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 - Photo by Malte Dressel
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 - 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 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.
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 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 |