The 'E' Type Forum

Hmm! I have just read something interesting:-
I knew that Series 1 E-Type was fitted with 640H15 Dunlop RS5 or the radial SP41 (not the current Aquajet) however I have also just read that Jaguar supplied the option of Pirelli Cinturato as a radial tyre option. Making the Cinturato the original equipment radial tyre option for Series 1 E-Type.

I might have to make a new film.

Love the Cinturatos but they weren't available in 1961 were they? Do you know when they were introduced? I recall having two 3.8 s in the 70s and both had these tyres fitted. Think they look great

Yes, rather that same thought went through my mind. The first time I remember seeing Cinturatos on a British car were on MGBs from about 1966/7 onwards , and I am pretty sure they were never fitted as original by the factory , who stuck religiously to Dunlop ! I can remember my Father getting some stick from Lofty England in about 1961 when after problems with his Mark IX ( which in those days was maintained by the factory service department) wandering on RS5s, he unwisely told Lofty that he was going to fit Michelin X, and was told in that case never to bring the car back to Coventry!

They were definitely available in 1962...but they were called Cinturas at that time. Same tread and construction.

The name was changed to Cinturato shortly afterwards. I purchased a set for a car that I had in 1964 and thought they were incredibly good, especially in the wet.

First developed in 1952 apparently and available for the XK120 onwards: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirelli_Cinturato

Here you go, shown on a 3.8 E-Type in 1963:-

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/pirelli-cin ... 34.htm#pic

I guess the Wikepedia article forgot to mention the minor detail of the name change.

Interesting that even way back, they were available in 130mph and 150mph speed ratings.

Nice find Clive! Here it is:

I also think the Dunlop SP Sport, or Aqusajet came out in 67 or 68? does anyone know for definate?

dougal wrote:I also think the Dunlop SP Sport, or Aqusajet came out in 67 or 68? does anyone know for definate?

I'm pretty sure that Jaguar had Dunlop design the 70 series version of the SP Sport especially for the then new XJ6. So IIRC, that would have been about 1967.

I feel sorry for the early E-type owners who didn?t get to experience the E-type on XVS tyres. At least they drove them on 185s rather than many current drivers who run modern, low profile tyres of too wide structure.
My next E-type will wear RS 5 cross plies just to enjoy the difference.

dougal wrote:I also think the Dunlop SP Sport, or Aquajet came out in 67 or 68? does anyone know for definite?

I don't think that is the SP Sport Aquajet that is made today. I think the SP Sport or Aquajet, (CB73) came out in 67 or 68.

I shall be at your meeting in Coventry tonight if anyone is interested. I shall have all the tyres that you might want to fit to an e-type so please come and look

Hi,
I bought an MGB in 1965 and it came with 165 Cinturatos. Went well. So when I bought an E in 1969 (used) I fitted 185 Cints. Big mistake. Car steered from both ends unless the 185's were rock hard.
Fitted cross plies and road holding sharp again.
When cross plies went off the market ( not on the tyre suppliers shelf) went to a variety of 185 x 15 radials, all too soft walls.
When renovated/rebuilt fitted 6inch wheels and 185 radial tyres stiffened up and road holding became sharp again.
Cheers,
Peter

Peter

I owned a 63 roadster from 78 to 87 and when I purchased the car it had Cints fitted, I then fitted the Dunlop Cross plies and like you found the steering and feel much improved - also liked the OE appearance.

Presently however have fitted Blockleys radial for which I have no complaints but do intend to fit up a second set of wheels with a set of Dunlop RS5's, seem to recall they lasted around 3k miles!

This is a comercial post for which i apologise. However i thought those of you that were contemplating buying tyres might be interested in knowing that the 185Vr15 Cinturato is currently on special offer:-
http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/se ... tubes.html
http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/se ... tubes.html
I don't believe tyres should be bought on price, but when tyres like the Vredestein and Blockley are so much cheaper people are going to be tempted, so we came up with a brucey bonus price for full sets of top end brand, OE, e-type tyres, including new Michelin tubes, rim tapes and shipping.
Again apologies for being comercial
Dougal