tire market. Today, Lester tires remain available through Universal Vintage Tire and Coker Tire, maintaining their USA-made manufacturing status that collectors prefer.
Lester tires serve collectors and restorers of vintage automobiles spanning multiple eras. The brand produces nearly 40 different sizes, covering vehicles from the early Brass Era through the 1960s. These tires feature rim diameters from 14 to 23 inches in traditional bias ply construction. The lineup includes two high-pressure tire options for specialized applications.
The brand's strength lies in its extensive collection of pre-war fitments. Options include the popular 600-16 size alongside harder-to-find choices for 17 and 18 inch wheels from 1930s vehicles. This comprehensive size range addresses the fitment challenges that classic automobile owners frequently encounter when seeking period-appropriate rubber.
Lester tires function as excellent replacement options for iconic vehicles including the Ford Model A and pre-war luxury automobiles. The brand produces original equipment reproductions for prestigious marques such as Cadillac, Lincoln, and Duesenberg. All Lester tires use authentic molds with bias ply construction, ensuring correct appearance and handling characteristics for collector vehicles.
The pre-siped tread pattern delivers superior handling on modern roads compared to original vintage designs. This combination of historical accuracy with subtle performance enhancements makes them particularly suitable for collectors who drive their vintage vehicles regularly rather than keeping them as static display pieces.
Driving on vintage rubber offers a distinctly different experience than modern radials, and Lester tires showcase the classic characteristics of bias ply construction. Their on-road behavior directly influences the driving dynamics of any classic vehicle they're mounted on.
The bias ply construction of Lester tires creates a fundamentally strong tire with distinctive handling characteristics. These tires feature ply cords that run at a 45-degree angle to the bead in a crisscross pattern. This traditional construction method, common from the 1900s through the 1970s, results in a sturdy tire that handles differently than modern radials. One notable characteristic is their tendency to follow breaks or ruts in the pavement. This tracking behavior is inherent to the design rather than a flaw.
The pre-siped tread design offers some performance advantages, providing better grip in certain conditions. Many owners appreciate the classic ribbed tread pattern that delivers a relatively quiet ride compared to other vintage options.
Challenging weather conditions reveal significant limitations with Lester tires. Numerous owners report poor performance in wet conditions. Beyond merely being "squirrely in the rain," some drivers describe them as "much worse than that," requiring constant attention to maintain direction on wet roads.
Snow performance presents even greater challenges. Real-world experiences show these tires are "absolutely useless even on flat ground" in snowy conditions. One owner couldn't navigate their 1941 Cadillac up a driveway with just half an inch of snow accumulation.
Ride comfort varies significantly based on driving conditions and tire quality. When conditions are ideal—dry roads with consistent surfaces—most users report smooth operation. Several vintage car enthusiasts note these tires are among the quietest options available.
Quality control issues have occasionally surfaced. Some drivers have encountered tires with manufacturing irregularities, including cases where a half-wave in the tread created dangerous "death-wobble" effects that could "rip the steering wheel out of your hands". Yet others who regularly take road trips with these tires installed praise their longevity and claim they put "more rubber on the road" than competitor brands in the same size.
Understanding fitment specifications prevents expensive mistakes when ordering vintage tires. Lester tires require careful measurement verification before purchase to ensure proper clearance and appearance on your classic vehicle.
Lester tires consistently measure larger than their stated dimensions. The 600-16 size, for instance, runs approximately one inch wider and taller than equivalent Firestone models with identical size markings. This sizing discrepancy affects wheel well clearance, speedometer accuracy, and overall vehicle stance.
Pre-war automobile owners should pay particular attention to these dimensional differences. Vehicles with limited fender clearance may experience rubbing issues when turning or hitting bumps. Always confirm actual mounted dimensions with your supplier before committing to a purchase, especially if your vehicle has original fenders or lowered suspension.
Lester tires carry the designation "Tubed Type Tire (TT)," indicating they require inner tubes for safe operation. While some owners report running them tubeless on modern wheels without issues, this practice contradicts manufacturer specifications and safety recommendations.
Using appropriate butyl rubber tubes provides maximum leak protection and reliability. The small additional cost of quality inner tubes significantly outweighs the potential risks of air loss or sudden deflation. Vintage wheel rims often lack the precise bead seats necessary for tubeless operation, making tubes essential for proper sealing and safety.
The distinctive whitewall stripes on Lester tires provide the classic appearance that collectors seek. These whitewalls measure approximately 2 inches wide on most models, creating the period-correct look essential for authentic restorations. However, whitewall maintenance presents ongoing challenges that owners should understand before purchase.
The whitewalls consistently turn brown over time regardless of cleaning methods or protective products used. This discoloration affects all Lester tires, creating a persistent cosmetic issue that many owners find frustrating. Some collectors accept this aging as part of the vintage aesthetic, while others consider it a significant drawback compared to brands that maintain whitewall appearance better.
Selecting the right vintage tires requires understanding how different manufacturers compare in both specifications and real-world performance. These differences directly affect your driving experience and long-term satisfaction with your classic vehicle.
Size variations between brands can significantly impact your vehicle's appearance and handling. Lester 600-16 tires measure 28.40 inches tall with a 4.40-inch tread width, while equivalent Firestone models stand taller at 28.56 inches with a 4.63-inch tread width. This seemingly small difference becomes noticeable when mounted, affecting both stance and performance characteristics.
Firestone tires feature their distinctive "pie crust" sidewall design that many purists prefer for authenticity. However, multiple classic car owners consistently report that Lester tires provide smoother, quieter rides compared to Firestone alternatives. This advantage becomes important if you regularly drive your vintage vehicle rather than just display it.
BF Goodrich Silvertowns offer superior durability in most cases. Owners frequently achieve 12,000+ miles before replacement becomes necessary, making them attractive for high-mileage vintage vehicle use.
The vintage tire market has fewer manufacturers than most enthusiasts realize. Coker Tire Company produces many vintage-style tires under different brand names, including Firestone, BF Goodrich, and Uniroyal options. Coker also owns Universal Tire, the current manufacturer of Lester tires.
Quality varies significantly across these related products. Both Lester and Coker-branded tires suffer from whitewall discoloration issues over time. Diamondback models, which are modified Cooper tires with added whitewalls, often maintain their appearance better while delivering smoother rides.
Premium vintage tire pricing remains consistent across major brands. A set of five Lester 550-19 tires costs approximately $860 including shipping, with BF Goodrich options priced similarly. Get the best deal on Lester Tires
Availability often determines final purchasing decisions. Lester's catalog includes nearly 40 different sizes spanning from Brass Era vehicles through 1960s models. This range includes difficult-to-source fitments for 1930s vehicles requiring 17 and 18-inch wheels. Smart collectors evaluate period correctness, driving characteristics, and current stock availability when making their final choice.
At Performance Plus Tire, we believe in providing honest guidance to help you make the right tire choice for your classic vehicle. Lester tires serve a specific purpose in the vintage automobile market, and understanding their strengths and limitations is essential for making an informed decision.
These tires excel in several key areas that matter to serious collectors. The period-correct appearance and extensive size range, including those hard-to-find pre-war fitments, make them valuable for authentic restorations. The pre-siped tread design provides better road manners than true vintage designs while maintaining the classic look your vehicle deserves.
However, we want you to understand the challenges. Poor wet weather performance and persistent whitewall discoloration are real concerns that affect daily usability. The sizing inconsistencies compared to other brands require careful fitment verification before purchase.
Our recommendation depends on your specific needs. Classic car owners who prioritize authenticity and primarily drive in fair weather conditions will find excellent value in what Lester tires offer. Those planning regular drives in varied conditions might consider alternatives like BF Goodrich Silvertowns for better all-weather performance and longevity. Get the best deal on Lester Tires if you determine they match your restoration goals and driving habits.
When choosing vintage tires, consider your driving conditions first, then authenticity requirements, and finally your budget. Lester tires effectively balance historical accuracy with improved drivability over original equipment, making classic vehicles more enjoyable to drive. Your vehicle type, local climate, and personal priorities will determine whether these reproductions belong on your prized automobile.
Our experienced team is ready to help you evaluate your options and find the perfect vintage tires for your specific application. We stock Lester tires because they serve an important role in classic car restoration, and we're confident we can guide you to the right choice for your needs.
When considering Lester tires for your classic vehicle, here are the essential insights from our comprehensive analysis:
• Lester tires excel in dry conditions but struggle significantly in wet weather and snow, making them unsuitable for year-round driving in variable climates.
• These tires run larger than their stated dimensions and require inner tubes, so verify fitment carefully before purchasing to avoid clearance issues.
• Whitewalls consistently turn brown over time regardless of maintenance, creating ongoing cosmetic challenges that many owners find frustrating.
• With nearly 40 sizes available, Lester offers excellent period-correct authenticity for vintage vehicles from the Brass Era through the 1960s, including hard-to-find pre-war fitments.
• They provide smoother, quieter rides than Firestone alternatives but cost similarly to other premium vintage tire brands at around $860 for a set of five.
For collectors prioritizing historical accuracy and primarily driving in ideal conditions, Lester tires deliver solid value. However, those needing reliable all-weather performance should consider alternatives like BF Goodrich Silvertowns for better safety and longevity.
Lester tires perform well in dry conditions but struggle significantly in wet weather and snow. They are not recommended for year-round driving in variable climates due to poor traction in adverse weather conditions.
Lester tires typically run larger than their stated dimensions. For example, they are often wider and taller than comparable Firestone models with the same size designation. It's important to carefully verify fitment before purchasing.
Yes, Lester tires are classified as "Tubed Type Tire (TT)" and generally require inner tubes for safe operation. While some owners report running them tubeless, using appropriate butyl rubber tubes is recommended for maximum safety.
Many vintage car enthusiasts report that Lester tires provide a smoother and quieter ride compared to other classic tire options, particularly Firestone models. This makes them a popular choice for collectors who regularly drive their classic vehicles.
Lester tires are priced similarly to other premium vintage tire brands. For example, a set of five Lester 550-19 tires costs approximately $860 including shipping, which is comparable to other high-quality classic tire options on the market.
