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The evolution of Stella Bianca, by Dougal Cawley
In 1927, Pirelli launched the Stella Bianca, a tyre that revolutionised automotive performance. Its advanced construction enabled lower pressures, providing a smoother ride while absorbing road shocks to reduce vibration and protect vehicles. The introduction of the cord carcass structure and modern bead profiles marked significant technological advancements in tyre design.
The early tread patterns of the Stella Bianca gained recognition through their association with Alfa Romeo, a brand that collaborated with Pirelli to refine crossply tread designs. As tyre technology evolved, Alfa continued to play a role in the development of these tread patterns.
The modern reproduction of the Stella Bianca features trapezoidal blocks, designed for effective water dispersion. These blocks are interconnected to minimise movement, reducing energy loss and wear at high speeds. The footprint also incorporates two circumferential ribs, a critical innovation of the mid-1930s. These ribs significantly improved performance on Tarmac, reducing reverberation and vibration, making the tyre better suited for smooth roads compared to the chunkier tread patterns of the 1920s. However, the classic pie-crust tread, extending partially onto the sidewall, remained in use to offer some traction on loose surfaces. This distinctive pattern continued into the 1950s, even appearing on Grand Prix cars such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Maserati. Historic photos also show the tread on post-war Frazer Nashes, XK Jaguars, and other sporting cars.
Expansion of the Stella Bianca range
Due to its historical importance, Pirelli revived the 6.00V16 Stella Bianca, a V-rated tyre that was originally equipped on cars such as the early Aston Martin DB4, Ferrari 250 Europa, and Maserati A6G/54, 300S, and 250F.
More significantly, for enthusiasts of pre-war cars, the shift to 16-inch tyres in the late 1930s had a major impact. Leading American manufacturers like Ford, Cadillac, Auburn, Hupmobile, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Packard, Hudson, Buick, and Cord transitioned to 16-inch wheels with taller sidewalls for increased comfort. Similarly, many European marques, including Adler, Armstrong Siddeley, Austin, BMW, Bianchi, British Salmson, Brough Superior, Crossley, Frazer Nash, Hillman, Humber, Mercedes-Benz, Railton, Morris, Sunbeam, Vauxhall, and Wolseley, adopted 400mm or 16-inch wheels to enhance comfort and lower the center of gravity.
Pirelli’s 16-inch range has recently expanded with the 5.50V16 Stella Bianca, an essential addition for models like the BMW 328. Until now, vintage car enthusiasts had to choose between the 5.50HR16 Michelin X Radial or the 5.50-16 Dunlop Racing R5, both excellent tyres but not ideal for sporting cars from the late 1930s. Pirelli also introduced a 5.00/5.25-16 Stella Bianca, catering to vehicles like the BMW 319 and Morgan 4/4.
Importance of the 5.50-18 tyre
Earlier in the 1930s, one of the most critical tyre sizes was 5.50-18, which Pirelli has also revived in its Stella Bianca range. This size is particularly significant for Maserati and Alfa Romeo 6C models in Italy. However, the benefits extend beyond these marques—other notable models such as the Bugatti Type 57, Jaguar SS100, Aston Martin Ulster, and Derby Bentley now have access to a high-quality, period-correct tyre. The new carcass structure not only improves æsthetics but also enhances high-speed stability, making these classic cars even more enjoyable to drive.
Pirelli’s revival of the Stella Bianca tyre range offers vintage car enthusiasts an authentic and high-performance solution. With historically accurate tread patterns and modern carcass construction, these tyres preserve the legacy of classic automobiles while ensuring optimal driving performance. Whether for pre-war European sports cars or post-war Grand Prix machines, the Stella Bianca remains a symbol of Pirelli’s dedication to both heritage and innovation.
Written by Dougal Cawley, owner and managing-director of Longstone Tyres—proud suppliers of the Stella Bianca tyre and many other vintage tyre models, shipping worldwide. For more information or to place an order, visit Longstone.com.
Published:
Monday April 28th, 2025
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People are loving these Stella Bianca tyres. We fitted some of the 500/525-16 Stella Bianca to a flat-radiator Morgan only yesterday. It is great to have a high-quality performance crossply tyre for sports cars. Cars like pre-war BMWs now have an exceptional 16" crossply tyre that is perfectly suited to 1930s sports cars.
The popular tyre size for bigger cars of the 1930s is 550-18. The Michelin is a fabulous tyre for comfort and grip. Now we have a more sporting option as well which is great. More carcass structure is great for cars like the Type 57 Bugatti and Derby Bentley, and of course 1930s Alfa Romeos in the hands of a more sporting driver. They're both great tyres for different drivers.