Morris Minor Owners Club

One of my tyres somehow acquired a hole close to the sidewall and had to be replaced. I asked my regular garage to source me another Bridgestone B381 Ecopia 145/80 R14 to match and they came back to say not only could they not find a Bridgestone, but they couldn't find any tyre of that size and suggested I look at the classic car tyre companies. I made several calls and not only are the Bridgestones not available (and no indication that they ever will be again) but neither are the Pirelli Cinturato CA67 145 HR 14 (probably almost a year before any more of these appear), and the Camac BN313 145 SR 14 are like hen's teeth (and 2-3 months before any more arrive). I ended up with the Camac tyres from ESM (Sam was extremely helpful) but I don't think they have any left now. The only other option is the Blockley 145R14, but they do seem to be slightly larger in diameter than the other tyres.

If anyone thinks they might need this size tyre in the not too distant future they may wish to begin their search now.

Here?

https://www.national.co.uk/tyres-search ... iameter=14

Thanks for that. I found a few sites like that showing them as available, but when you come to complete the order it tells you they are out of stock.

https://www.vintagetyres.com/?gad_sourc ... oiEALw_wcB

I very recently had 4 Camac supplied and fitted, great service

Out of stock.

KeithL wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:01 amOut of stock.

I wonder why the short supply? I believe Camac are made in Portugal so can't be the various wars unless it something to do with raw materials.
So glad I made the decision to replace mine ready for season although they were still legal tread wise.
Hope you manage to find some

Blockley's seem to be available with no problem. I had a full set fitted at the back end of last year.
More than happy with the quality and the ride.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/145r14

I think that the Blockley tyres are the same outer diameter as the original tyres that were fitted when the cars were new.

I have recently had a set of Blockley tyres fitted of that size. I am delighted with them. The fact that they have a (correct) larger profile than some other makes is an advantage as far as I am concerned as it brings the rolling radius closer to the original crossply size I had a choice of fitting Bridgestone tyres instead, as I had done before, but as these had to be replaced due to perishing, I decided to try the Blockley alternatives. These were also less expensive.

I totally agree with ManyMinors. I fitted a set of Blockley tyres to my 1962 car a few months ago and it drives really well on them. Again, I'm not sure why having a rolling radius closer to the original tyres would be a disadvantage?

If it's any help,my car is fitted with 155/80r14 tyres and they are available on line. I noticed a brand new set of 4 for £177.00. They are Kanyang tyres I think,but look good quality. Unless the car is doing excess mileage I think they would be a good buy. Tom

Having read this thread but not needing any tyres at the moment, I thought I would have a look at some of the German suppliers. Never had any problems before but........Same story , none avaialable apart from Blockley ones and then at €139 each!

I have been looking for a replacement Bridgestone tyre with very limited success. My local tyre fitter can get one but it is £220! According to the Longstone website, Bridgestone ceased production of these in 2024, which probably explains the fact that most usual suppliers list them as out of stock. A shame as they were very good tyres,

Vintage tyres are still listing pirelli

Mr Spigot wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 9:03 am I have been looking for a replacement Bridgestone tyre with very limited success. My local tyre fitter can get one but it is £220! According to the Longstone website, Bridgestone ceased production of these in 2024, which probably explains the fact that most usual suppliers list them as out of stock. A shame as they were very good tyres,

That seems to be correct; there is no longer any 145 tyre of any wheel size listed on Brisgestone's web catalogue.
There is also no mention of the 'Bridgestone B381' tyre range, which is what the 145 tyre was in, so it looks as though they have abandoned that older design.
Presumably more profit margin on fancy high tech tyres for fancy high tech modern cars.

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 10:43 am Vintage tyres are still listing pirelli

I saw a video recently warning about checking pirelli as apparently they (and their sub-brands) have been having some quality control issues recently.
Their tire split straight down the middle, it sounds like it became two halves (like a sliced bagel).

As I have 2 year old Bridgestones on all 4 wheels, having a Blockley of the same size as a spare will not cause any problems? I need a new tyre for my spare and with Bridgestones now unobtainable, Blockleys seem the next best option.

Chief wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 1:09 pm

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 10:43 am Vintage tyres are still listing pirelli

I saw a video recently warning about checking pirelli as apparently they (and their sub-brands) have been having some quality control issues recently.
Their tire split straight down the middle, it sounds like it became two halves (like a sliced bagel).

It's their 2 for 1 deal

Chief wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 1:09 pm

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 10:43 am Vintage tyres are still listing pirelli

I saw a video recently warning about checking pirelli as apparently they (and their sub-brands) have been having some quality control issues recently.
Their tire split straight down the middle, it sounds like it became two halves (like a sliced bagel).

Well I'm not doubting you saw a video, but these days there is so much fake/scam info circulating, it's worth people noting that the government have a website for recalls by car companies and supplier items like tyres, seat belts etc..
The only Pirelli items I can see on there are Motorcycle tyres.
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall

Actually, they were on a motorbike so I guess that ties up, also I didn't mention it was an American channel.