Throughout automotive history, nothing says street rod quite like the iconic whitewall tire .Practically every Chevy Tri-Five made in the 1950s had extra-wide whitewall tires — the wider, the better! Technology changed in the next decade, and bias ply whitewalls eventually fell to the side, as the radial tires with a narrow band of white began to take over.

It’s true that radial tires have several advantages over the bias ply tires. Better fuel mileage, excellent traction, improved handling, a smoother ride, and operator comfort. Longer tire life and resistance to cuts, punctures and tears were major benefits of radial tire technology.

As Jess Hoodenpyle of Coker Tires points out, “Radial tires don’t always have the right look for classic cars. Most of these restorations call for a different size, something a little taller and narrower to look correct.” Coker Tires now has bias-look radial tires with wide whitewalls, something the industry has been missing since the 1960s, and combines the appearance with modern steel-belted radial technology.

“Coker Tire’s American Classic raidals are made in the USA and are tested for quality. Not only are they ready for the road, they are ready for any car show with traditional styling,” said Hoodenpyle. “The whitewall is a true whitewall construction and features the classic pie-crust shoulder and vintage tread design.”

The tire sizing is perfect for many ’40s and ’50s full-size cars. The 3 1/4-inch wide whitewall is period correct and authentic for ’50s classic cars. If you are looking for a tire with a traditional look, with steel belted radial internals, Coker Tires has the right whitewall for you.