1971 280SL tires?

[joes]

Hello All,

I live in Toronto, Canada and it will soon be time to put the blanket on the car and tuck it away till spring.  Such is life here in the Tundra!

I would like to replace the tires on my car either this fall or next spring.  I have attached a few pictures.  I do not mind what it looks like now but wanted to get your opinion on what would be the best size/type of  tire to put on this car.  The same? Whitewall tire or no whitewall? etc.  The Michelins on it now are MX4 and the size is 195/75R14.

More importantly, I noticed that BOTH the front tires are wearing much more on the outside than the inside.  Any idea what this issue is?  Alignment, camber, suspension, Kingpins?  I am not a wrencher so will have a mechanic look at this but just wanted to get an opinion from the forum.

I want to keep the car looking as original as possible.
I drive it less than 3,000 miles per year.  Summer and dry days only.

If you could give me your recommendation on size and perhaps make of tire I would appreciate it.

Thank you in advance for your valued opinions,
Joe

[MichaelB.]

I think the whitewall looks great.

I would venture a guess that you should get the alignment checked for toe & camber to reduce the inconsistent wear characteristics seen. Do that with the installation of the new whitewall tires.

By the way. Coker tire has a nice Phoenix whitewall they sell that I have used previously. Its not inexpensive but I will say that its correct for our cars & offers good performance.

[joes]

Thank you Michael.  I appreciate the info.
cheers