Jarama Tyres - a bit of research into originality - can you help?

Olivier will be able to give you confirmation.

 

There was no Jarama 350 GT, just the original GT, which produced a claimed 350 BHP, the figure of which is what you could be confusing, and the later GTS, also known as Jarama S, which produced a claimed 365 BHP. Both models had the 3929 cc engine.

 

The Jarama models were only ever the 400 GT and the 400 GTS. Only the first Lamborghinis V12s were 350s such as the show protototype 350 GTV, which actually had no engine, and 350 GT that went into production that was subsequently replaced by the 400 GT.

 

The Jarama would always have been on low profile tyres due to the period introduced, whereas the Miura and Espada would have had full section 80 aspect ratio tyres when they were introduced, but received low profile tyres later. Low profile Pirelli Cinturato GR70 VR15 were used on the Jarama 400GT, which could well have been the HS CN12. Michelin XWXs may have also been used later on the Jarama 400 GTS in size 215 70 VR 15.

 

Thinking about it, the Pirelli GR70 VR15 tyre would have been the CN73 as used on the Miura P400S. The Miura P400SV had front HS CN12 in size 215/70 x 15, but I'm quite sure the fronts were marked FR70 VR15 and rear 255/60 x 15 tyres marked HR60 VR15. Also, the Jarama came out in 1970, but the HS CN12 tyre didn't come out until 1971, as you said, so initially could not have used this tyre.

Lamborghini were definitely using Michelin XWX for the LP400 Countach, 205 70 VR14 by 1974 so may well also have used the Michelin XWX in 215/70 VR15 on the Jarama S, and the Espada S3 which had the same wheels by this time.

I don't know anything about the pressures.

What is the difference between a Pirelli HS CN 72 and HS CN 73?

We need someone with the Jarama and Jarama S Owner's Manuals to see what they say about the tyres.

 

This thread is a little old, but I will add the information I know about in case it is still of interest:

For 1970, at least the first UK car was fitted with Michelin XWX 215-70VR 15's from the factory. This is well documented in "Motor" magazines road test of ELB420J published July 1971. At the time of the test the car had accumulated 8000 miles, so I feel its fairly safe to say the tyres were those originally fitted.

When I purchased the car, it had one of those XWX Michelins still as the spare and was shod with Pirelli Cinturato CN12 215-70VR15's. When I came to replacing the CN12's during the cars refurbishment, I chose to fit Pirelli P600 235-60 15's. I was not particularly a fan of the look of the Michelin XWX on the car as they looked a little "lost" within the wheel arches. I did consider the re-released 215 CN12's, but from the specifications on Longstone's website they do seem quite a bit undersized compared with the (probably ~30 year old) originals on my car. The P600's were a good compromise.

Some photos to illustrate:

Pirelli Cinturato CN12 compared to Michelin XWX (both tyres original spec) - I didn't like the "look" of the Michelin on the car:

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Photos measuring the "old" style 215 CN12:

240mm Actual Width (compared to 223mm of the "New" CN12 on Longstone site) - I probably should have discussed this with Longstone first, but chose the P600 as it seemed to be almost the same dimensions as my old CN12.

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The P600 compared to the old CN12: Almost the same dimensions

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I hope that has been of interest.

Kind regards

Andy May

 

Hi Dougal,

It is indeed possible that my CN12's are so old they have mis-shapen (it seems a huge dimensional change to me though). However, I really like both the look and the driving of the P600's on my car so will definitely be keeping them. Thank you for your advice though - it sincerely appreciated.

I hope the historical aspect of my post was of interest to you.

Kind regards

Andy

 

Hi Dougal

here are the owner's manual pages... as you can notice , tires pages are identical... as almost the content of the book.

400 GT has claimed 350 hp/din

400 GTS has claimed 365 hp/din

both engines are identical, none difference, only donkeys figures for the litterature...

 

GTS was printed 6/73

 

Lamborghini Jarama GTS => Michelin XWX 215/70 VR 15
For GTS this is the tyre that belongs to this car.

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