Best tyres for the pagoda...

[Erics]

A couple of points:

1/ I just had a variety of conversations with professionals of the Mercedes classic world and they unanimously recommended Michelin MXV as the best classic tyre for the pagoda.

I called Longstone tyre and spoke to the owner. I was going to buy Vrederstein Classics but he said they were not proper 'classic tyres' despite the name.

He said the only reason why people bought them is because they are cheap.

Michelin MXV on the other hand are proper classic tyres according to him.

Bruce Gretham from the SL shop agreed that Michelin were the best for the car.

The small matter is the price. VC are £89+vat a piece and the other one is £179+vat.

What do we think?

2/ the other point is about the size:

I am currently running Falken 195/75/14.

I suspect the correct size should be 185 / 80 / 14?

In all the threads i read on this forum, there is never a mention of the correct section: is it 70 or 80 profile?

Cheers,
Eric.

[WRe]

Hi,
I use Vredestein Classic since years and I'am totally satisfied with them.
The correct standard size for Pagoda tires is 185HR14 which means 185/80 HR14. See: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/WheelsTires/TireSize.
If the percentaged ratio (side height to width) isn't mentioned it's always 80%.
...WRe

[Cees Klumper]

+1 for the Vredesteins. It's not like we try to set lap records on the 'Ring? Not sure what people mean by 'not a proper classic tire' because it sure looks the part and drives quite nicely.
But check out the many other threads about tires, there's lots more choices available.

[GGR]

MXVs came out in 1982, so they are not really period correct for the Pagoda. The XAS came out in 1965, and many MBs were equipped with them at the time.

[Erics]

thank you gents for the response. Is the XAS still available?

What was the oem equipment in Europe?

I understand US was phoenix.

[WRe]

Hi,
afaik most of the Pagodas have been equiped with Phoenix tires all over the world., some with Continental and very seldom - not sure - with Dunlop, only a few with white wall tires as an extra option, Michelin never heard.
...WRe

[Peter van Es]

+1 on Vredesteins. Classic look, modern tire, right size!

[mbzse]

.../...afaik most of the Pagodas have been equiped with Phoenix tires all over the world.../...

Here is a Phoenix vendor sign from the sixties; when radial tires were a novelty. Today this one hangs on my garage wall.
Also, a magazine advertisment from the sixties (sorry about quality). P110 was the designation for 185-14
/Hans S