Semprits

[dferlauto]

Back in the '60s Semprits were the tire of choice for Porsches.I remember using them on my 356 and 912 as well as an assortment of Saabs. The owners manual I have with my current car ('69 912) shows them as optional equipment. Thery were great performers and looked great too. Do these tires still exist? Does anyone have a source for them ?
David
Mtn View, CA
1969 912
2000 Beck Porschr

[Jeff Trask]

Tires have come so far, I just don't see looking for early radials unless you are intent on putting it in a concours de elegance. Todays radials are just sooooo much better if you are going to actually drive your car. Please don't take this wrong, but I believe that Porsche ment your car to be driven. And, that being the case, Butzi and Ferdenand Porsche would want us all to take advantage of the fine 21st century rubber that is now available. You will enjoy it more because it will flat drive better. If you need some help choosing the best rubber for your car, try: www.tirerack.com.

[WFBowen]

David:
Like you, I ran Semperits on a 911 and numerous 356's I've had. Semperit was made part of the Continental tire group a while back, but they still make very high quality rubber. I have a German friend (super car freak) who runs newer Semperits on his Lotec (sp?) Porsche Turbo in Germany & swears by them. I don't know, however, if the brand is still available in the US, but I know it's still all over europe. I think they still sell their motorcycle tires here, so maybe there's hope. IMO they've always made the highest quality tire (& among the best looking - they always stayed "jet-black")

[dferlauto]

Yes...there are tons of great tires out there. This is more an emotional attachment then a question of practiability... Besides, if we were all so pratical, I guess we'd be driving Buicks. These were phenomenal performers and just enhanced the experience like no other tires did... and Yes, they were great lookers too.
So, if you want to talk impratical, Id love to find a set of Blue Streaks for my Beck ! Are they still around ? They were lousey street tires even back then, but dinamite on the Dry & Flat of the Auto Sprints back at the Wilmington, Del. airport !
David
Mtn View CA
1969 912
2000 Beck Porsche

[WFBowen]

David:
http://www.bobwoodmantires.com/gyvintage.htm

Also, there's a neat little blurb about Goodyear's warranty:

NEVER attempt to chemically treat or alter the tire carcass and/or tread compound of any Goodyear Racing Tire; such as tire "soaking" or use of tread "softener".

I don't know about you, but we "westcoasters" used to prefer Ronson Lighter Fluid as the squirt of choice!

Bill.

[david c.]

I have a set of 165/15 Semprits that are of the tube type. They have plenty of tread left, but I replaced them with Dunlop SP models for the sake of safety.

Does anyone think they are worth anything to a show car nut?

Dave

[WFBowen]

Dave:
I'm always amazed at what the show-car guys need to get more points out of the judges. (I'm not knocking them,just not my cup of tea.) I'd stick the tires on a few 356 groups(& MG/AH/TR,etc) - most show-guys have separate roller and show tires/wheels. If there are any date stampings on them, they might be gold.
Bill.

[david c.]

thanks bill