Opinion of 185R14 Vredestein Sprint Classic?

[cascadia]

Seems I'm still trying to find "Tire Nirvana" and I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with the 185R14 Vredestein Sprint Classic Blackwall.  I saw a set recently on a Triumph Stag and I liked the profile and tread pattern.  Coker and Universal sell them for $130 each, if you don't need a whitewall they seem like a nice alternative to the pricey Phoenix reproductions.  I have a feeling that with a little digging on the web they can probably be found for less than 130.  Has anyone had any experience with them?

Download Attachment: vredestein-classic.jpg
30.13 KB

[Douglas]

Bob,

I'm sure that by modern standards they're nothing special, but that was always a decent Dutch tire back in the 80s—an all-around strong performer that used to be a great value compared to Pirellis or Michelins. It's neat to see they're available once again.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[Bob G MN]

I bought four of these about four years ago and had them mounted last year.  They seem to preform great.  Good loks and nice ride.  I bought them on the internet from a firm in Ohio or Indiana.

[hauser]

My spare tire is a Vredestein 185 R 14 with the rub strip.  Could this tire possibly be the original spare since my car is a Euro model?  Is it something I should hold on to or get rid of?

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Cees Klumper]

Vredestein (a Dutch company) says they use all-modern technology in producing these classic line tires. I plan to purchase my next set from them. Unfortunately, I don't drive enough to wear out my 205 Pirelli's - I bought them 6 years and 50 thousand kilometers ago and they still have a lot of thread left.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Douglas]

I've never heard of a Pagoda with Vredesteins from the factory, but your datacard will definitively tell you the make of your original spare. Chances are, it was the Firestone Phoenix.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[hauser]

Where is the tire code on the data card?

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Douglas]

It's not a code. It's actually typed into the 3rd box from the bottom right corner. A Phoenix reads "185HR14 Phön."

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[hauser]

I only have a copy provided by the Classic Center and it doesn't have the type of tire in the box. For some odd reason that section is blank showing only two narrow boxes and third is missing.  I'll have to contact them and see what I can find out.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.