Porsche Approves New Winter Tires for Classic Cars

German carmaker Porsche announced today it has extended its approval process for winter tires to be used in both newer and old classic cars. Simply put, owners of old Porsches will be able to fit new tires onto their cars.

The reason behind this decision is that, according to Porsche, 70 percent of all Porsche sports cars ever built are still being used today. Although in terms of engine performance the oldies are as good as the new Porsches, not the same can be said for the rubbers they use. Most of the tires used on old Porsche vehicles aren't even being manufactured.

"Conducting elaborate tests, Porsche’s engineers determine which of the tires available today harmonize best with the features of a classic Porsche. The highlight in this testing and approving process is an extensive test program up north in the Polar Circle," Porsche says in a release.

So far, Porsche has tested Porsche models starting with the 911, 928, 964, 993 and 996 and ending with the Boxster. The car-tire tests were conducted, as said, at the Arctic Driving Center in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi.

The tires tested had to prove they are worthy to shoe the Porsches. Porsche says "the criteria to be fulfilled by the tires tested in order to receive approval are so strict that not all tires met the test requirements." Unfortunately, no further details have been given on what exactly the tests consist of.