this is my 1991 XJ-S "Classic Collection" V 12 Cabriolet one pic with black tires and the other wiith white raised lettering. In keeping with the original look I think the black wall should face out though the white lettering out looks sporty. I would appreciate any thoughts. thanks

 

IMO, white lettering is an American muscle car thing. Since the XJ-S is not an American muscle car the white lettering should be on the inside.

 

As always a very personal choice just like the "leaper-wars" debate we often see!

But seeing as you asked! Lose the white letters! No XJS left the factory like that. After all, it's a Jaguar, not a Monster Truck! 😜

But then my opinion is worth nothing! It's your car, enjoy it!

Cheers

Paul

 

I concur. White letters should not be visible.

 

I think the letter look cool...

 

In in in definitely in.
Rob.

 

that car dont look like a Cabriolet, looks like a convertible?
great car either way tho!

 

I like the letters out with the 15 or 16 inch rims

 

Aren't you supposed to rotate tires? So try both ways and keep count of compliments :-)

 

Since you asked, no white letters either in or out -- ever. I'd black them out even if mounted inside.

However, it's your car, and therefore your choice.

 

Being from europe i'm biased in thinking letters shuld not be there. But the look cool on your car. Talking about letters: Speed rating. Cooper cobra has T 190 km/h ? (no , not ftom the G/T) , should be V in some countries weher maximum speed determines speed rating requirements

 

You sir have violated #5 on The Official List of Top 10 Jag No-No's:

1. Wire wheels (on anything newer than 1980)
2. Leaper on hood
3. Side moulding strips and/or chrome wheel arches
4. Tinted windows
5. White letter or white wall tires
6. Wheels larger than 17" and 99% of every aftermarket wheel ever made
7. Low profile tires
8. Lowered or slammed rides
9. Pinstripes (unless OEM but better without)
10. Loud exhausts

Feel free to disagree but won't change the fact that you are wrong. Note that these same 10 no-no's can pretty much apply to any car, but they seem most egregious on a Jaguar. Any of these by itself will undoubtedly inform all of the world that you are indeed a man of poor taste and questionable decision making skills, but any 2 or more combined will qualify you for an internet meme all your own and a special parking space at your local Waffle House.

You get your own booth at the WH if you have a chrome front license plate with gold leaper

I'd lose the Cooper tires which are more suitable for a 1991 Mustang and not a Jaguar. Cooper makes some decent tires but those specific ones you have aren't worth a damn. Give it an upgrade to some Pirellis, Michelins, Contis or a suitable performance tire. Cheers.

 

I think the Coopers are fine. I have them on my car and many other members do as well. It’s really hard to find a better 15” tire for the price, and it’s not easy to find a high performance tire in this size at any price.
Just put the side with white letter inboard.

 

I agree that it is not easy to find 15" tires. The fact remains that those Coopers are merely tires with a bit of "performance" pretense (hence the white letters). They are akin to BF Goodrich Radial T/As, but probably not as good. Either of those specific tires are just so-so in terms of performance and there are much better tires, of course IF they are available in the size you need.

FWIW I have owned the Radial T/As on street and raced them. They aren't very good at anything.

 

I just replaced my tires. Could find no option without letters. Very few choices available. Letters-in did the trick.

 

Being from Europe has nothing to do with it .

I think it's the wrong look as well. But....as others have correctly said....it's all a matter of personal tastes


Legally not an issue in the USA...which can be a good thing or a bad thing.

Hopefully anyone driving really fast will know about tires and speed ratings. In reality most of these old Jags are driven like there's a bowl of goldfish on the front seat so the performance capabilities of tires is academic for most owners.

Cheers
DD

 

They're marketed to a specific segment of the car hobby. From the Cooper website:

"If your classic car looks like it belongs in a vintage car ad, the Cobra Radial G/T tire is perfect for you. These tires feature raised white lettering to match the look of classic muscle cars."

I agree.

But.....

The Coopers suit most drivers perfectly well. They're good quality and get the job done. They're unlikely to give the owner any grief. They're not remarkable in any way, good or bad. Suitable and safe for a variety of conditions that most drivers will find themselves in. They're just....tires.

Same can be said for the BFGs. But in fairness, and for the sake of accuracy, it should be remembered that BFG (somewhat confusingly) uses the name "Radial T/A" (or similar) on on wide variety of tire designs. The basic "Radial T/A" is indeed akin to the Coopers we're talking about here. A performance image but not performance specification. But, BFG also sells "T/A" tires with bona fide 'performance' specs. Personally I've bought a slew of various BFG "T/A" tires over the years, from the base-level design to the upper levels, and have been very happy with all of them. The higher-spec offerings have all met my expectations. The base level Radial T/A has met my expectations as well....but they're lower expectations.

As always a person should buy tires according to their driving style and driving conditions they're likely to encounter. IMO.

The ever-dwindling choices of 15" tires makes things difficult. Cooper and BFG are a couple of the few that still sell the 235/60x15 size. If an owner was really into performance specifications and results he'd probably have to consider alternate sizes. There are still a few higher spec offerings out there in 225/60 and 215/65. Perhaps not for long. Last time I bought tires the choices were very limited. Going to 16" wheels is an option.

Cheers
DD

 

I like my white letters! Lol!