The problem with so many whitewall tyres available for classic cars is the way the cars handle on them!

The Blockley Tyre company was approached by the Director of HKT Reifen in Germany, asking if we would produce a white walled version of our Blockley 185HR14 tyre to the same high quality as our existing radials, and this project led us to making a handful of whitewall tyre sizes.

The tyre HKT Reifen wanted in particular was for the Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda ( W113 ) which requires the full diameter 80 profile 185 R 14 with an H speed rating, hence 185HR14, with a period correct looking product. It was explained to us that an official of the Mercedes club in Germany had requested a better handling tyre than Michelins whitewall, and was also hoping for a list price that was more realistic for the owners of these Mercedes. How interesting that not long after we produced this Blockley 185HR14 whitewall, that Michelins agents reduced the price of their 185HR14 tyre significantly!

The white wall rubber on our range of tyres is inlaid into the side wall of the tyre during the manufacturing process, which has a considerable depth to it, with the Black rubber covering being machined off afterwards to ensure a crisp finish. We pay particular attention to making sure that the white stripe stays white, which can be a problem with some other brands as the parent black rubber slowly leaches through, so no amount of cleaning will rectify the problem. When White walled tyres are delivered to you there is a blue protective coating painted on the surface of the white which protects the surface of the whitewall - which is easily removed after fitting.

Our White walled versions of our tyres come from separate moulds to ensure that the finish is exceptional.

In addition to the white wall 185HR14 tyre we produced for the W113 Mercedes Pagoda, we have also produced to date 2 other whitewall tyre sizes: a 125 R 12 for the Fiat 500 and the 155 HR 15 for cars such as Alfa Giulietta, VW Beetle etc.

Occasionally we are asked for a whitewall version of one of our tyres, from the large range of sizes we produce (60 sizes currently). In these instances we put customers in touch with "Mr.Whitewalls" to carry out this operation - this outfit then carefully grinds the sidewall using a special machine and then applies the white (or red line or whatever else is required) to the tyre at a fairly nominal price. We only hear good things about the work that is done there, and have examples of "Mr Whitewalls" work at Blockley Tyre Co. to show anyone interested. For customers within the UK we suggest they deal direct with "Mr.Whitewalls", because this company does not have a large enough turnover to require them to charge vat, which would otherwise be due if Blockley Tyre Co was invoicing for their work. Prior to discovering Mr Whitewalls we had been recommended a company in Germany who have also whitewalled Blockley tyres, but with the advent of Brexit and the increased postage costs plus all the additional paperwork and delays we have been very fortunate indeed in finding a company that we are happy to recommend, "Mr.Whitewalls".