New (old?) tyre supplier/manufacturer

[Roscobbc]

With many tyre sizes (like 15" diameter and perhaps C4 in 16" sizes) unavailable from our traditional UK/European based manufacturers those of us with C1, C2 and C3's are fortunate that several American tyre manufacturers (and perhaps newer far eastern companies) are still offering tyres in sizes suitable for our cars.
Tyre technology has moved on and 'todays' 17", 18" and larger diameter tyres offer significantly improved levels of grip, stability and tyre life. However that 'technology' hasn't seemingly benefitted the traditional sizes of tyre used on our vehicles (with a few exceptions - see below).
For most Corvette owners the 'traditional' tyre appearance seems to be far more important than improved grip and traction........raised white letters and perhaps a thin whitewall band with a chunky looking tread seem perfectly adequte for many owners. Anyone notice how many heavy duty van tyres are available in C3 sizes?
There are of course American manufactured specialist drag radials and far eastern street legal track day tyres available in certain but limited sizes but these tend to trade tyre life for improved 'dry conditions' tyre grip........at a price.
UK based Avon tyres for years had provided 'specialist' tyres for cars like Rolls Royces, motorcycles and motorsport but like so many UK companies 'wound-up' and supposedly assets and tooling were bought-out (as I understood) by Cooper tyres in the 'States...........
Reading on the Corvette forum about a guy looking to source 'proper' 15" tyres with 'grip' I saw this reply on

Horsepower vs Tires - Performance tires on C3 Corvettes - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

C3 Tech/Performance - Horsepower vs Tires - Performance tires on C3 Corvettes - First a trigger warning, we get it, some will never give up their 15 all-season outdated white letters T/A tires. This thread is not for you. Now who is running what as far as performance tires on their C3 corvette...

www.corvetteforum.com

"I am running the Avon CR6ZZ, 245/60/15 front and 275/55/15 on the back. Nova Motorsport bought the molds and will continue making them. I can say they made the biggest difference in handling and braking of anything else I have done to the car. They are DOT legal and a cool look. Even with the 80 treadwear rating, they seem to be wearing well. About the only real performance tire left for us guys that love the 15's. Downside is their expense but I love mine, and it brought all my suspension mods to life."
And then searched Nova Motorsports and found this - seemingly Avon tyre manufacturing is remaining in the UK or Europe.

Home - Nova

novamotorsport.com

I then searched for a suitable tyre for my C3 - the closest size was a 225/64/18...........priced at £500 plus per corner..... at Vintage Tyres wow!

Classic & Vintage Avon Tyres

Shop our great range of vintage Avon tyres with premium options for classic cars & motorcycles.

www.vintagetyres.com

 

[CaptainK]

For most Corvette owners the 'traditional' tyre appearance seems to be far more important than improved grip and traction.

I did for the first few drives of my C3, until I got fed up with the rubbish "traditional" tyres and the centre caps falling off the standard wheels when driving. I was SOOOO much happier when I got my 17 alloys and "proper" modern tyres on it. Now I don't even think about RWL and prefer the new style of slightly bigger wheels. I appreciate this is heresy though, so I expect to be burned at the stake at some point.

 

[Nassau65]

Wheels and tyres are such a personal choice it’s down to YOU, the owner.
I’ve always thought the wheels and hubcaps on all series of early corvettes were nice. KO and bolt on for mid years are great, but the factory hub caps are also nice. The C3 “mag” wheel is a beautiful period mag wheel and looks great especially with lettered tyres. Looks soo aggressive.
To me I like the look of old school tyres on factory wheels, but it’s a personal choice. No right or wrong.
For me its
C2 white walls
C3 lettered tyres for the aggressive look, white walls for a more sophisticated look.
C4 Blackwall’s