Submitted by alan.barc@veri… on Sat, 05/24/2014 - 06:04

I have read that early XJS models came with narrow stripe whitewall tires. Does anyone know when Jaguar changed to only blackwall with no white stripe option for the XJS? I need to replace my tires and prefer to be Concours correct. Thanks

Submitted by alan.barc@veri… on Sat, 05/24/2014 - 13:34

Thanks Doug. My assumptions pretty much mirror your comments, even in Driven Class. But to me, the narrow stripe does look cool on the 60 to 80's various Jag body styles.

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Sat, 05/24/2014 - 12:27

I just checked. Since your XJS is more than 15 years old you're off the hook with respect to speed rating.

Also, either blackwall or whitewall is permissble if either choice is 'appropriate' to the era of the car. On that basis I'm betting whitewalls would be deemed non-appropriate for a 1987-era XJS.

Others will chime in.

Cheers
DD

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Sat, 05/24/2014 - 12:19

From book/magazine pics, and Jaguar sales brochures, I'm under the impression that you'd find whitewalls only on pre-HE cars. Technically speaking they were probably 'optional' but I'm wagering that all USA-market cars were built with them.

Can't say that I've ever seen an HE or later variant with whitewalls but they might've remained on the optional equipment list. I doubt it, but maybe.

A bigger problem for you will be finding 215/70x15 tires with the correct speed rating. But I've been out of the judging thing for a few years and am rusty on the rules. Maybe they don't look for that any more.

A review of the judging manual will clear that up, or someone with a clear answer will chime in.

Cheers
DD