Alfa 105 - Tyre Choice

[poordecisions]

Hi All,

I have an Alfa GT Junior from 1973, and have ordered myself some 7 x 14 ETA style wheels from Classic Alfa (along with a new suspension kit and all bushes... excited!).

The recommended tyre size from Classic Alfa is 185/70 R14.

What I cant work out is whether to go for a vintage style new tyre (Pirelli Cinturato CN36) at £140 per corner, or a more modern Pirelli Cinturato P4 at £80 per corner. Logic would say that the newer cheaper tyre would be better, but I have a niggle in my head that it would lose the movement that you get going around fast sweeping bends and instead might be more snappy?

I do intend on using it on track at goodwood in the not too distant future.

What are peoples thoughts on more modern type tyres on a classic car? Both will be an improvement on the death trap cheap SA tyres that are on it currently!

[coetzeeh]

Our friends in Netherlands swear by Toyo Proxes as a modern equivalent - just had a look and they are approx £40 each.

Had Proxes on my TVR as these are soft compound which is ideal for a light weigt car like your 105.

[craig_m67]

Yokohama AD08.... So far I always run out of confidence before the car does in any situation.
Have them on ‘73 GT Junior (just sold) and also have them on a ‘66 Duetto.

I have 15” Alfaholics GTAreps running 205x50R15
(195 were unavailable at the time)

No, the steering isn’t heavy, nor is the burman box cracked

[mikeh501]

I think it also depends on the 'look' your going for. If its a GTAR type rep then yoko's on 15s might look well, but they would look completely wrong on something a little more original.

Having thought long and hard on it, im ordering some 14" natural finish GTA wheels and putting cinturato CN36 on there for a period look and drive. The car at the end of the day isnt hugely fast and I think the progressive handling will suit it well. Time will tell, and tbh you can always sell swop em.

[Woody.GTJ]

I have a GTJ on 14" wheels and classic Alfa suspension. Did a bit of fishing around amongst Alfa folk before my last tyre purchase and settled on the Vredestein Sportracs 195/65's. I am super pleased with the look and handling

[RicksAlfas]

That looks good Woody. These cars look at their best with a decent sidewall. I know it might not be the best for ultimate performance but I think they look odd on low profile tyres.

Back to the OP, I do like the CN36 tread pattern!