What tires should I use for the Shelby Cobra?

“Vintage performance” tires for Shelby Cobra replicas

Complete analysis – origin, philosophy, pros & cons

1️⃣ Cooper Cobra Radial G/T

Origin & general information

▪ Brand: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

▪ Manufacturing origin: 🇺🇸 United States (mostly)

▪ Type: radial street / muscle car tire

▪ Positioning: vintage look + modern road use

▪ Sidewalls: discreet white lettering, very “US-style”

▪ Price: 💶 💶

The Cooper Cobra Radial G/T has become a classic among American muscle cars, appreciated for its price-to-look ratio and durability.

✅ Advantages on a Cobra

▪ Very consistent look for a street Cobra

▪ Strong sidewalls, reassuring with a high-torque V8

▪ Stable behavior at low and medium speeds

▪ Good longevity

▪ US-made (an important argument for some)

❌ Disadvantages on a Cobra

▪ Limited grip in sporty driving

▪ Slightly stiff sidewalls → average precision

▪ Not very progressive at the limit

▪ Not suitable for track use or serious spirited driving

Ideal for:

Cobra cruising, relaxed drives, casual road use, with priority given to looks and comfort.

2️⃣ BF Goodrich Radial T/A

Origin & general information

▪ Brand: BFGoodrich

▪ Group: Michelin

▪ Origin: 🇲🇽 Mexico / 🇨🇦 Canada (some sizes 🇺🇸 USA)

▪ Type: mainstream vintage radial tire

▪ Positioning: accessible US-style look

▪ Price: 💶 💶 💶

This is a very common tire, often chosen by default for classic American cars.

✅ Advantages on a Cobra

▪ Instant vintage look

▪ Decent comfort

▪ Easy to find

▪ Often reasonably priced

❌ Disadvantages on a Cobra

▪ Low grip with a 427 engine

▪ Sidewalls too soft → “vague” steering feel

▪ Not very consistent with a sporty Cobra

▪ Non-premium manufacturing

Ideal for:

Purely decorative or cruising Cobras, low annual mileage, with priority given to budget.

3️⃣ Goodyear “Billboard” (Blue Streak / Vintage Racing)

Origin & general information

▪ Brand: Goodyear

▪ Origin: 🌍 multi-country (USA / Europe depending on production runs)

▪ Type: vintage racing tire

▪ Special feature: giant white GOODYEAR sidewall lettering (“billboard”)

▪ DNA: 1960s–70s racing heritage

▪ Price: 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶

This tire is a visual legend, inseparable from racing Cobras.

✅ Advantages on a Cobra

▪ Absolute iconic look

▪ Maximum historical credibility

▪ Good carcass stiffness

▪ Precise steering at higher pace

❌ Disadvantages on a Cobra

▪ Less grip than Avon CR6ZZ

▪ Short lifespan

▪ Sensitive to moisture

▪ High price for the actual performance

▪ ⚠️Not road-legal in France or the USA ⚠️ No insurance coverage

Ideal for:

Show Cobras / FIA-style builds / pure historic replicas, with aesthetics as the top priority.

4️⃣ Avon CR6ZZ

Origin & general information

▪ Brand: Avon Tyres

▪ Origin: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

▪ Type: historic racing / sporty road tire

▪ Use: FIA events, historic GT, vintage endurance racing

▪ Compounds: A / B / C depending on usage

▪ Price: 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶 💶

This is the tire favored by demanding owners.

✅ Advantages on a Cobra

▪ Exceptional grip

▪ Outstanding progressive behavior

▪ Very precise sidewalls

▪ Handles high torque perfectly

▪ Excellent on fast roads and on track

❌ Disadvantages on a Cobra

▪ High price

▪ Faster wear

▪ Less “US muscle” look than Goodyear

▪ Requires a well-set-up chassis

Ideal for:

Performance-oriented Cobras, committed driving, fast road use, occasional track days.

👉 The best overall technical choice.

5️⃣ Pirelli Cinturato (Classic / Collezione)

Origin & general information

▪ Brand: Pirelli

▪ Origin: 🇮🇹 Italy (mostly)

▪ Range: Pirelli Collezione

▪ Type: premium classic tire

▪ DNA: elegance, balance, European authenticity

▪ Price: 💶 💶 💶 💶

More commonly found on Ferrari, Jaguar, and Porsche, but sometimes fitted to “GT-style” Cobras.

✅ Advantages on a Cobra

▪ Very good overall balance

▪ Comfort and low noise

▪ Premium manufacturing quality

▪ Excellent stability

❌ Disadvantages on a Cobra

▪ Less grip than Avon

▪ Less “race” look

▪ Not well suited to a highly aggressive 427

▪ Limited size availability

Ideal for:

Elegant GT-style Cobras, spirited yet smooth road use, with a more European character.