O/S/F looks like an original Pirelli Cinturato tread pattern - which would make it how old? I had those on my '66 Cortina 1500 GT! The N/S/F looks bald (but maybe just in shadow. The O/S/R I don't think is a Cinturato either? but i may be wrong. Interesting for an "tyre man" like me.
I wish him the best too, he's coming into a role with a lot of historical baggage but even at that... far from the worst religion I can think of. At least you can openly criticise this one without fearing for your life!
“Original” sort of, they still make them specifically for classic cars.
Where tyres - or tires as our "colonial" friends prefer - are concerned I'm definitely your resident nerd! The Cinturatos were "the tyre" to have if you ran a Ford back then! Ever heard of Good Year "Wide Ovals" They were a relatively low profile bias belted tyre. I bought a complete set for the Cooper S and wore them out in one day at a hillclimb/sprint meeting.
Cints were around at least till late 70s. I had them on my coucil van in 77. Even then they were old tech even then. Ok just but no more. I know most of the treads from 75 to 85 as my old cars ate so many, I tried them all. My company car days used to see 5 or 6 sets of tyres a year. Few decent makes. The company then switched to michelin only and these were decent.
Back in the mid to late 80s when I was about 5-6 years old, I had a beautiful book filled with hand drawn illustrations, which was all about cars. One thing that stuck in my mind even now is this book included hot dip galvanisation (clearly not British leyland) and the full process of manufacturing. When you mentioned bias belt tyres it took me straight back to that book which had pictures and labels showing the different tyre types.
well into the 80s but became more premium on the likes of the Lamborghini countash and lancia stratos
If you ever remember anything about that book do let me know. I like looking for that sort of thing on second hand sites and I'd love to read it.
The AA book of the car certainly did this and was nearly all drawings as opposed to photos, so may be that book. I always wanted one but they were pricey. Finally got a copy 10 years ago. All out of date but the basics and first principles are all there.
That looks like a really well pampered pooch! Looks like you had a lovely time.
So would I if I knew what it was. Unfortunately my parents were the sort who throw out everything, so none of our old toys, non of our school stuff and certainly no old books survived…. Very sadly.
