SPECIAL REPORT
Covid and global conflicts affected supplies of tyres for classics, but with levels returning to normal, specialists are advising owners to check the condition of those already fitted to their vehicles
The war in Ukraine is having a profound effect on the supply of tyres for classic owners.
Specialists have told CCW that global disruption including the conflict in Eastern Europe and subsequent economic sanctions on Russia had impacted supplies, with factories prioritising rubber intended for tyres on newer vehicles.
Dougal Cawley of Longstone Tyres said: ‘The effects of Covid and conflicts in Europe had a dramatic effect on classic tyre supplies. The pandemic saw factories close and stocks depleted and just when we got to grips with Covid, the conflict in Ukraine lead to trade boycott with Russia, which is not only a major supplier of tyres but also raw materials.’
‘Unfortunately classic tyres come second to actual car manufacturers. So when the likes of Porsche or Mercedes say that they want tyres made, they jump, but when we ask for a tiny batch of obsolete, difficult to make specialist tyres; the tyre manufacturers say “Hang on Dougal; we are making these tyres first, then we might get round to making yours afterwards”. These difficulties are at last coming to an end and presently we are having deliveries of tyres that have been out of stock for as long as two years.’
Supply shortages inevitably leads to price hikes, yet Longstone Tyres says that premium-priced classic tyres have not risen any more than mainstream modern tyres – of which there are 700 or so brands available – although cash-strapped enthusiasts may still ponder on switching to moderns, which can be at least half the price. Vintagetyres.com added that its classic tyre prices ‘are as low and as
