Tire preference, I'm going with 195/65 - 15 but...... Options

[mmichalik]

Hi Guys,
I just got my wheel's back from Fuchs Restorations and I want to get everyone's opinions about which tire looks the best on the wheel.
I have Pirelli P4 195/65 - 15's on the '74 and they look ok but what do you guys think look the best? Continentals? Perielli? Michelin? Dunlop? Something else?
I want to stay with a modern tire and I'm flexible on the size so long as they fit within the stock fenders.
I know the question about tires has been asked many times before but, I'm looking at it from a performance AND looks standpoint.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

[horizontally-opposed]

To each their own, but best looking/best performing tire in a 195/65R15 is probably the Pirelli P6000 N-spec. They are too expensive (!!!), but they may be the only summer performance tire in that size right now, the sidewall bulge is very (!) nice, and there's a factory/Euro-ish vibe to the tire despite the more modern tread pattern and sidewalls.

After that, I'd probably look at Michelin, but they'll be "normal" tires. So few choices in 195/65R15.

185/70R15 gives you access to the Avon CR6ZZ and Pirelli CN36, both of which look period correct and perform well—but if you want to fill the fenders, 195/65 is better. Or you go up in width and down a bit on OD its vintage BFG Radial T/As…and I hear very good things from a friend who runs his 912 hot rod hard and knows his 914s and 911s too.

These might also be okay. Sidewall looks pretty simple, but they're all-seasons, too...

[Superhawk996]

To each their own, but best looking/best performing tire in a 195/65R15 is probably the Pirelli P6000 N-spec. They are too expensive (!!!),

Are they?

When I used to road race motorcyles, I initally tried to save money by milking tires more than one race weekend. On a motorcycle, you quickly realize the crash damage, personal body damage, and lack of competitiveness due to not having good tires isn't worth the money saved.

It's the same in a car. It just takes longer to realize it.

Tires are what keep you alive. They are often the difference between having an accident or not. Good summer performance tire shave feet off stopping distances vs. all-season tires.