Pirelli Cinturato Tyres – From Early Radials to the Lancia Stratos

Pirelli Cinturato Tyres – From Early Radials to the Lancia Stratos

The Pirelli Cinturato name has a long history in the tyre trade. However, its beginnings came well before the famous Lancia Stratos rally car.

Pirelli’s own records date the development of its first Cinturato radial tyre to 1949, with the product marketed from 1953.

The Stratos connection belongs to a later chapter: the development of the Pirelli P7.

The Lancia Stratos connection

During the 1970s, the demands of rallying helped drive further tyre development.

Pirelli experimented with the P7 on the Lancia Stratos in the World Rally Championship from 1974. The road-going version followed in January 1976.

Its notably low profile was an important feature. This continued Pirelli’s earlier work on tyres with shorter sidewalls relative to their width.

You can read more on Pirelli’s official classic Cinturato P7 page.

What does “low profile” mean?

A tyre’s profile describes its sidewall height in relation to its width.

For example, the middle number in a size such as 205/55 R16 is the aspect ratio. It means the sidewall height is approximately 55% of the tyre’s width.

A lower-profile tyre can influence steering response and ride comfort, but it is not automatically the best choice for every car.

The tyre and wheel combination must suit the vehicle.

A name with several generations

Over my years in the tyre trade, I have seen familiar names continue while the products beneath them change considerably.

That applies to Cinturato. A historic P7 and a modern tyre carrying a similar name should not be assumed to have the same construction, specification or intended use.

For a classic car, period suitability and wheel compatibility need checking. For a modern vehicle, follow its approved tyre requirements.

What matters on Halifax roads?

Motorsport history is interesting, but everyday motorists have practical needs.

Around Halifax and Calderdale, tyres have to cope with ordinary journeys, wet roads and our changing seasons. Correct size, load rating, speed rating and suitable performance matter more than copying a famous rally car.

Here at Pellon Tyres and Autocentre, we can help you compare options for your vehicle and budget.

Pirelli tyre advice at Pellon

You can search for tyres on the Pellon Tyres website and arrange fitting at our Halifax depot.

If you own a classic car or are unsure which specification you need, call 01422 351314 or 01422 362030 before ordering.

Find out more about our garage on the Pellon Autocentre website.

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Written by Eric Roberts.