Blockley tyres – where are they made?
Discussion
I'm in the market for some period looking 13" tyres but I'm finding something with the required HR rating pretty thin on the ground. Blockley not only do them in the size I want 185/70 13 but they are VR rated. Judging by the positive comments previously, I'm considering giving them a try rather than wait for another batch of Pirelli CN36's to be made. Any further feedback on them especially if used on 70's performance cars.
All I can say is that both cars are still running on Blockleys. I find no fault with them, but ifany of you are thinking of crossplies then for goodness sake be aware of what you are buying. Truck ruts in the road will wrench the steering from your hands if you are not careful. That is how things were in the day and since the car is a replica of a 1957 car how it should be.
The radials are fine, they are predictable, not heavy on the steering, and hold the road in all weathers. Far better than some other radials I have tried. The upshot is that I wouldn't change the make of my tyres, and don't think that this is on cost grounds. Tyres are too important for safety reasons than that, even though they are less costly than other makes.. HTH
The radials are fine, they are predictable, not heavy on the steering, and hold the road in all weathers. Far better than some other radials I have tried. The upshot is that I wouldn't change the make of my tyres, and don't think that this is on cost grounds. Tyres are too important for safety reasons than that, even though they are less costly than other makes.. HTH
I visited Blockley recently as have 13" rims and the OE Pirelli Cinturato was unavailable with no ETA.
Service was very good and quality of the tyre seems spot on. There's a 'best tyre you've ever driven or money back' guarantee so guess they are pretty confident in product.
The premises is on an old WW2 base with loads of interesting business including some nice classic sales and workshops.
Service was very good and quality of the tyre seems spot on. There's a 'best tyre you've ever driven or money back' guarantee so guess they are pretty confident in product.
The premises is on an old WW2 base with loads of interesting business including some nice classic sales and workshops.
I think you'll find it is India. The story behind Blockley is rather interesting. Julian Majoub, because he could not find suitable tyres for one of his collection of cars, decided to make his own. I first came across them around the turn of the century and always willing to help the underdog I bought a set of crossplies for the D-type because the Dunlops just didn't last, then later on for the E-type when he started making them. If you want to read it up you'll find it here:-
https://www.blockleytyre.com/page/blockey-tyre-com...
If you watch pre 1960's racing you'll see the very noticeable crossply square-block tread on the majority of cars. He keeps on expanding the range and hence you can find the correct tyres for your car, as I did for the E-type. Like you, I could find same size tyres, but not the 185/15VR that I wanted. He makes them.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/page/blockey-tyre-com...
If you watch pre 1960's racing you'll see the very noticeable crossply square-block tread on the majority of cars. He keeps on expanding the range and hence you can find the correct tyres for your car, as I did for the E-type. Like you, I could find same size tyres, but not the 185/15VR that I wanted. He makes them.
Edited by lowdrag on Sunday 19th June 17:01
lowdrag said:
If you watch pre 1960's racing you'll see the very noticeable crossply square-block tread on the majority of cars.
The tread pattern is pretty well Dunlop's but it doesn't look right to me when on late 1930s cars as it was more of a Vintage era tread. That said, I'd be pleased if they made some normal 17" tyres - many makes/models used 17" wheels but I assume the surviving numbers don't make a market. Going to 18" and a narrower section doesn't look or feel right, but it's often done.
2172cc said:
Chatting to a guy with a BMW 2002 at Bicester Scramble today who just happened to have Blockleys in 185/70 x13 fitted. He absolutely rates them so looks like my mind is made up.
Apologies for the slight diversion, but those Cromodoras are beautiful 
A mate of mine has Blockleys on his '69 Mk2 Cooper and is very happy with them.
2172cc said:
Chatting to a guy with a BMW 2002 at Bicester Scramble today who just happened to have Blockleys in 185/70 x13 fitted. He absolutely rates them so looks like my mind is made up.
Just as an alternative, Yokohama have just reintroduced the old A008 pattern tyre, and they are available in 185/70x13 as well (they only used to be in 60 profile back in the day)https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/yokohama-advan-hf-...
(I used to run A008 185x60x13 on my Sunbeam-Lotus back in the day)
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