Tyres

[Mitka]

Anyone got any preference when it comes to tyres on their Flaminia?

These seem to be the budget tyres https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/165hr400

And here are the more pricy ones https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/lancia/flaminia.html

I keep dreaming of whitewalls on my black pf coupe, but I guess it should have the 175/400 and not 165/400🫣

[Richard Fridd]

My Coupe has 165 Michelins as no 175s at the time. Never inexpensive. Had to sell my Fulvia sedan to pay for them.
Does anyone know if those available differ when viewed in profile? The overall width of my sidewalls (section width)is certainly pronounced in relation to the footprint, even shown in the Flaminia drawing. I did use ageing 175s previously, until a blowout and would use this size  again. I thought the weight of the car may influence choice but the heavier Flaminia Sedan has 165s.

  Richard

[Richard Fridd]

Drawing and also my spare. Only 100mm of the 165mm overall width represents the  footprint.

  Richard

[Kevinlincs]

Modern radial tyres use an aspect ratio of 82% to calculate the sidewall height, often labelled as 80 for simplicity although not many sizes left like that. 165R13 would often be branded 165/80R13, both the same.
So if these metric ones use the same scenario then the 175 would be only slightly taller sidewall wise than the 165s, 82% of the 10mm width difference.
However given how tall the sidewalls are for such a (by todays standards) narrow width I'm not sure the 82% aspect ratio would apply.
I too will have to look into it on mine, assuming I get that far.
Has anyone used rims from other models? If indeed there are any with the same offset and PCD? Be handy if 15 or 16" wheels were available, but then it wouldn't be as intended.
Eye watering prices though! But not like you're changing them every year either I suppose.

[Richard Fridd]

I was wondering about the 'bulging' sidewalls in the second drawing. I should have said "profile when viewed from the front or rear".
  From memory the silver coloured Flaminia Coupe in my photo taken at a LMC BBQ has imperial rim measurements. Seems the stainless steel ring and hub caps fit.
  I have been told that some Jaguar cars suffer from a feeling of heavy steering when fitted with different tyres to those intended. Geometry upset perhaps by saving money?
 
  Richard
 

[Richard Fridd]

Details

[willoroe]

Regarding the original question of whether to go for the expensive or the really expensive. I can vouch for the excellence of the Pirelli Cinturato. I have them fitted to my Giulietta spider and they really improve the driving experience compared to the previous spurious tyres that I had.
Not cheap though.
Willo

[Mitka]

Some good inputs!

[willoroe]

Mitka,
What happened? Did you get the Pirellis?
Thanks,
Willo

[lanciab20]

The silver PF Coupe in Richard's photo is mine.  I bought Flaminia wheels from the Dutch Classic Lancia man with 16inch rims on them, and the hubcaps and rim embellishers fit.
I have 185 x 16 Michelins, which give a very sight gearing up.  I think the 165 x 400 looks too narrow, and as has bee pointed out, 175s are not always available.  Not many cars had them as OE.

[Charles Frodsham]

Anyone used the Cinturato on a Flaminia? How do they drive?

I currently have 185x400 Michelins on my PF, which fit before anyone says anything! They are due renewal at some point, so it’s either the same Michelins or 175x400 Pirelli. Price is similar.

[Jay]

My understanding, is that Cinturato and Michelins were specified on coupes, but only Michelins on the GTs, maybe due to wheel rub. Although I have a set of Cinturato on my GT with alloy wheels, it does drive differently, but that could be, to do with the wheel weight, as those steels weigh a ton.  Deep down I prefer the old setup, and maybe the Swiss gentleman whom I purchased the wheels and tries off also did, and that’s why he sold them.

[Longstone Tyres]

Hi

a few points:-

Don't fit 16" tyres on 400mm wheels. It isnt safe and there is a very big chance they will not be round. 400mm is a bout 15 3/4"

I beleive in period Lancia fitted Michelin X and Pirelli on their cars, but i think the Flaminia was Pirelli (Please correct me if i'm wrong.)

when you buy a Michelin or a Pirelli tyre you are assured of quality in both instances. However in this instance you are looking at different handling characteristics which i hope to explain.

the Michelin X is a great tyre and when it cam out, at the end of the 1940s it was a completely amazing tyre, as the first radial tyre offering more grip and dramatically increased longevity. They weren't sports car tyres, they did offer mor grip but it wasn't progressive. often some drivers found that they could still get better lap times becuase of the grip, but the consequences of lack of grip was sudden.

Pirelli developed the Cinturato in 1952 as the next radial, but a radial tyre that was built with sports cars in mind, so the extra grip and longevity, however with progressive handling, so when you were on the edge of grip you could still power round a corner progressively, and importantly predictably, which is important with sports cars of the period.

As a result sports cars of the period innitially would tentertively start using the Michelin X, then whole heartedly take on the Cinturato, as a result in period Lancia fitted Michelin X on its family car versions and then Cinturato on its Sports cars.

the 175HR400 Pirelli Cinturato is 12mm taller in diameter than the 165HR400 Cinturato and 8mm taller than the 165SR400 Michelin X.

Although the Michelin X 165SR400 is taller than the 165HR400 Cinturato, i would expect the rolling radius to be similar, or maybe even the Pirelli to be taller, becuase the Pirelli has a stiffer side wall, so less sag in the carcass.

Noet the sports car tyre the Pirelli Cinturato has an H speed rating.

Personally i hate white wall tyres on a European sports car, (which is tricky when my job is actually flogging these tyres) But Michelin do make a 165SR400 X with a white wall. we can also have a white wall built into the 175HR400 Cinturato if you need it, but Black wall is best.

It really is worth fitting the Pirelli. dont be fooed by budget tyres. (I hope these attachment s work. they are of 2 independent tyre tests, showing how dreadful budget tyres are.

I hope i have answereed all the questions on here. Basically just fit the Pirelli Cinturato, and yes the Coupe does fit 175HR400 Cinturato CA67, and Pirelli do make them speccially for your car.