Well, as many of you may know, I have Michelin Energy 205/70-14 tires on my car that are 12 years old. I think it's time for new tires and I think I'm sold on the Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 HR-14, H rated tire.
When I went to
www.blackforestllc.com to discuss the matter, my Vredestein dealer and MB Classic Service Facility, Michael, the owner, showed me original 113 size Vredestein 185 HR-14 tires with a curbing rib on them. VERY classic looking tire, cool period curbing rib and classic tread pattern. As he had both 185 and 205 tires mounted side by side I could easily see the size and profile difference...not much. So, I think I'm sold. It also helped that my good, car enthusiast friend/dealer was there and said "ya gotta get these tires, John!"
But then Michael ratcheted up the ante, he has four 185 HR-14s mounted on wheels and suggested I mount them on the car and drive with them for awhile. If I like them, great, he'll mount new tires on my wheels and I can just come back and have them switched at the shop. This is an offer for any customer who would like to try them out. Now the kicker...the 185 HR-14 with the curb rib is $120/tire. The 205/70-VR14 w/o a curb rib is $200/tire. Who am I to complain about saving $320 on a set of tires if I like them?
I told Michael we've been having a tire discussion on the forum and that there seemed to be a consensus regarding the difficulty of finding an H rated original size tire for the Pagoda at a reasonable price and that Vredestein has a reputation of being expensive. He suggested he offer his entire line of Vredestein Sprint Classics that he carries to the Pagoda SL Group.
I'm posting his sizing and pricing of both H and V rated tires for both the 113 and 121 models, if anyone has an interest. I have no interest in this and all communication should be with Black Forest and Michael. I'll report on how the tires are with pictures when I have them on the car. I'm also having another little something done to report on, but that's another story!
John
Here is the special pricing for W113/121 owners.
Black Forest...414-228-4899 / Michael
Vredestein Sprint Classic, 175 HR-14 List $182.00 Special $120.00
Vredestein Sprint Classic, 185 HR-14 (With correct curbing rib) List $185.00 Special $120.00
Vredestein Sprint Classic, 195/70 VR-14 List $313.00 Special $190.00
Vredestein Sprint Classic, 205/60 VR-13 List $212.00 Special $150.00
Vredestein Sprint Classic, 205/70 VR-14 List $322.00 Special $200.00
Vredestein Sprint Classic, 6.40/7.00 SR-13 (With correct curbing rib) List $182.00 Special $115.00