DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Hi all,

I know there have been a few threads on this topic but just wanted to get people's current thoughts.

I have a 1969 912 Coupe with the original steel wheels that currently has some awful eco tyresl that were fitted when I got it, that are the wrong size - 175/55/15.

I have seen discussions around the top end tyres, CN36's and Vredsteins Classics etc, but I really don't want to blow a grand on tyres, when its doubtful the car will do much over a 1000 miles a year and exceed 70mph.

I'm looking for a good mid range tyre that will look good, fill the arches and also give be fine for Sunday drives to the pub and occasional trip to work.

I believe the correct size for my car is 185/70/15, but by running slightly lower profile the price drops enormously.

Would be interested to hear peoples thoughts.

Thanks,

Grant

if you have steelies, isn't your original size 165R15 ?

otherwise, 185/70 r15 is the tyre size used through to 73... if youre not going to be travelling at over 100 mph then the speed rating is less critical . As you say though, if youre doing small mileage and low speeds ( city / town driving ? ) youre not looking for ultimate performance. I've always fitted 195/65 R15 tyres though, which have the same rolling radius as 185/70 but a little bit wider , currently some continental's which I'm really pleased with ( my car is pretty much always driven hard on rough fast country roads )

Before the 185/70 became available again, 195/65 was the size a lot of folks used.
https://www.willtheyfit.com says that's a .87% change in rolling circumference, so nothing to worry about.
As you say, there is tons of choice in that size, eg Michelins only 60-odd quid per corner, which seems like value.

I have absolutely zero experience of them on an old 911, though. I have used the ambitiously priced "classic" 185/70s (Pirelli CN36 and Avon CR6ZZ), both of which are very good and seem to suit the car ('69 911). As they should, at those prices...

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Personally, knowing that insurance companies will use any excuse to reduce the amount they will have to pay out in the case of an accident (no matter whose fault), I'd be reluctant to put an SR-rated tyre (original speed rating would have been HR) on my 911/912 ...

Alternatively ask your insurer this specific question & if they say it wouldn't be a problem, get that in writing.

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Steels are 5.5” width and were fitted with 165/80x15 tyres (165R15) originally.

The 185/70 profile was fitted to 6” rims.

But other options are available

Thanks for the replies all - 165 does seem super skinny, can a go up to a 185 on Steels ?

mrmojorisin wrote:165 does seem super skinny, can a go up to a 185 on Steels ?

Is your car SWB or LWB?

1969 LWB

I think 165s are fine for a 912 but if you want slightly wider, 175/70 R 15 Pirelli CN36 would be good (£780 inc VAT. for a set of 4 @ Longstone's)

Cheers Ian - they seem like a good compromise between price, functionality and looks.

I’ve just bought a set of 4 continentals 165/80/15 from camskill. Just over £250 delivered. They look so skinny! Very period

busybee wrote:I’ve just bought a set of 4 continentals 165/80/15 from camskill. Just over £250 delivered. They look so skinny! Very period

Pic?

IanM wrote:

busybee wrote:I’ve just bought a set of 4 continentals 165/80/15 from camskill. Just over £250 delivered. They look so skinny! Very period

Pic?

Going on rims later this week as I'm having my wheels refurbished but here's the tyres https://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s408p15 ... se%3A_70dB

Looks good.