Pirelli Tires

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ Tires

A large proportion of the Borrani wheels made for road cars throughout the '50s, '60s & '70s would have been fitted with PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ tires.

PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA

The PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA tire, first produced in 1927, incorporated innovations in tire design discovered between World War I and World War II. It featured prime tread patterns and construction characteristics of the inter-war period, including a cord carcass fabric, low inflation pressure, and a straight side bead profile. This well-structured carcass provided excellent directional stability, even at higher speeds.

The Stella Bianca stood out as the only V-rated crossply tire available in the 6.00-16 size, capable of handling speeds up to 149 mph. It found widespread use in various 1950s Maserati, Ferrari, and Aston Martin models, and was even employed by Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Maserati in Formula One racing.

The tire's tread pattern exemplified the forefront of tire technology at that time, showcasing trapezoidal blocks firmly connected by robust "bridges" to prevent tearing even at high speeds. This pioneering tread design proved so effective that it endured virtually unchanged until the 1950s, underscoring its exceptional performance and enduring reliability.

Ferrari models of the 1950s, especially the pre-1960 250 Series Ferraris, were originally equipped with the 6.00-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA as standard. In addition, classic British sports cars like the Aston Martin DB4 often came fitted with H-rated 6.00-16 tires. Upgrading to the PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA would enable these vehicles to make full use of the V speed rating offered by these tires.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67

In 1952, Pirelli introduced its ground-breaking CINTURATO ™ CA67 tire. It not only held the distinction of being the highest speed-rated radial tire at the time but was also the first radial tire specifically designed for sports cars. Prior to the Cinturato, the Michelin X was the sole radial tire available, primarily developed for enhanced durability, with the increased grip being an incidental benefit. The Michelin X catered to classic cars like the Traction Avant Citroen, whereas Pirelli's CINTURATO ™ CA67 elevated radial tire technology to a new level.

The CA67 was distinguished by its rounded shoulders, which prevented the tire from abruptly losing grip and allowed for more progressive handling in the corners. This progressive handling characteristic of the CA67 made it the preferred choice for distinguished car manufacturers, professional racers, and rallying enthusiasts alike.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, renowned European sportscar manufacturers, including Morgan, MG, Ferrari, Maserati, ISO, and Alfa Romeo, chose to equip their vehicles with the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67.

If one purchased a remarkable British car like the Aston Martin DB4, which originally came fitted with Avon TurboSpeed Crossply tires, and desired to switch to radial tires, Aston Martin would officially recommend the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67. This decision stemmed from Avon's lack of a suitable radial tire for these cars. Similarly, during the mid-1960s, if an individual acquired a Jaguar Series 1 XKE and opted for radial tires, Jaguar had to limit the vehicle's speed because the Dunlop SP41 tire of that time was inadequate. Consequently, Jaguar began installing the 185 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67 as their preferred radial tire.

Pirelli continues to manufacture the CINTURATO ™ CA67 to this day, catering to the needs of numerous cars from the 1950s and 1960s. Below is a fitment guide for the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN54

In 1964, Pirelli embarked on the development of a Cinturato tire specifically tailored for the Mini. The immense popularity of the Mini led to its expansion into Italy, where Innocenti obtained the rights to manufacture the vehicles at their Lambrate plant near Milan. It was during this time that Pirelli introduced the remarkable PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN54 in 1972.

Building upon their rally experience, the CN54 inherited the tread pattern of its predecessor, the CA67, while incorporating a more robust and stable belt package. This enhancement further improved road holding and ensured uniform wear, reflecting Pirelli's commitment to delivering exceptional performance.

Pirelli manufactured the 145/70 R 12 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN54 for the Mini 90, while the 125SR12 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN54 became the standard tire for the iconic Fiat 500, solidifying its historical significance.

Today, the CN54 retains the original tread pattern and sidewall design from the 1970s, benefitting from modern tire innovations. Advanced tire compounds have been integrated to enhance traction and grip, particularly in wet conditions, while maintaining reliability and adhering to stringent safety standards. These advantages are achieved without compromising the timeless design of the tire.

Pirelli's engineers meticulously maintained the parameters employed by the original vehicle designers throughout the CN54's development, ensuring a seamless match with the suspension and chassis characteristics of classic Minis. No other tire has undergone such meticulous design and redesigns tailored for compact classic cars.

The CN54 tire finds its ideal application in various classic models, including the Autobianchi Bianchino, Innocenti 90 & 650, NSU Prinz, Suzuki Alto, and the beloved Fiat 500.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN72

In the mid-1960s, advancements in car manufacturing allowed for the production of vehicles that could handle larger tires while maintaining excellent performance. This led to a desire to transition to 15" wheels, prompting Pirelli to develop the 205 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN72 HS tire in 1964, offering a tire that could support the high speeds achieved by supercars of that era.

The PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN72 HS, available in the 205 VR 15 size, quickly established itself as the top tire choice from the 1960s to the early 1970s. It became the preferred tire for flagship models produced by renowned Italian car manufacturers including Lamborghini and Ferrari. The CN72 received a V speed rating, demonstrating its capability to sustain continuous speeds of up to 149mph for one hour without any issues. As a result, the 205 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN72 became the original equipment for iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari 500 Superfast, Maserati Ghibli, and ISO Griffo.

In the United Kingdom, luxury car manufacturers such as Rolls Royce and Aston Martin initially equipped their vehicles with cross-ply tires sized 815X15. However, as radial tires gained popularity, the 205 R15 emerged as the preferred alternative. Among the available options, the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN72 HS stood out as the favoured choice for sports-oriented driving.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36

In 1968, Pirelli introduced the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 radial tire, marking their entry into the realm of low-profile tires. The CN36 was Pirelli's first high-performance range of tires to feature a 70% profile, it quickly gained recognition and soon became synonymous with iconic and exhilarating cars of the day, including the likes of the Porsche 911 and Ford Escort Mexico.

Designed to enhance the handling of lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s, the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 served as a perfect period upgrade for those seeking to transition from full-profile to low-profile tires without compromising on performance. The rounded shoulders of the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 were specifically engineered to complement the automotive technology of its time. Consequently, cars like the MGB, Alfa Romeo Spider, Giulia, and Alfetta, originally equipped with 165 R14 full-profile tires, could benefit from an increased footprint by fitting the 185/70 VR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36.

In 1973, Porsche equipped their RS and Carrera 911 models with the 185/70 VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 on the front wheels, while wider rear wheels accommodated the 215/60 VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 N variant. Now these tires are being reproduced, boasting Porsche's coveted 'N' homologation, designating them as the preferred tire for their classics. Today, some of the reproduced CN36 tires qualify for a W speed rating, as they have successfully undergone testing at sustained speeds of up to 168 mph for an hour without any failures, making them perfectly suited to high-powered classic sports cars.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN12

The introduction of the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN12 in 1971 marked a significant milestone in the realm of super sports cars. Designed to provide outstanding grip and comfort, the CN12 stood as Pirelli's pioneering super low-profile tire. Its arrival can be regarded as one of the technological advancements that heralded the beginning of the supercar era.

As the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN12 catered to standard, high-profile sizes, Pirelli responded to the demand for low-profile sizes by introducing the Serie 60 (245/60 VR 14, 255/60 VR 15) and Serie 70 (205/70 VR 14, 215/70 R 15 96W) options. This expanded range found its way onto notable models such as the Lamborghini Miura P400, Jarama, Urraco, and the Maserati Bora.

Pirelli's innovative approach also resulted in the development of the remarkably large 255/60WR15 CN12 tire, specifically designed for the rear wheels of iconic vehicles like the Muira SV, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and De Tomaso Pantera.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ P7

The rapid advancements in power and speed made by 1970s supercars necessitated the development of a whole new generation of wider and lower-profile tires. With the cutting edge construction techniques of the day, tire profiles could be reduced while significantly increasing their width. Although the official market launch of the Pirelli P7 ™ took place in January 1976 for road use, it had already been tested in World Rally Championship races since 1974 with the Lancia Stratos. The road version of the P7 ™ made its debut on the Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo, followed by the Lamborghini Urraco, Countach, and the De Tomaso Pantera in 1976.

Initially carrying a V-rated speed capacity of 149 mph or higher, the P7 ™ was not specifically rated for top speed. However, the current P7 ™ tires bear a Y speed classification, indicating their ability to sustain speeds up to 186 mph.

Many P7 ™ tires feature Porsche's 'N' homologation, signifying that Porsche has extensively tested and deemed them as the optimal tires to extract the best performance from their classic performance cars. The P7 also became original equipment on some Ferrari 308 models. Pirelli has reintroduced the P7 ™ in various sizes, utilizing modern construction techniques and materials while retaining the original tread pattern.

PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ P5

In response to Jaguar's request in 1977, Pirelli developed the P5 tire, specifically designed to deliver excellent performance, comfort, and a noiseless ride for luxury cars. These prestigious characteristics were exclusively provided by the CINTURATO ™ P5, catering to the needs of British saloons.

In 1979, the CINTURATO ™ P5 received official homologation in the 205/70 VR 15 size for Jaguar models such as XJ6, XJ12, and XJS. Subsequently, the 225/65R15 size was approved for the Jaguar XJ40. Additionally, Pirelli produced the 205/70WR15 P5 and the 215/70 R 15 P5 for the XJ12 HE and XJS V12, respectively. For the later XJ40, a 225/65 WR15 P5 variant was made available. Even today, the P5 remains the best choice of tire for many classic Jaguar and Daimler vehicles.

PIRELLI P-ZERO ASIMMETRICO

The PIRELLI P-ZERO ASIMMETRICO is a premium low-profile tire that was introduced in 1986. It stands out with its unique asymmetric tread pattern, which delivers exceptional traction and grip in both wet and dry conditions. This makes it a preferred choice for drivers seeking high-performance capabilities.

The P-ZERO ASIMMETRICO has earned a reputation for its outstanding performance on the road. It has been specifically selected to be fitted on prestigious vehicles, including the Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary model and the Ferrari F40. These iconic cars demand tires that can match their power and handling, and the P-Zero Asimmetrico has proven to be a perfect fit.

This tire was specially designed for the all-wheel-drive Lancia Delta S4, which competed in the World Rally Championship. The P ZERO ™ features advanced construction, incorporating a dual-ply rayon carcass and Kevlar reinforcements. This construction ensures durability and strength, making it suitable for demanding driving conditions.

One of the key features of the P ZERO ™ is its asymmetric tread pattern. This carefully engineered design enables exceptional performance on both wet and dry surfaces. Whether cornering or driving in a straight line, the P ZERO ™ delivers excellent grip and stability. This provides drivers with confidence and enhances overall driving experience.

Furthermore, the P ZERO ™ tire compound is the result of Pirelli's extensive experience in circuit racing. It offers maximum traction across various driving conditions, allowing drivers to push their vehicles to the limit while maintaining control and safety.

PIRELLI P700-Z

The Pirelli P700-Z, introduced in 1988, stands out as a tire offering precise high-speed sports handling. It achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first road tire to attain a Z speed rating, exceeding speeds of 149 mph.

Derived from the renowned P700 ™ with an ultra-low profile, the P700-Z ™ inherited its motorsport heritage. However, it featured a slightly more rounded profile to ensure maximum comfort for regular road use. The tread design showcases a wide central rib and large directionally oriented tread blocks, delivering exceptional grip in wet conditions.

Key features of the Pirelli P700-Z include excellent braking performance, particularly in the wet, accompanied by minimized noise levels. It also demonstrates exceptional resistance to aquaplaning, both on straight stretches and during cornering.

Notably, the original equipment tire for the Audi Quattro was the P7, but it was later replaced by the 215/50 VR 15 PIRELLI P700-Z. Recommended tire pressures for the Audi Quattro are 30 psi for both the front and rear wheels. To this day, the 215/50 VR 15 PIRELLI P700-Z remains the top choice for a classic Audi Quattro.

For quite some time, a suitable tire option for the renowned Audi Quattro has been elusive. Hence, it brings us great pleasure that PIRELLI has reintroduced a superb-quality original equipment tire perfectly suited for the Quattro, ensuring the best performance and period-correct aesthetics.

PIRELLI P6000

The PIRELLI P6000 tire was introduced to the public in 1995. Designed as a sports car tire, it also found its place on many saloons and coupes of the 90s.

The Pirelli P6000 offers a range of benefits for drivers. It provides excellent driving comfort, delivering a smooth and enjoyable ride. The tire also offers improved traction on wet surfaces, enhancing safety during rainy conditions. Additionally, the P6000 is designed to reduce noise levels, ensuring a quieter driving experience.

The Pirelli P6000 boasts a distinctive "New Wave" tread pattern with a continuous central groove and elliptical water-clearing channels. This innovative design enables efficient water expulsion from the contact area, effectively minimizing the risk of aquaplaning. Alongside its silica-based tread compound, the tire's signature tread pattern enhances its exceptional performance. Additionally, the P6000 is equipped with rigid lateral blocks to improve sports handling and incorporates a patented pitch sequence that reduces noise levels. These combined features make the Pirelli P6000 a standout performer in terms of safety, traction, and overall driving experience.

With its W speed rating, the Pirelli P6000 is capable of sustained speeds of up to 168mph! It inherits the legacy of the Pirelli P600 and P6 classic tires, which were known for their focus on safety and high performance. The P6000 carries forward the concept of blending safety and comfort into a classic sports car tire. Some sizes of the Pirelli P6000 tire have received Porsche's 'N' homologation. This indicates that the tire has been tested by Porsche and found to be the ideal and favoured tire to fit the relevant classic Porsche models.