YOKOHAMA REBOOTS CLASSIC 930 TURBO TYRE

Classic look improved with modern tech

Japanese tyre specialist Yokohama has reissued some of its back catalogue of classic boots for a new range of hobby tyres for period cars. The idea is to mix modern construction and compounds with an accurate period look. For Porsche fans, the most relevant of the new releases is the Advan A008P.

“Tyre design and manufacturing techniques have evolved significantly over the last 50 years or so,” David Seward, managing director of Yokohama UK, says. “With the launch of our hobby tyre range for classic cars, owners will be able to fit tyres that offer modern levels of performance, giving great comfort, grip and longevity. However, with classic styling the tyres will help owners retain that allimportant period correct look.”

Originally launched in 1981, the standard A008 was created as a generic performance tyre and blew the competition away back in the day. In 1989 it was updated specifically for Porsche in the form of the A800P. It’s that Porsche-specific tyre that has been rebooted. Yokohama is making it in sizes suitable for the 930 Turbo, the 964 Carrera 2, Carrera 4 and Turbo (both 3.3 and 3.6 models) and the 928 S4 and GT.

The A008 sports a very modern looking tread pattern for an early-’80s design. Combined with updated materials and construction, performance should be excellent. Other tyres in the classic range include the G.T. Special Classic Y350. First seen in 1967 and complete with a retro zig-zag tread pattern, it was Yokohama’s very first radial tyre. In its revised form, it’s said to be best suited to European and Japanese cars with 14- and 15-inch wheels.

Other models from the range include the Advan HF Type-d 088 designed for “modern classics” from the 1980s and ’90s and available in sizes from 10 inches to 15 inches. The Yokohama A539 has also been revived in sizes from 12 inches to 15 inches. Yokohama says the A539 is suitable for a wide range of classic cars.