Tyres

[Mitka]

Anyone got any preference when it comes to tyres on their Flaminia?

These seem to be the budget tyres https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/165hr400

And here are the more pricy ones https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/lancia/flaminia.html

I keep dreaming of whitewalls on my black pf coupe, but I guess it should have the 175/400 and not 165/400🫣

[Richard Fridd]

My Coupe has 165 Michelins as no 175s at the time. Never inexpensive. Had to sell my Fulvia sedan to pay for them.
Does anyone know if those available differ when viewed in profile? The overall width of my sidewalls (section width)is certainly pronounced in relation to the footprint, even shown in the Flaminia drawing. I did use ageing 175s previously, until a blowout and would use this size  again. I thought the weight of the car may influence choice but the heavier Flaminia Sedan has 165s.

  Richard

[Richard Fridd]

Drawing and also my spare. Only 100mm of the 165mm overall width represents the  footprint.

  Richard

[Kevinlincs]

Modern radial tyres use an aspect ratio of 82% to calculate the sidewall height, often labelled as 80 for simplicity although not many sizes left like that. 165R13 would often be branded 165/80R13, both the same.
So if these metric ones use the same scenario then the 175 would be only slightly taller sidewall wise than the 165s, 82% of the 10mm width difference.
However given how tall the sidewalls are for such a (by todays standards) narrow width I'm not sure the 82% aspect ratio would apply.
I too will have to look into it on mine, assuming I get that far.
Has anyone used rims from other models? If indeed there are any with the same offset and PCD? Be handy if 15 or 16" wheels were available, but then it wouldn't be as intended.
Eye watering prices though! But not like you're changing them every year either I suppose.

[Richard Fridd]

I was wondering about the 'bulging' sidewalls in the second drawing. I should have said "profile when viewed from the front or rear".
  From memory the silver coloured Flaminia Coupe in my photo taken at a LMC BBQ has imperial rim measurements. Seems the stainless steel ring and hub caps fit.
  I have been told that some Jaguar cars suffer from a feeling of heavy steering when fitted with different tyres to those intended. Geometry upset perhaps by saving money?
 
  Richard
 

[Richard Fridd]

Details

[willoroe]

Regarding the original question of whether to go for the expensive or the really expensive. I can vouch for the excellence of the Pirelli Cinturato. I have them fitted to my Giulietta spider and they really improve the driving experience compared to the previous spurious tyres that I had.
Not cheap though.
Willo

[Mitka]

Some good inputs!

[willoroe]

Mitka,
What happened? Did you get the Pirellis?
Thanks,
Willo

[lanciab20]

The silver PF Coupe in Richard's photo is mine.  I bought Flaminia wheels from the Dutch Classic Lancia man with 16inch rims on them, and the hubcaps and rim embellishers fit.
I have 185 x 16 Michelins, which give a very sight gearing up.  I think the 165 x 400 looks too narrow, and as has bee pointed out, 175s are not always available.  Not many cars had them as OE.

[Charles Frodsham]

Anyone used the Cinturato on a Flaminia? How do they drive?

I currently have 185x400 Michelins on my PF, which fit before anyone says anything! They are due renewal at some point, so it’s either the same Michelins or 175x400 Pirelli. Price is similar.

[Jay]

My understanding, is that Cinturato and Michelins were specified on coupes, but only Michelins on the GTs, maybe due to wheel rub. Although I have a set of Cinturato on my GT with alloy wheels, it does drive differently, but that could be, to do with the wheel weight, as those steels weigh a ton.  Deep down I prefer the old setup, and maybe the Swiss gentleman whom I purchased the wheels and tries off also did, and that’s why he sold them.