What makes Autobahn whitewall tires different from traditional bias ply tires?

Autobahn whitewall tires feature a bias-look radial design that offers the authentic vintage appearance of bias ply tires with the performance benefits of modern radial construction. This unique design delivers better handling, improved comfort, and longer tread life while maintaining period-correct aesthetics.

Are Autobahn whitewall tires street legal?

Yes, all Autobahn whitewall tires are fully street legal. They come with DOT (Department of Transportation) approval for use in the United States, E-marking certification for European road compliance, and UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings.

What classic cars are Autobahn whitewall tires designed for?

Autobahn whitewall tires are ideal reproduction tires for classic European vehicles from the 1950s and early 1960s, including Volkswagen Beetles, Karmann Ghias, and Porsche 356 models. Their tread patterns closely resemble original Continental tires that were factory-fitted on these vehicles.

What sizes are available in Autobahn's whitewall tire collection?

Autobahn offers whitewall tires in several classic sizes including 560R15 with 3-inch white sidewalls and 640R15 options. They also offer white ribbon radials with a more subtle white band for later model classics when whitewalls were becoming less prominent.

How do I maintain the white sidewalls on my Autobahn tires?

To maintain the pristine appearance of Autobahn white sidewalls, use specialized white sidewall cleaners rather than general-purpose tire cleaners. Avoid petroleum-based products that can cause yellowing, and clean regularly to prevent staining. For best results, apply protectant designed specifically for white rubber after cleaning.

Autobahn Tires: The Ultimate Choice for Vintage Whitewall Perfection

For classic car enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance between authentic period-correct aesthetics and modern driving performance, Autobahn Tires stands as a premier solution in the specialty tire market. With their exceptional attention to detail and innovative engineering, Autobahn has mastered the art of creating whitewall tires that honor automotive heritage while incorporating contemporary safety and comfort features.

Heritage Reimagined: The Autobahn Advantage

Autobahn Tires has built its reputation on creating faithful reproductions of iconic tire designs from automotive's golden era. What sets these tires apart is their unique approach to combining vintage styling with advanced tire technology. Their signature offering—bias-look radial whitewall tires—exemplifies this philosophy perfectly.

These meticulously designed tires feature the distinctive appearance of classic bias ply tires that adorned vehicles in the 1950s and early 1960s, including the iconic tread patterns reminiscent of Continental tires that were factory-fitted on vintage Volkswagen Beetles, Karmann Ghias, and Porsche 356 models. However, beneath this classic exterior lies modern radial construction that delivers significant benefits:

Enhanced Safety: Modern radial construction provides improved grip and handling characteristics
Superior Comfort: Reduced vibration and road noise compared to authentic bias ply tires
Extended Longevity: Better tread wear and durability than traditional bias construction
Period-Correct Aesthetics: Authentic vintage appearance that satisfies even the most discerning collector

This innovative "best of both worlds" approach has made Autobahn a favorite among restoration specialists and classic car owners who want their vehicles to look authentic without sacrificing the safety and reliability benefits of modern tire technology.

The Autobahn Whitewall Collection

At the heart of Autobahn's product lineup is their impressive range of whitewall tire options. These tires feature pristine white sidewalls that provide that unmistakable classic aesthetic that defined luxury and style in mid-century automotive design. The whitewall collection includes several noteworthy options:

560R15 Whitewall Radials

The flagship of Autobahn's whitewall collection is the iconic 560R15 size, featuring a generous 3-inch white sidewall band. This tire has become a favorite for owners of classic European vehicles seeking authentic styling with several distinctive features:

Exact reproduction of original Continental tread patterns
145mm section width with 96mm tread width
79 load index (437kg capacity)
S speed rating (180 km/h)
Tubeless construction for modern convenience
DOT approved and E-marked for street legal use worldwide

The precise attention to detail in these tires extends to every aspect of their appearance, with sidewall markings and tread designs that closely mirror those found on original equipment tires from the 1950s and early 1960s. For purists seeking absolute period-correct aesthetics, these tires deliver an uncompromising vintage look.

640R15 Whitewall Radials

For vehicles requiring a slightly larger tire profile, Autobahn offers the 640R15 size in their distinctive whitewall style. This option maintains the same commitment to authentic appearance while providing proportions appropriate for larger classic vehicles or custom applications seeking a more substantial tire profile.

White Ribbon Radials

In addition to their classic wide whitewall offerings, Autobahn also produces "white ribbon" radial tires that feature a more subtle white band. This option is ideal for vehicles from eras when the prominent whitewall was giving way to more understated styling, allowing owners to maintain period correctness for later model classics.

Quality and Compliance

Autobahn tires aren't just about appearances. Each tire is manufactured to meet or exceed stringent quality and safety standards. The entire whitewall collection features:

DOT (Department of Transportation) approval for use in the United States
E-marking certification for European road compliance
UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings
Modern quality control processes ensuring consistency and reliability

This attention to regulatory compliance and quality assurance gives owners confidence that their classic-looking tires deliver modern safety standards. Unlike some reproduction tires that may sacrifice safety certifications for appearance, Autobahn ensures that their products meet international standards for road use.

Perfect Pairing: Enhancing Your Classic

To maximize the visual impact of Autobahn's whitewall tires, many enthusiasts pair them with period-correct wheels and accessories. Popular complementary items include:

Vintage-style wheel covers or moon discs
Stainless steel trim rings
Wire-spoke wheels
Specialized white sidewall cleaners to maintain that pristine appearance

These combinations allow owners to create an authentic period-correct wheel package that enhances the overall presentation of their classic vehicle while still benefiting from modern tire technology.

Key Takeaways

Autobahn Tires specializes in bias-look radial whitewall tires that combine authentic vintage appearance with modern radial construction
Their 560R15 and 640R15 whitewall options feature exact reproductions of Continental tread patterns original to VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Porsche 356 models
All Autobahn whitewall tires are DOT approved, E-marked, and have UTQG ratings for legal road use worldwide
The whitewall collection includes both wide whitewall and more subtle white ribbon designs to match different eras of classic vehicles
Modern radial construction provides improved safety, comfort, and longevity compared to authentic bias ply tires
Autobahn tires are the perfect solution for enthusiasts who want period-correct aesthetics without sacrificing modern driving quality

For classic car owners who refuse to compromise on authenticity but still demand modern performance, Autobahn's whitewall tire collection represents the perfect synthesis of vintage style and contemporary engineering. These tires allow your classic beauty to look exactly as it did rolling off the showroom floor decades ago, while providing the safety, comfort, and reliability that modern tire technology affords.

Ready to give your classic the perfect period-correct look with modern performance? Explore the complete collection at Autobahn Tires and find the ideal whitewall tire for your vintage restoration or custom build.

Autobahn Tires