Michelin Rally Tyres – Classic Motorsport and the TB15

Michelin rally tyres and a lasting interest in motorsport

Having spent a lifetime in the tyre trade, I’ve always enjoyed seeing how tyres have developed alongside the cars using them.

Classic rallying is a particularly interesting part of that story. Cars such as the Alpine-Renault, Lancia Fulvia and Porsche 911 bring back memories of an era when rally cars had a character all of their own.

The tyres underneath them were an important part of the competition. A powerful engine was only useful if the driver could put that power onto the road and retain control through the next bend.

Michelin has a long association with rallying, and its classic competition tyres remain an interesting subject for enthusiasts.

Michelin and rally history

Michelin records a victory at the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally, the first rally in the World Rally Championship’s history.

For anyone interested in older cars, that period has plenty of appeal. The vehicles looked different, sounded different and faced demanding roads and changing conditions.

Here in Yorkshire, we understand how quickly a road can change from dry to wet. Rally tyre selection takes that challenge much further, with choices made for particular surfaces, temperatures and competition conditions.

The Michelin TB15 name

The TB15 is familiar to many classic rally enthusiasts. However, when looking for tyres today, it’s important to check the exact product rather than assume every tyre carrying a similar name has the same specification.

Michelin currently lists the TB15+ in its classic racing range and describes it as a mixed tyre for road use and classic car rallies.

That is a specialist application. It doesn’t make the tyre a direct replacement for an ordinary passenger-car tyre simply because the wheel diameter looks right.

Different tyres for different rally conditions

Michelin’s current classic competition range also includes the TB5+, described as intended for classic rallies on dry roads, and the PB20, a full-wet classic rally tyre.

Those different products illustrate why tyre selection matters in motorsport.

A tyre developed for one set of conditions may be unsuitable for another. Tread design, compound and the intended application all need considering.

For a competition car, the event rules and specialist tyre guidance are important parts of the decision.

Road use and competition use

Don’t assume that every motorsport tyre is suitable for public-road driving.

Check the approval, specification and intended use of the exact tyre, along with its suitability for the vehicle. Competition regulations may introduce additional requirements.

The TB15 and TB15+ names should also be distinguished when discussing fitment or ordering. Similar names do not mean identical products.

If you’re restoring a classic car, original appearance is only one consideration. Correct sizing, wheel compatibility and appropriate load and speed ratings matter too.

Classic cars still need careful tyre checks

A cherished classic may cover relatively few miles, but low mileage doesn’t mean its tyres will stay in good condition indefinitely.

Check for cracking, damage and deterioration as well as tread wear. If the car has been stored for a long period, have its tyres assessed before returning it to regular use.

Use the correct pressure guidance for the vehicle and tyre combination. Specialist classic or competition fitments may require advice beyond the figures used for an everyday modern car.

Tyre advice at Pellon in Halifax

I enjoy these links between tyre history and the cars people still care for today. However, the practical question remains the same: which tyre is suitable for the vehicle and the job it needs to do?

At Pellon Tyre & Autocentre, we’re happy to discuss your tyre requirements. Specialist classic and motorsport tyres may require referral to a specialist supplier, so please contact us before assuming we can supply or fit a particular product.

For everyday Michelin tyre choices, visit our Michelin tyres in Halifax page.

Call 01422 351314 or 01422 362030 to discuss your requirements.

Find us on Pellon Lane, Halifax, HX1 4PZ.

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Written by Eric Roberts, Pellon Tyre & Autocentre.