For enthusiasts of the classic Sport Car, nothing completes the vintage aesthetic quite like a set of raised white letter tires. The Firestone Wide Oval tire is synonymous with the golden era of muscle and pony cars, serving as original equipment on many iconic models from 1967 to 1974. The bold “Wide Oval” logo emblazoned on the sidewall instantly evokes the spirit of the sixties, a time when powerful engines and manual transmissions ruled the asphalt.
As classic sport cars continue to appreciate in value at auctions, discerning buyers increasingly favor vehicles restored to their original factory specifications or adhering to the popular “Day Two” modification style. Firestone Wide Oval tires perfectly cater to this demand, offering an authentic look with modern manufacturing standards. These legendary tires are also available with a subtle 3/8-inch whitewall or a sporty 3/8-inch redline sidewall, allowing for customization while maintaining a period-correct appearance for your prized sport car.
Manufactured in the USA using the original molds, Firestone Wide Oval tires blend vintage design with contemporary materials and production technology. This commitment to quality is further reinforced by Firestone’s exclusive Life of the Tread warranty, providing peace of mind for sport car owners. It’s important to note that the listed dimensions for tread width, section width, and overall diameter are approximate and based on an inflated tire mounted on a wheel. Actual dimensions may vary depending on rim width and inflation pressure.
The Appeal of Raised White Letter Tires on a Sport Car
Raised white letter (RWL) tires are a defining feature of the sport car aesthetic from the late 1960s onwards. Popularized by muscle cars like the Pontiac GTO and high-performance pony cars such as the Ford Mustang, RWL tires added a touch of aggression and visual flair. The white lettering is not merely a surface application; instead, white rubber is integrated into the tire’s sidewall during the carcass assembly process. The distinctive letters are then formed during vulcanization within a specialized curing mold and subsequently buffed to reveal their bright white finish. Beyond Firestone Wide Ovals and Wide Oval Radials, other notable raised white letter tires include the BFGoodrich Radial T/A and Goodyear Polyglas, all contributing to the iconic look of the classic sport car.
Bias Ply Construction: Authentic to the Sport Car Era
Bias ply tire construction represents the tire manufacturing method prevalent from the early 1900s through the 1970s for passenger cars and light trucks, the very era of the quintessential sport car. In bias ply tires, the ply cords are arranged at a 45-degree angle relative to the bead and overlap in a crisscross pattern, with the number of ply layers dictating the tire’s strength. While this construction yields a robust tire, bias ply designs are known to be more susceptible to following imperfections in the road surface. However, for classic car restorations and traditional hot rod builds, bias ply tires remain the most authentic and historically accurate choice, perfectly complementing the vintage character of a sport car. Coker Tire boasts an extensive inventory of bias ply tires catering to diverse applications, ensuring enthusiasts can find the right tire for their restoration projects.
Firestone: A Legacy Brand for Collector and Sport Cars
Coker Tire proudly presents a comprehensive range of authentic Firestone tires designed for cars, trucks, and motorcycles manufactured from the dawn of the 20th century through the 1970s. This vast selection includes iconic Firestone lines such as Non Skid, Deluxe Champion, and of course, Wide Oval tires, alongside numerous other renowned styles and sizes suitable for military vehicles, motorcycles, and classic commercial trucks. With options spanning whitewalls, redlines, raised white letters, and other classic sidewall treatments, the Firestone product line stands as one of Coker Tire’s most extensive and sought-after brands, providing the perfect tires to complete any sport car restoration or enhancement.
E70-15 Tire Size Alternatives
For those considering radial alternatives to the E70-15 bias ply tire, here are some similar size options:
- Similar Size Radial Alternative: 205/70R15
- Similar Size Radial Alternative: 195/75R15
- Similar Size Radial Alternative: 185R15
E70-15 Tire Fitment for Sport Car Models
The E70-15 tire size is a correct fitment for the following sport car models and potentially others:
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro with Z28 Option
- 1968-1969 Ford Shelby Mustang GT
*Please consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for precise tire fitment specifications.*
