Vredstein Sports a question?

[andrewh]

i was looking at some pictures of the Vredstein 205 70 15 tyres and they look exactly the same tread pattern as the later Dunlop SP tyres I took off my series one XJ12 after one of them decided to delaminate. Anyway, I know some tyre companies sell on the moulds to smaller companes and wondered whether this has happened with the Vredsteins? I am sure they are the same tyre as the Dunlop

[Heuer]

Ask Dougal.

[PeterCrespin]

i was looking at some pictures of the Vredstein 205 70 15 tyres and they look exactly the same tread pattern as the later Dunlop SP tyres I took off my series one XJ12

By coincidence I have my own Series XJ12 shod with 205/70 V15 Dunlop SP Sports parked next to my E-type on Vreds. The treads are vaguely similar 'herringbone' pattern but not even close to identical. Maybe your Vreds are different but mine look like I've always seen on other cars.

Pete

[dougal]

Personally i don't think the Vredestein looks anything like the Dunlop unless it is a Dunlop tyre i haven't seen.

The side wall to me looks particularly modern. In period, tyres did not have anywhere near that amount of business on the side wall. (they didn't have the word "Classic" on the side wall. why would you.)

Currently, i think the best tyres in the size 205/70VR15 are the Michelin XWX http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/20 ... n-xwx.html or the Pirelli, which is also a massive bargain particularly if you follow this link to a set of tyres http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/se ... urato.html

Selling tyres, i gauge my views on my personal experience of tyres, customers views, the amount of headache they give me (ie customer complaints) & Fashion. I think Michelin and Pirelli could be 2 of the worlds best tyre manufacturers. the carcass structure of these tyres is exceptional, and developed to suit cars of this period. The Michelin XWX tread pattern is a late 60's design and the Cinturato CN12 is 1971.

Historically there were tyres that were much cheaper than these tyres, but currently the Cinturato, is a tyre that is only slightly more expensive than the budget tyres while, being manufactured by one of the worlds best tyre manufacturers, and it is a genuine period tyre.

Importantly; these are not tyres with a brand written on the side, but made in another factory under license by another manufacturer. The XWX is made by Michelin, and the Cinturato CN12 is made by Pirelli. They are both W rated. and to be fair Jag tyres need a high speed rating. when i had an XJ12 i did 137mph, before i ran out of road, but the thing felt like it was never going to stop accelerating. so these cars do move.

Just for fun here is a short film of my Silver Shadow, fitted with Michelin XVS tyres