Benefit From Fitting Economy Tyres on Modern Classic

Article written by Bush Tyres

15 inch Economy Tyres On Classic Jag

This modern classic, XJ40 XJ6 Sovereign visited Allround Tyres for a full set of economy tyres. These tyres offer a lower cost alternative to the limited production and more expensive original fitment tyres. The real benefit of fitting these economy tyres, is in the fact that it allows the Jaguar to be enjoyed daily without the nagging worry of damaging the more expensive and sometimes difficult to source classic tyres.

Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign XJ40

The XJ40 was only the second generation after the Mk1 was produced from 1968-1992 across 3 generations. Launched on the 8^{th of} October 1986 at the British International Motor Show after over a decade of development caused by delays with parent company British Leyland and the 1973 oil crisis.

The XJ40 represented a 25% simplification in the build process as well as being stiffer and lighter than the outgoing model. The car was manufactured from 1986 until 1994 before being replaced by the X300 models. The car was powered by the new AJ6, 3.6 In-Line-6 Normally Aspirated engine and paired with a 4 speed automatic gearbox.

Replacing the old XK series engine it features a four valve and twin overhead cam design. Right at the end of the XJ40 production period in 1993 Jaguar also released the V12 engine in both the XJ12 and Daimler ‘Double Six” models.

Tyre options to better suit daily driving

When launched in 1986 the XJ40 model was originally fitted with Metric Tyres 220/65VR390, Dunlop SP SuperSport and Michelin TRX were both fitted from factory. Small batches of these tyres are still produced and hand finished by Avon tyres for concours and collectors’ cars. As you would expect from any niche, small batch produced product, these can command a premium of over £400 per tyre with fitting and balancing and can still be sourced if required.

The featured car is a G-registered model (1989), by the time Jaguar and most other manufactures had phased out of Metric Tyres and this example would have been most likely supplied with 225/65WR15 Pirelli Cinturato P5 from the factory and then after that wheel size was increased to 16” diameter and the Dunlop 225/55R16 Performa was fitted. Some later cars also featured P7000-Z.

Again these tyres are all still produced, although in limited batches, they would cost over £350 each. Not every XJ40 is kept as a garage queen or concours show car. There are many of these cars also daily driven by Jaguar enthusiasts. To make using these cars more affordable for their owners, we can safely and legally modify the tyre fitment over to the more common 225/60VR15. Allround tyres have successfully converted this car over to an economy tyre option. The complete set of four economy tyres with wheel alignment cost the owner less than one of the aforementioned  other niche options.

For a modern classic like this Jaguar, or even for something a little older, Bush Tyres can help source these difficult to find classic sizes, including Metric options for you. Alternatively, if you are looking to save some money and reduce the risk of damaging the hard-to-find tyres. Bush Tyres can offer alternative economy tyre sizes that are still safe and legal to use without the risk of damage to your car.

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