Tyres
 

I have a 1972 1800E type W, so its rare and has the same wheels as the 1800ES (and also interior upholstery & trim). The original tyre size is 185-70VR-15 and I have Fulda Y2000 tyres fitted, which have served me well over many years and miles.

However, I cannot source these tyres (not even from Fulda) anymore, as the size is uncommon, except from specialist vintage suppliers who charge astronomical prices.It was suggested that I choose 195-65-R15 tyres, and recommendations are: Cinturato P1 Verde, Goodyear EF Grip Performance and Dunlop Sport BluResponse. They are all the same price and have good wet grip, economy and low decibel ratings.

If anyone has used any of these tyres I'd be glad to hear your comments, before I decide which make to opt for. The only misgivings I have about using the said tyres is that of the inner walls rubbing on suspension parts on full lock and maybe any speedo inaccuracies.

Thanks for any good advice.

VF;

According to my handy tire chart (http://www.sw-em.com/Wheels_Tires_Suspension_Notes.htm located in Reference Info Section)
...rolling Circumference of 185/70 - 15 is 648mm, and RC of 195/65 - 15 is 635mm, which works out to 13mm out of 650 (2%), so without even doing any more math than in my head, I call that a minuscule and irrelevant difference!

As far as the Y2000s...I had and liked those on a Ford Sierra back in the day...Fulda as a manufacturer was gobbled up by one of the big outfits last I heard...I can't give any experience feedback on the brands you listed.

Good Hunting!

I put 195/65 on my ES. Both tyres fouled the anti roll bar and inner wings on full lock. However before attempting to adjust the steering stops I acquired a set of Wolfrace Alloys. The tyres were refitted to the Alloys and all is ok now. I guess the offsets are slightly different.

P1 Verde are nice tyres, great balance of performance and wear.
The goodyear and dunlop are very soft tyres in their construction, and wear quickly too (hence putting the p1 on wifes car as these 3 were all on shorrlist) but if you want the most comfort, and dont do a lot of miles these may be a good choice. With classic cars, tyres can wear slower than they age, which can be a dangerous thing. Sounds like youve been lucky with the Fulda lasting that long and not coming apart!
195/65 will be fine, and regarding width, you are only adding 5mm on the inside so is unlikely they'll foul.

Like you, I have Fulda Y2000 185/70 VR 15 tyres on my ES and they have given excellent service, I didn't know they were no longer available for when I need to replace mine.

My understanding of tyre sidewall sizing is:

185 - the tyre width in mm., 70 - the aspect ratio or sidewall depth as a % of the tyre width, VR - the tyre's speed rating, 15 - the wheel rim radius in inches. No doubt someone will correct me if I'm incorrect with any of these.

On that basis, and to supplement the information given by Ron on the rolling circumference difference which is negligible at 2%, I don't imagine a 10mm overall width difference between 185 and 195 is going to cause any problems with the tyre sidewall fouling any suspension components as only 5mm will be on the inside edge.

Or have a look here, lots of reasonably priced 185/65 R15 tyres which would fit our cars without problem.

https://www.blackcircles.com/order/t...file=65&rim=15

Anyone?

I've recently swapped from 165 80 R15 tyres to a new set of 195 65 R15 on my 1966 P1800S.

Smooth ride, no fouling in the wells etc. Steering slightly heavier at 30psi so I took up the pressures to 32, any higher and the steering feels too light.

I changed when I discovered that my old tyres were 20 years old so I've basically transitioned from rock to rubber !

Vredestein seem to make the original size - Sprint Classic

https://www.oponeo.nl/banden-details...SABEgK16PD_BwE

(Sorry Dutch site!)

Do you have any actual experience of the good year tyres or is that a generelisation? I had efficient grips on my focus 1.6tdci which is driven pretty hard and had 20,000 miles out of the front. The rear are going strong at 30k.

There are threads on here which suggest the Goodyear efficient grip performance tyres last a very long time.

I rate them very highly.

Im just going on user reviews and test data.
The original efficient grip were known for lasting well, but werent brilliant in wet.
No personal experience, no!

I don’t think you are. Goodyear efficient grip reviews are overwhelmingly positive and I spent some time researrching before diving in.

I have driven on blue sport performance, slightly better break away in the wet but let down more in the dry.