Replacing Bias Tires on 66

[George J.]

Re: Duke - What tires do you run on your '63?

Duke,

great story! I just replaced the Michelin MX4's on my '65 with the Pirelli P4000's you recommended in your Restorer article. They work superbly. I haven't tested the breakaway characteristics ; ) but may soon. Thanks for the article. George

[Verle R.]

Re: Duke - What tires do you run on your '63?

Duke,

Your story brought back fond memories.

After much research I installed Pirelli Cinturato 205 HR 15 on 7" American Mags on my 65 L79 about July of 65. The original tires were not worth throwing away.

The Pirelli's and Americans transformed the handling of the car and I explored the limits. I made a believer of some "real" sports car drivers (MG, Austin Healey, Triumph) with their Michelins in the hills of NW Arkansas during an Ozarks Economy Run. After running behind them for a while, I passed on a (short) straight and proceeded to run away in the curves. I stopped at a store a few miles later and looked out to see them gathered around the car looking at the tires.

I was very sorry to see the end of production/import of the Cinturato. Very good handling wet or dry.

With the American Mags I didn't have to trim the fenders.....much. :-)
And I still have the car.

Verle

[Duke W.]

Re: Duke - What tires do you run on your '63?

I've got another one for ya. After the snowbound trip through Lookout Pass I spent a couple of weeks with my parents in Seattle then headed to LA on my way to AF active duty. From the Bay Area I went down Highway 1. It was January (1971) and the highway was practically deserted, but the weather was superb - clear and cool. I had a great run, but about 20 miles north of San Simeon I came up on a late model 911S. He pushed harder, but I continued to dog him, sometimes dropping back a bit and then coming right up on his bumper to let him know that he was slowing me down. The twisties were just too severe at this point to pass safely, but when the first reasonable straight appeared I blasted by and never saw him again.

The only thing that could keep pace with a Cinturato equipped Corvette back then was a Cinturato equipped Ferrari, but, unfortunately I never ran across an oportunity to seriously dice with a 275GTB/4 or 365GTB/4.

Duke