Firestone Phoenix

[Richard 230SL]

Hi Group,

Does anyone have an original Firestone Phoenix tire in decent shape that they are willing to part with?  If you do, I would love to buy it.  I have an early 230SL with the vertical spare tire well and would like one for my trunk.  Thanks so much, - Rich

[DavidAPease]

Hi, Rich,

When I bought my '66 230SL 21 years ago it had the original spare tire in the trunk, looking unused.  Since I have taken the car on some pretty long trips, I replaced it with a modern spare, and the Firestone Phoenix has been in my garage ever since.  I guess I could let it go to someone who would use it (if only for show).  I have no idea what one would ask for such a thing.

The tire is currently in storage, so I can't take a photo of it right now, but I could later in the week.  If we make a deal, I'll send you some photos before anything is finalized.

            -David

[Richard 230SL]

Hi David,

That is very kind of you to offer it to me.  Yes, because of the age of the tire I would only use it for car shows and not rely on it for driving.  I will send you a private message with my contact information so we can talk.  I love my 230SL and I am very grateful anytime someone can help me make it more factory correct; so I definitely will make it worth your time and trouble.

- Rich

[MikeSimon]

Seriously.
No offense intended.
But this is a reason why I will not put any of my vehicles in shows anymore.
If I was a judge in a drive-in show I would deduct points for a spare tire that is not safe to drive on the road. Original or not.

[Richard 230SL]

Mike,

Absolutely no offense taken.  Sometimes I feel the same way - but then I see something on the internet or in person and it motivates me to try to address certain aspects of my own car.  Also, generally speaking, I just like old original things and am a huge history buff.  It is fascinating to me to think that, in this case a tire, has been around and existed for decades.  Also, it has nothing to do with monetary value.  I like to show my car because, for a few hours at least, I am surrounded with like-minded people who also love vintage cars.  Having a Firestone Phoenix tire in the trunk of their Pagoda may be meaningless to 99.9% of Pagoda owners, but to me it is something I would like to have.  (I have attached a photo of how my trunk looks when I open it at a car show.  The four tires and spare I have now are new Coker Tire Phoenix repos.)

- Rich

[wwheeler]

I understand the desire to have an original spare tire and is a cool thing. I guess the question is this - If you were driving and had a tire blow, would you:
 
1) Like to be able to change the flat tire and use the spare in situ.

2) Always call a tow truck.

If it is #2, then an original spare tire would work. But if the answer is #1, better get a new spare. Just never know and the more you drive, the more likely you will have a flat on the road.

[MikeSimon]

I am into historic things also. Big time. They can always be a conversation piece and just for that, it would be nice to have. I draw lines, however, as none of my (historic) vehicles - 2 cars and 14 motorcycles - are just on display. They are being used regularly.