Whitewall tires, an icon of an era past, feature a stripe or entire sidewall of white rubber. This contrasts with the traditional black rubber with a pop.
Shop Whitewall TiresWHEN DID WHITEWALL TIRES FIRST BECOME AVAILABLE?
Although many associate whitewall tires with the colorful, big vehicles of the 50s and early 60s, whitewall tires have been around since nearly the invention of the tire itself.
Vogue Tyre and Rubber Co first made them for their horse and chauffeur drawn carriages back in 1914 and they continued to be a popular option for gas powered vehicles as they became more readily available.
Early auto tires were made of pure rubber and used various chemicals for better wear. Zinc oxide, a pure white substance, was a favorite due to its better traction capabilities. It also turned the entire tire white. However, this formula didn’t stand up to road hazards and wore more quickly than tire makers wanted. So, carbon black was added for increased treadlife. Over time, tires became more black and less white, until the white strip or band we associate with whitewall tires became a fashion choice.
The height of whitewall tire popularity reached its peak in the mid 1950s and significantly declined in the 60s and 70s. You would typically only see them on luxury vehicles.
WHAT WHITEWALL TIRES SHOULD I GET FOR MY CLASSIC CAR?
The aesthetic of modern cars doesn’t work well with whitewall tires (in most opinions), however they are still readily available for classic and vintage cars and trucks wanting that authentic look.
There are two tire manufacturers that offer (and are well known for) whitewall tires, Coker and Vogue Tyres.
Whitewall Tires For Classic Cars
Coker offers tires for classic vehicles with radial and bias-ply construction options. This means you can be extremely detailed in recreating not only the look but also the function of your historic vehicle. Check out these options to start:
Coker Classic Star Series
For a more luxurious look, turn to Vogue Tyres. They offer refinement for both classic and modern vehicles with their iconic white and gold sidewalls. They also offer options with blue or red lines instead! Check out:
Whitewall Tires For Modern Cars
Depending on the size of the tires your vehicle requires, you can find good whitewall tire options for modern cars. Set yourself apart with the following tires which are offered with a whitewall option:
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