Apollo unveils Vredestein-brand tires for classic cars

KOCHI, India — Apollo Tyre Ltd. plans to release a Vredestein-branded portfolio of retro tires, called Sprint+, designed for classic vehicles of the 1970s, '80s and '90s.

The tire line will be available abroad in September. Once the tire is fully compliant with U.S. standards, it will be sold in the U.S. as well, Apollo said.

The first tire to be produced will be sized 215/50 R15, for the Audi Ur Quattro, a tire that Apollo said has not be available for a number of years. Pricing has yet to be announced.

The tires were developed with help from former Formula 1 racer Jochen Mass, a Vredestein ambassador. Since manufacturers have stopped producing the original tires, Mr. Mass said the owners of cars built in the 1970s, '80s and '90s — often referred to as "youngtimers" — have to use modern tires "often with less than optimal results from an aesthetic point of view.

"Vredestein believes that a quality product with a retro look developed specially for youngtimers is a better choice," Mr. Mass said. "The value of youngtimers is growing, and retro tires that match their era of origin help preserve the magic of these cars."

He said the tires will feature "fitting tread and an elegant sidewall design," while satisfying strict quality requirements.

"The drivers thus get optimized grip, but combined with a retro look."

Michele Sala, product manager passenger of vehicle tires at Apollo, said the tire maker expects to have 10 sizes available by the first of half 2019, including products for brands such as Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Alfa Romeo.

"Vredestein maintains intensive contact with the major tire dealers and historic car clubs to explore demand for various sizes of youngtimer tires," he said.