Dunlop R5 Tyres

Dunlop R5 Racing Tyres

The Dunlop R5 is one of the most important historic racing tyres ever produced, faithfully recreating the look, feel, and behaviour of the competition tyres used throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. With its tall sidewall, classic tread pattern, and authentic construction, the R5 remains the tyre of choice for drivers competing in FIA regulated historic events, as well as those restoring period sports cars and GTs to original specification. For anyone seeking true midcentury racing authenticity, the Dunlop R5 stands at the top of the field.

The R5 was originally developed for the golden era of sportscar racing, when marques such as Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus, and AC dominated circuits across Europe and beyond. Cars like the Jaguar C type and D type, Aston Martin DB3S, and early Ferrari sports racers relied on tyres with the progressive handling, tall profiles, and supple construction that defined the period. The modern R5 continues this tradition, offering the correct stance, steering feel, and dynamic behaviour that these chassis were engineered around.

Dunlop manufactures the R5 to original specifications, using contemporary quality control processes while preserving the tyre’s authentic appearance and performance characteristics. Its tread pattern, sidewall markings, and construction are all designed to meet FIA Appendix K requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of historic motorsport categories. Available in key 15, 16 and 17 inch sizes, the R5 provides the essential combination of grip, predictability, and period correctness demanded by serious historic racers.

At Vintage Tyres, we stock the full range of Dunlop R5 racing tyres, all supplied fresh and stored correctly to maintain performance. Whether you’re preparing a car for competitive historic racing or completing a faithful restoration of a 1950s sports car, the R5 delivers the authenticity, character, and capability that define true midcentury motorsport.

Explore the Dunlop R5 collection and equip your historic racer with the tyre it was born to run on.