The Cal-look Lounge

I wanted to try this on a VW since some time.

Michelin XAS FF .  The XAS is  well known but the FF version is  special.

FF stands for "Formule France" which was a French monoplace formula race serie in the 60/70's.

For this serie Michelin made a road legal  XAS with a ultra soft racing compound.

After only a few miles the braking and turning performance is improved by a large margin.

It feels like the front of the car is glued to the pavement   8) and the ride is more confortable as well.

The stance might not be as nice as they exist only in 155/15  (sorry Lanny but I kept the 135's just in case  ;D)

but the braking power is now really up to the engine's one. I quite like the old school look though...

madfrog

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/P1030211.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/P1030237.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/P1030244.jpg)

 

in my opinion 155 are the most beautifull size off all the front tyre sizes. 135's are just too small and 145 is good, but 155 is spot on. any more info on where to find these and what they cost?
i like my 165/70's on the fastback, but 155 is a nice option as well.

Coker Tire over here has them.  Not sure about the FF though.

165/70's!? I thought you said you had a 165/65?? I've always thought that a 165/70 would be perfect, about the same height as a 145, but would fit a 5.5" rim much better.
I am a fan of 145's. 155's is the stock size, looks a bit bulky on a lowered front, IMO.

 :-[   They  are  expensive to say the least but for me worth every penny.

I know that it is not usual to spend big money on tires but if you think about it

they are the ONLY piece of your car in contact with the road, well that is if your car isn't too low...  ;D

They are in the Michelin vintage tires catalogue & readily availlable in France .

http://www.michelin-passion.com/passion/front/templates/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=10&lang=FR

madfrog

Hi Madfrog,

Here's Oldschool, we met at the KG Dinner 2 weeks ago, could you please give me the address where you got these beauties  ;)

Merci d'avance

@+

Oldschool

yes please let me know too

165/65 it is...

correct on that Zach

Hi guys,

I ordered them trough the Metifiot Pneus  network.

http://www.metifiot.fr/WD140AWP/WD140Awp.exe/CTX_2564-3-PInWDzBMfu/Index/SYNC_1630643630

I always go the the Boulogne Billancourt shop, they treat the vintage cars with great care. You can mention the Sepia brown 67 VW  they will remember it. ;D

Hope to ride along with you to Ninove!

madfrog

Thanks a lot for the address  ;)

If the missuz is ok I'll probably go to Ninove but with a water pumper  :'( unless there's an empty seat in a VW

C U

Oldschool

That looks good, and those tires are great !

let me know and I take a set with you

Ok, I'm getting a pair of NOS XZX 155 SR 15 next monday, then I'll call Otico in Villeparisis to have an idea of the price for 4 XAS FF in 155/15 and I'll let you know don't worry

Have a nice Week-end

Old S.

Here is what a Formule France looked like in 1970

This is an Alpine. All FF had the same Renault engine and the same Michelin tires   ;D



(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/14alpine.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/15alpine.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/16alpine.jpg) (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c267/rebec1/Paris%20by%20day/XAS%20FF/17alpine.jpg)

Damn you, got my hopes up! :D

i called in the alpine boutique on my way to the arc ..
cool place with cool cars :)
i visited maybe 2 more , are citroen and peugeot on the same street ??

yes
Les Champs Elysée

madfrog, how much did you pay for them in France?

local michelin dealer in my place wants a minimum quantity before they bring in any weird size tyres like that. i am from Malaysia.

another thing the 135 you took out, they are tubeless right?

Eric,looks really good,nice and period :)

cheers richie

Thanks Richie, yes I like the Old School look too.

Seems that lately you would rather need studded tires at your place for Tar Babe and other gassers  ;D

See you in sunny So Cal for Bug In!

madfrog