What is the origin and appeal of whitewall tyres?
Tyres used to be all-white but without carbon black they did not last very long, so carbon black was added to the tread for durability, leaving the sidewalls white. In the 60s a thinner whitewall became fashionable on Thunderbirds and other high-end Fords. As with many trends of the later 20th Century, this vintage appearance is increasing in popularity.

A timeline of the whitewall tyres
The popularity of whitewall tyres intensified throughout the 20s and 30s, progressing into the 40s and 50s, until the high-maintenance duties and higher prices began to take the shine off their once attractive appeal. Following this, the black tyre became increasingly popular, as it was far easier to keep clean and was now considered as the ‘premium tyre’. However, the white tyre still retained its style and class for the more luxurious car.

Today, the whitewall tyre is a rarity, appealing to the classic/vintage car enthusiasts to predominantly improve their vehicle’s overall appearance.

Can you still buy whitewall tyres?
Although they are not often an option as original equipment on vehicles, whitewall tyres are still manufactured in a variety of sizes for everyday cars, in either original bias-ply or radial form.

What is the blue substance on the tyres?
When you first buy your whitewall tyres, you will immediately notice the presence of a blue substance across the white sidewall. The blue is a protective layer that stops the area from becoming damaged in transport. You can simply clean this off to reveal the white sidewall.

What tyre?
The Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 tyre is just that, with the hallmark single white line and sleek design, the MA-1 is the perfect touring tyre for almost all passenger cars. Offering aesthetics from 30 years ago with today’s performance, the MA-1 is a quiet and comfortable ride with the bonus of being resistant to warping when your vehicle is stored.

Find out more about the Classic Whitewall MA-1 tyre here.