Modern rubber for old Porsches

Porsche teams up with Pirelli for factory-approved tyres for everything from 356 to 996 and beyond

Here's some good news for anybody who has ever tried to pilot an early 911 down a damp road on a mismatched set of ditchfinders; Porsche and Pirelli have launched a new range of factory-approved tyres to fit a huge range of classics from the archive, stretching as far back as 1959.

Your first thought is likely to be along the lines of "that'll be costly", and although the official release doesn't mention money we're certain you're right. This is unlikely to be a service for those determined to run a banger-grade 924 or sub-£5,000 Boxster on a tight budget. But it is proof that Porsche is taking the wellbeing of owners of its older cars seriously.

Porsche reckons 70 per cent of the cars it has ever made are still in driveable condition today, with the company having developed, tested and released tyres that are "properly tuned to specific vehicle generations", and which will apparently match original-spec rubber in terms of looks and design but offer modern levels of grip and safety. For cars produced between 1959 and 2005 there are 32 new tyre recommendations for everything from the 356 to the 968 and all generations of 911.

Apparently Walter Rohrl was - predictably - involved in the development programme giving advice on the "driving properties of tyres based on his extensive background of experience with the historic Porsche models." Of course a fair bit of that in-period experience came at fairly heroic drift angles, but we're assured that the new tyres are designed to offer modern driving properties. The new factory release tyres will carry 'N' markings to show they are made to manufacturer's standards.

The list of approved rubber is extensive - find it here if you're interested - with the news angle being Pirelli's release of P Zero Rosso tyres in 11 common sizes along with P Zero Trofeo R motorsport rubber in 16 and 18-inch sizes. All approved tyres, including the new releases, can be ordered from Official Porsche Centres.