The Avon Turbospeed tyre was one of the first high quality radials on the market, originally introduced in the 1960s and thankfully still being made in small batches of its most popular sizes for classic cars today.

It's been decades since a new Avon Turbospeed was added to the range yet that is exactly what has just happened! Vintage Tyre Supplies (01590 612261, www.vintagetyres.com) have just informed us that they now have in stock a completely new Avon Turbospeed, designed by Avon Tyres of Great Britain as a radial alternative to the 6.50 and 6.70x16in crossply tyre.

The tyre is designed to work in harmony with classic car suspension systems while providing the extra grip and ride advantages of a radial, especially in poor weather conditions.

The Avon Turbospeed 670R16 (97V) is suitable for a wide range of classics such as Jaguar MkV and MkVII, Bentley 4-litre and 4-litre, Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire, Austin Sheerline and Princess, AC 2-litre, Riley Pathfinder, Daimler Regency and Empress and a wide range of American cars of the same era.

The tyres are on sale at a special introductory price of 179.50 plus VAT including free delivery to a UK address; contact Vintage Tyre Supplies for delivery charges worldwide.

The only other radial alternative in a similar size is a 650R16 Michelin XCA, cheaper at 129+VAT and surprisingly measuring both slightly wider and slightly larger diameter but this is because its a 10-ply van/4x4 tyre, not at all what you want for a comfortable ride and period look on your 1950s saloon.

 As to crossplies, by far the best is the Dunlop Road Speed RS5 6.70H16 at 138+VAT, though theres also a Firestone at 123+VAT.

Malcolm McKay, Motorbase News Editor