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We know that it is important to choose the right tyre for your classic or vintage car vehicle. To ensure that there is a choice for all types of motorists Blackcircles.com stocks a vast array of different classic car tyres.
An asymmetrical dual-angle patterned tyre offering an ideal balance of performance and comfort. The tyre offers low noise, enhanced comfort and superior grip in the wet.
The Radar Dimax Classic is a vintage car tyre designed for classic cars, combining vintage aesthetics with modern performance.
Michelin's XZX is a classic car tyre produced in the 1970s to offer good overall performance in a variety of weather conditions.
The Vredestein Sprint Classic is a vintage tyre crafted for classic car enthusiasts that prioritise modern performance.
Classic car tyres are tyres that are still in production and suitable for vehicles which have been made between the late 1920s and early 1980s
There are four types of classic car tyre; Beaded Edge tyres, Wired-on Tyres, Cross-ply Tyres and Radial Tyres.
Beaded Edge Tyres – mostly found on vintage European cars – have large ridges of hard rubber round the tyre that were designed to hook to the wheel’s rim.
Wire-on tyres are similar to the previous Beaded edge tyres, with the key difference being that wire-on tyres had a wire within the beads in order to stop it from stretching and ensuring it won’t come off the wheel.
Cross-Ply tyres were designed with ‘superimposed layers of textile cord running at alternate angles from bead-to-bead’, meaning that the sidewall and tread became one rigid structure.
Radial Tyres are created with ‘ply cords that radiate at a 90 degree angle from the wheel rim’ which enable better vertical flexibility while maximising the amount of contact with the road and ensuring better handling.
Tyres made for fitment of classic cars typically meet the F.I.V.A. definition of a classic car:
• Minimum of 30 years old
• Not intended for daily transport use
• Conserved in a historically accurate condition
The size of a tyre is printed onto the side of the tyre – on the area known as the sidewall. When looking for the size, you will see that it is made up of a series of numbers and letters.
A classic car is generally defined as a vehicle that is no longer in regular production and has historical or nostalgic value. These cars are often at least 20 years old, though many consider 30 or 40 years to be the true threshold. They are typically well-maintained or restored, and are valued for their design, rarity, or significance within automotive history.
The point at which a car becomes a classic can vary depending on how it's being assessed. In general terms, a car is often regarded as a classic once it reaches around 20 to 30 years of age and is preserved in good condition. However, different organisations – including insurers, enthusiasts, and tax authorities – may use different criteria to classify a vehicle as a classic.
A vehicle becomes exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (commonly known as road tax) when it reaches 40 years of age from the date of manufacture. This exemption applies from the 1st of April each year and only if the vehicle has not been substantially modified. Owners must still apply for the exemption, even if the car qualifies automatically.
Classic car insurance in the UK is usually offered for vehicles that are at least 15 to 25 years old and used on a limited basis. Eligibility often depends on how the car is driven, stored, and maintained. Many insurers also consider whether the vehicle has been kept in original condition or restored to a high standard.
Classic cars that are officially registered as “historic vehicles” with the DVLA – meaning they are over 40 years old and not used for commercial purposes – are exempt from the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges. To benefit from the exemption, the car must be correctly classified on the V5C registration document.
Many enthusiasts and insurers begin to regard a 25-year-old car as a classic, especially if the model holds collectible value or historical interest. At this age, the car may qualify for classic car insurance but will still not be eligible for tax or ULEZ exemption until it turns 40.
Classic car insurance is often worth considering if your vehicle is used occasionally and kept in good condition. It usually comes with benefits such as agreed valuation, limited mileage options, and lower premiums compared to standard insurance. The value is especially clear for cars that are not used daily and are maintained for hobby or show purposes.
Classic insurance in the UK refers to a specialist form of car insurance tailored for older vehicles. These policies often include features such as protection for rare parts, agreed valuations, and flexibility for owners who attend shows or drive infrequently. To qualify, your vehicle typically needs to meet certain age and usage requirements.
A classic car is typically a vehicle that's aged, possesses unique qualities and often holds sentimental or collectible value.
The exact point can vary, but cars around 20 to 25 years old generally start being considered as classics.
In the UK, cars over 40 years old are exempt from paying vehicle tax.
Insurance providers often consider cars over 15 to 25 years old as candidates for classic car insurance.
Generally, cars built before 1973 are exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges in London.
Yes, a 20-year-old car could be considered a classic by some standards.
Yes, many enthusiasts and insurance companies consider cars of 25 years or older as classic vehicles.
Yes, classic car insurance often provides tailored coverage and agreed value, which can be very beneficial for preserving the value of your unique vehicle.
Classic car insurance is specialised coverage designed to protect older vehicles that hold special value or significance.