Tyres for 16 inch wheels

[Norman]

The Avon ZZ tyres on my Ace 2.6 will wear out before long and when they do I might change from 15 to 16 inch wheels. The Avons have proved excellent, but are only available in 15 inch sizes, so does anyone have an alternative to suggest? I don't want to go the van tyre route. The Blockley 185VR16 seems a possibility, but will they clear the bodywork when fitted to a 5 1/2 inch rim? I don't want to revert to 5 inch, my bodywork is not flared but it is subtly wider than most Aces at the back and to my eyes the wider rim looks right. Moreover, in modern traffic conditions I want as much grip as I can get.

[HMG]

185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 Are inctredibly expensive but period correct.
   
   I had to fit rhem to my Aceca als I was goung on a rally abroad and no  other type available. They do look a bit big on a small car like this, but handling is wonderful.
   
   "Pirelli's famous Cinturato CA67 185VR16 was O.E. for all 50's and some early 60's Ferrari's, Maseratis, Jaguars and Aston Martins.
   
   185VR16 Tires
   
   185VR16 is the Radial equivalent to 600x16 bias ply tires. Cars like XK120, XK140, XK150 Jaguars, Aston Martin DB2, DB3 and early DB4 still fitted the bias tyre size. However if you asked Jaguar to fit a radial tyre to your later XK, then Jaguar would fit a 185VR16 Cinturato CA67, because at the time Dunlop weren't making a suitable radial. And again if you asked Aston Martin to fit a radial tyre to your David Brown Aston Martin, the Aston took off the Bias ply Avon TurboSpeed, and as a radial they fitted Pirelli Cinturato. Pre 1963 Astons radial tire option was the 185VR16 Cinturato CA67."

[HMG]

Don't go for the Vredestein. Grip is nonexistent on wet roads below 10 Deg C unless they are less than 3 years old.

[Norman]

Thanks for feedback. Any chance of a photo of your Aceca with the Pirellis fitted? What width rims does it have? Totally agree about the Vredesteins, I had them before the Avons and got rid of them because they were downright dangerous in UK conditions. After 12,000 miles there was virtually no wear! They were sold to the owner of a Daimler-Jag and he seems to be happy with them. Maybe they work better on a heavier car.

[HMG]

   Pirelli Cinturatos on Aceca. Great Handling. Look a bit big, though.
   
   For a more authentic look go for 165R16 Michelin.

[Norman]

Thanks. I think the car looks rather good. Mine is a working car, handling is more important than winning a concours.

[Phils]

Thanks all for the interesting tyre information.Has anyone any experience with Avon turbosteel 185VR16, on an Aceca with regard to body clearance. Aceca 552 Australia.
   
   Cheers.

[SBB]

I have 185x16 Avons on my 2.6 Aceca RS 5500 and they are fine.

[Jam2]

See also Vintage Tyres web site for actual tyre diameters. Although the sectional shape might be more relevant
   http://www.vintagetyres.com/search?qs=%5B185R16%5D

[SBB]

The 185x16 Avons also have the same circumference as the 550x16 Michelin X so gearing is not affected. They have a wider footprint on the road and vastly improve the feel and handling of the car. They fill out the arches a bit, especially at the rear. However beware using them in an Ace because they may rub if the spring is tired. An Aceca rear spring has been used to prevent this by some users. Apparently oddly it seems but the circumference of the 185x16 Pirelli is a few centimetres more.

[Exowner]

Can't say I agree with SBB's comments on feel and handling, but it's a personal choice, Beware wider tyres than that which were designed for your car. I have 16" Michelins, the standard tyre, on my Ace and they are so close to the wheel arch, they couldn't be an 1/8" wider and still have clearance! Conversely, the Aceca has 185-15s, and there's plenty of room

[SBB]

I do have a direct comparison. The 185x16 Avons replaced 185x16 Pirelli Cinturatos not  only on my Aceca but also on my Ace at the same time. For me, both cars were vastly improved. When I got the Ace it was in appalling condition, but running. There were cracks from the sills going up the front of both rear arches. Also, the Pirellis just rubbed. When they were re-welded and re-beaded I asked for a subtle additional centimetre clearance. They no longer rubbed and only the odd trained eye has ever noticed. I realise is unlikely one would do that today.
   A friend recently replaced 600x16 Avons with185s on his XK120 and is ecstatic over the difference. I believe 185x16 Avons are only available via Vintage Tyres at Beaulieu under the original deal whereby Avon agreed to make them if Vintage Tyres paid for the mould.

[Jim A]

In the mid-1960's I replaced the original 5.50x16 Michelin X's with 185 Pirelli Cinturatos.
   The grip under all conditions was much better, but both back tires rubbed where they crossed the line of the fenders on hard cornering and blistered the paint.
   For a short time before my Ace was lost in a fire, I had and liked the 185 Avons.

[Phils]

Thank you all for the information, I now have 185/16 Avon Turbosteel tyres on Aceca 552, all is well and they do not look to chunky.