500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA



PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Vintage Tires


The PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA tire, introduced in 1927, was a significant advancement in tire technology. This tire quickly became a favourite among high-performance vehicle fanatics due to its durable construction and effective tread composition.

It was the tire of choice for luxury brands like Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin from the late 1920s until the 1950s. No other tire has retained its status as a leading sports car tire for over 25 years like the Stella Bianca. Continue reading to see why!

500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Tread Pattern

500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA - Photo by Malte Dressel


500/525-16 Vintage Tires - PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Period Advertisement

PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Period Poster


PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Design


The STELLA BIANCA used sophisticated design characteristics created during the interwar period, including a cord carcass fabric, lower inflation pressure, and a straight sided bead shape. Its tire pattern featured sturdy trapezoidal blocks connected by strong bridges to prevent tearing. These features resulted in exceptional directional stability and previously unseen strength at high speeds.



500/525-16 Vintage Tires


For a long time, powerful, prestigious vintage cars such as the BMW 308, BMW 328, Frazer Nash BMW, and Porsche 550 Spyder could not find high-quality tires in their 500-16 and 525-16 sizes. Owners had to change their wheels and tires or settle for inferior budget vintage tires that couldn't handle the power and forces these vehicles produced.

The reintroduction of the STELLA BIANCA in the 500/525-16 size means that these vintage cars now have access to a premium, period-correct tire made by a major tire manufacturer. This tire boasts a speed rating of up to 129 mph (H) and utilises a tread pattern designed to maintain excellent grip, even under the toughest driving conditions.

500/525-16 Pirelli PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Porsche 550 Spyder

500/525-16 Pirelli PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Porsche 550 Spyder - Photo by Malte Dressel


Please note that some of the images display a unique version of the 500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA tire equipped with ice studs for winter racing. This was a special, one-time event, and commercially available tires are in the standard format without these modifications.


500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Inner Tubes - Michelin 16E Inner Tube

500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Tires


Do Crossply Tires Need Inner Tubes?


The 500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA differs from typical crossply tires in that it does not require inner tubes. However, because it is an older crossply tire, most vehicles with this tire size usually use tube-type wheels. To drive a car without inner tubes, both tubeless wheels and tubeless tires are required.

While more modern wheels are tubeless, classic and vintage cars with 500/525-16 tires are more likely to have tube-type wheels. The Michelin 16E Inner Tube is the best fit for the STELLA BIANCA 500/525-16 size.


The Best Crossply Vintage Tires?


Due to high demand from car makers such as Porsche, Pirelli has revived the Stella Bianca as part of its iconic Collezione series. Present-day STELLA BIANCA tires are created with cutting-edge rubber compounds and meet modern safety regulations, while retaining the original construction procedures that made them successful in the 20th century.

This strategy ensures that the tires are suitable for classic and vintage cars, just as they were from the 1920s to the 1950s, but with the extra benefit of modern safety features and superior rubber compounds.

PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA sign at the Finnish Grand Prix in 1937. Spectators are seen watching the race from a rail car temporarily converted into grandstands.

PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA sign at the Finnish Grand Prix in 1937. Spectators are seen watching the race from a rail car temporarily converted into grandstands.


PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Superflex Tires

1931 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Superflex Poster


What is The Best Crossply Tire?


Currently, the 500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA is the finest 500/525-16 crossply vintage tire for classic and vintage cars. Its exceptional performance and dependability make it the favoured choice for enthusiasts committed to preserve the authenticity and functionality of their classic and vintage cars.

The STELLA BIANCA's enduring heritage is obvious as the tire remains in high demand, ensuring that a huge range of historic classic cars perform at their best.


500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Winter Stud - Photo by Malte Dressel

500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Winter Stud - Photo by Malte Dressel



500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Relevant Cars


Car Brand Relevant Cars
Austin Ten, A40, A40 Somerset
BMW Pre War BMW
DKW F89
Ford Anglia, Prefect
Frazer Nash BMW
Hillman Minx
Jowett Javelin
Lanchester Ten
Mercedes-Benz 170
MG Y, YA
Morgan 4-4
Porsche Pre-A 356, 550 Spyder
Vauxhall Velox, Wyvern, 10-4, 12-4, 14-6
Volkswagen Beetle (Pre September 1952)
Wolseley Hornet

500/525-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA Tire Details


TIRE TYPE CROSSPLY
DIAMETER OF RIM 16" / 406 mm
ACTUAL WIDTH 157 mm / 6.1"
WEIGHT 9.25 Kg
LOAD INDEX 86 = 530 Kg
SPEED RATING H = 130 mph / 210 km/h
INNERTUBES 16E Michelin
RIM WIDTH N/A