I would have thought it was something that was done at the time, because it would have been a very accessible tyre at the time, because it was standard on Jaguar in the late '70s on XJ6, XJ12 and XJS. Personally i would have thought it a bit modern and would suggest that the CN12 https://www.lucasclassictires.com/215-70VR15-PIRELLI-CINTURATO-CN12-P215CN12.htm were a more suitable 205/70VR15 for the E-Type.
Have 205x70 P5 on my E. 2000 miles. The lookes fit the era. Don’t have anything to compare to but think they are great. Had Pirellies previous and they were replaced because of age. 25 yrs.
Would purchase them again
Can i guess that the Pirelli you have taken off were the old P4000.
Can i also guess that the steering is a little lighter, faster and more precise with the P5.
i would also guess that the P5 will give a ligher ride. I think when i had a series 3 XJ12 i read somewhere that they had adjusted the suspension to suit the stiffer side wall of the P4000.
i would also guess that if you drive it hard round the bends on the throttle the P5 will be a little more progressive than the P4000.
But yep, a comparison between lovely new rubber, wouldn’t really be fair compared to anything 25 years old. I would also be scared driving on something that old.
Just looked, and the 25 year old tires were P5 also. The old and new versions are not identical
The new ones are 1/4 inch wider at the tread face. Not the same mold. And no I didn’t drive on the 25 yr old tires. Although they look new.
When hanging the tail out on corners they respond smoothly to the right foot input.
Someone had to take the torch over from PETE!
I love those tires for that car…It feels period correct and they play the part…I had 6 inch wheels with michelin defenders for awhile but to MY EYE the propotions looked off, Yes the car drove like a 2020 car but, it wasnt as fun. You lost the chuckability with the bigger treads.
Now on my old coupe driving 24/7 thats another story.
gtjoey1314
