The new tyres
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Avon
A new high-speed car tyre is the latest product to come from this Wiltshire firm, and it is named the Avon Turbospeed. It is designed for fitting to sports and racing cars and can be used, with suitable inflation pressures, at speeds up to 150 m.p.h.
Over the past five years Avon have experimented with tyres fitted to the Aston Martin DBR/1 and DBR/2 racing cars, and the Turbospeed has been based on the findings of prototype tyres fitted to these cars. One of the most important points in making a tyre for high-speed competition use is that it must have the highest ultimate cornering adhesion coupled with good handling characteristics so that this adhesion may be used to the fullest advantage. This is particularly essential for short-circuit races but it also happens to be a most difficult requirement to perfect. Turbospeeds are made with broad flat treads to give maximum grip on the road and have thin walls, being made of six-ply cords, with a thin rubber covering to reduce weight. Great care is also taken to choose a tread pattern which drains water well and does not squeal under load.
All these points are of immense importance, and the results at Spa in 1957 were such that the winning Aston Martins were able to run at speeds up to 125 m.p.h., requiring only a change of rear tyres in the whole of the 1,000 kilometres.
The Turbospeed is available for normal sports cars and costs between £7 12s, and £10.
Makers: Avon Tyre Co. Ltd., Melksham, Wilts.
Dunlop
Dunlop tyres have travelled the roads of Britain for a great many years, and the standard range of Dunlop tyres appear on the majority of cars made in this country. The Road Speed and the Gold Seal are two of the most famous covers marketed for the sports-car owner and the fast driver. The former is designed to permit high speeds and still give maximum adhesion on wet roads. The latter, the Gold Seal, is the latest product. It has an improved tread pattern giving more grip on the road, with less noise. This cover is also available in heavy-duty construction, in all popular sizes. The cost of the Gold Seal varies from £5 14s. to £11 and the Road Speed from £8 3s. to £13.
Makers Dunlop Rubber Co. Ltd., St. James’ House, St. James’ Street, London, W.1.
Firestone
The latest from Firestone is the Nylon “500,” which is for use on all normal cars and gives extra life as regards the walls of the tyre, it also runs cooler. There is also the Firestone Super Sports for 170-m.p.h. cars and the Firestone de-luxe and Sports Nylon, the latter for 120-m.p.h. models. Nylon “500s” vary in price from £6 16s. 6d. for a 5.20 by 13 to £12 6s. for a 6.50 by 16. A Super Sports 6.40 by 13 costs £.8 19s. 6d., and an 8.00 by 15 £17 16s. 6d.
Makers: Firestone Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex.
Goodyear
The latest thing from Goodyear is the Nylon tyre incorporating the 3-T process. Nylon has been used in aircraft tyres for many years but it was not until special nylon to rubber bonding processes were developed that successful nylon road tyres were produced. Last year Goodyear announced their 3-T process for making such products, and these are now available for private cars and large commercial vehicles alike.
By using this 3.T—or tension, temperature and time—method it has been possible to produce a nylon cord that is fully controlled at its maximum strength and resistency, making a tyre which will run cooler and be highly resistant to shocks, strains and high speeds. An improved tread pattern has also been devised and is better suited to varying road conditions, while the nylon carcase has been found to be practically impervious to air, so giving greater efficiency in the case of tubeless examples.
The cost of nylon tyres is only a few shillings more than normal types but they are undoubtedly stronger and longer lasting.
Makers: The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Co., Wolverhampton.
Pirelli
The latest Pirelli is the “337,” which is designed for high mileage and quiet running. Its broad, flat contours and strong outer ribs give it long-lasting qualities, and it is specially designed to cope with independent suspension. The Pirelli Dual-Purpose still remains in production for those who require a rugged tyre for cross-country use on rough roads. Lastly the Speed model, which is a special example for cars capable of 85-120 m.p.h. It has been successful in racing events and gives maximum life when fitted to production sports and fast touring cars. The normal Pirelli range caters for 3.00-m.p.h. motorists and those who occasionally touch 90 m.p.h. The cost of the “337” varies between £5 8s. for a 5.20 by 13 and £6 16s. for a 5.90 by 15.
Makers: Pirelli, Ltd., Pirelli House, 343, 345, Euston Road, London, N.W.1.