The Excelsior Tires Heritage
Excelsior Tires represents a unique niche in the aftermarket tire landscape, specializing in tires that combine authentic period-correct styling with modern performance capabilities. Founded with a passion for preserving the aesthetic heritage of classic automotive eras, Excelsior has built a loyal following among collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts who demand tires that look historically accurate while providing contemporary safety and handling characteristics.
What distinguishes Excelsior from conventional tire manufacturers is their meticulous attention to vintage design details combined with substantial investments in modern rubber compound technology. Rather than simply producing visual replicas of historic tires with outdated performance characteristics, Excelsior engineers tires that authentically recreate the appearance of specific automotive eras while incorporating advanced materials that meet or exceed modern safety standards.
Excelsior's Specialized Tire Collections
Stahl Series Classic Bias-Ply Tires
The Stahl series represents Excelsior's flagship collection of authentic bias-ply tires designed specifically for pre-1970s classic vehicles and period-correct restorations. These tires feature meticulously recreated sidewall designs, vintage-style raised lettering, and authentic tread patterns that precisely match original equipment specifications from various historical periods. Unlike original bias-ply tires, however, the Stahl series incorporates modern rubber compounds that provide substantially improved wet grip, reduced rolling resistance, and enhanced longevity compared to genuine vintage tires. Available in numerous period-correct sizes with appropriate aspect ratios, the Stahl series allows classic car enthusiasts to maintain authentic appearance without compromising on essential performance and safety characteristics.
Radial Sport Classic Series
For enthusiasts who prioritize driving performance while maintaining vintage aesthetics, the Radial Sport Classic series offers an ideal compromise. These tires feature period-correct sidewall styling and appearance but utilize modern radial construction for significantly improved handling, grip, and comfort compared to bias-ply designs. The specialized tread patterns retain vintage visual cues while incorporating contemporary engineering elements that enhance wet traction and reduce road noise. With sizes and fitments appropriate for classics from the 1950s through early 1980s, the Radial Sport Classic series has become particularly popular among owners who regularly drive their classic vehicles and demand improved safety and handling without sacrificing period-correct appearance.
Vintage Competition Series
Developed specifically for historic motorsport applications and high-performance classic vehicles, the Vintage Competition series showcases Excelsior's technical expertise in specialized performance tires. These tires feature authentic racing tread patterns and sidewall designs from various historic racing eras, combined with specialized rubber compounds formulated for enhanced grip during spirited driving or vintage racing events. Available in both bias-ply and radial construction depending on the specific historical period and application, the Vintage Competition series provides appropriate period aesthetics for concours-level authenticity while delivering substantially improved performance capabilities compared to original equipment. These tires have gained particular popularity in vintage racing series where period-correct appearance must be maintained while addressing modern safety considerations.
Hot Rod Custom Series
The Hot Rod Custom series caters specifically to the custom hot rod and street rod community, offering distinctive white wall and raised letter designs that complement traditional hot rod aesthetics. These tires feature exaggerated aspect ratios and sidewall designs that enhance the visual impact of custom builds while incorporating modern internal construction for improved performance and safety. Available in combinations specifically sized for traditional hot rod staggered fitments, the Custom series allows builders to achieve authentic visual statements without the performance compromises associated with genuine vintage tires. The series includes various white wall widths, red line options, and period-specific tread patterns that reference different eras of hot rod culture.
Crossover Classic Series
Recognizing that many classic vehicle owners seek a balance between authentic appearance and thoroughly modern performance, the Crossover Classic series offers Excelsior's most advanced technological package beneath vintage-inspired aesthetics. These tires feature subtle vintage styling cues with contemporary tread designs, providing the highest levels of wet grip, all-season capability, and ride comfort in the Excelsior lineup. Using advanced silica-enhanced compounds and optimized tread patterns that maintain a respectful nod to classic designs, the Crossover series delivers performance approaching that of modern premium tires while retaining enough period character to complement classic vehicles. This series has found particular popularity among owners of daily-driven classics and restomod builds where maximum performance is prioritized alongside appropriate styling.
Key Takeaways About Excelsior Tires
- Specialized Focus: Unlike mainstream tire manufacturers, Excelsior concentrates exclusively on the classic and vintage vehicle market, ensuring authentic period-correct styling combined with appropriate performance enhancements.
- Authentic Aesthetics: Excelsior invests considerable resources in recreating historically accurate tread patterns, sidewall designs, and overall proportions that precisely match original equipment from various automotive eras.
- Modern Engineering: Despite their vintage appearance, Excelsior tires incorporate contemporary rubber compounds, internal construction techniques, and safety features that significantly outperform genuine period tires.
- Varied Construction Options: Excelsior offers both period-correct bias-ply construction and modern radial alternatives across most of their lineup, allowing customers to choose their preferred balance between authenticity and performance.
- Comprehensive Sizing: With one of the industry's most extensive catalogs of vintage and classic tire sizes, Excelsior provides appropriate options for vehicles spanning from early automotive eras through the 1980s.
For classic car enthusiasts, hot rod builders, and vintage motorsport participants seeking tires that honor automotive heritage while incorporating essential modern performance characteristics, Excelsior Tires offers specialized solutions that few mainstream manufacturers can match. Their unique combination of meticulous historical accuracy and thoughtful engineering upgrades has established them as a preferred choice among discerning collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Excelsior Tires
Are Excelsior tires safe for regular road use?
Yes, Excelsior tires are engineered to meet modern safety standards despite their vintage appearance. They incorporate contemporary rubber compounds with improved wet grip, temperature stability, and wear resistance compared to genuine vintage tires. While their bias-ply options will handle differently than modern radials, they are designed and tested for safe operation at highway speeds under normal driving conditions. The Radial Sport Classic and Crossover series in particular offer safety performance approaching that of mainstream modern tires.
How do Excelsior bias-ply tires compare to modern radials?
Excelsior's bias-ply tires provide authentic period-correct handling characteristics and appearance but with significantly improved materials compared to original vintage tires. Compared to modern radials, they typically offer more progressive breakaway characteristics and period-appropriate steering feel, but with less absolute grip, higher rolling resistance, and more pronounced wear patterns. This difference is intentional, as many enthusiasts specifically seek the distinctive driving dynamics of bias-ply construction for an authentic classic car experience. For those preferring modern handling with vintage aesthetics, Excelsior's radial options provide an excellent compromise.
Are white wall Excelsior tires more expensive than standard models?
Yes, Excelsior's white wall and specialty sidewall designs typically command a 15-25% premium over their standard black wall counterparts due to the additional manufacturing processes involved. The white compound used in their sidewalls is specially formulated to resist yellowing and staining while maintaining flexibility, representing a significant engineering investment. Various white wall widths are available across multiple product lines, with pricing that reflects the complexity of each design. Despite this premium, Excelsior's white wall options remain competitively priced compared to other specialty manufacturers offering similar aesthetic features.
What sizes are available for Excelsior Tires?
Excelsior offers one of the most comprehensive size ranges for classic and vintage applications in the industry. Their catalog includes hard-to-find dimensions spanning from early automotive eras (such as 16x4.50, 18x4.75) through classic American sizes (15x7.60, 14x8.20) and into metric dimensions for later classics. Both standard and wide white wall options are available in most popular sizes, along with specialized dimensions for hot rod applications that combine vintage aesthetics with modern wheel diameters. Custom sizes can occasionally be produced for significant restoration projects or specialty applications with sufficient volume commitments.
Do Excelsior Tires come with a warranty?
Excelsior Tires are covered by a standard materials and workmanship warranty that protects against manufacturing defects for 48 months from the date of purchase. Unlike mainstream tire brands, Excelsior generally does not offer mileage-based treadwear warranties, acknowledging the specialized nature of their products and the wide variation in how classic vehicles are used and maintained. Their customer service department has developed a reputation for fair resolution of warranty claims, recognizing the significant investment their customers make in period-correct appearance and appropriate performance for valued classic vehicles.
Can Excelsior tires be used on modified classics with increased performance?
For modified classics with substantially increased performance capabilities, Excelsior offers several suitable options depending on the degree of modification and desired appearance. Their Vintage Competition and Radial Sport Classic series are engineered to handle increased horsepower and more aggressive driving styles while maintaining period-appropriate aesthetics. For heavily modified vehicles or restomods with modern drivetrains, the Crossover Classic series provides the highest performance threshold in their lineup. For specific high-performance applications, Excelsior's technical department can provide individualized recommendations based on vehicle weight, horsepower, and intended use to ensure appropriate tire selection.