Michelin’s Classic lineup Models XZX, XAS, X, TB15, and TRX 

If you own a vintage car, you already know that tires are not just round black things. They affect stance, steering feel, safety, and even the way your car looks in photos. Michelin’s Classic lineup exists to give restorers and drivers the same period-correct look their cars wore when new, while using modern compounds and construction for better grip and durability. In 2025, the five most asked-about Michelin Classic lines are XZX, XAS, X, TRX, and TB15. Below is a plain-English guide to how each model drives, what it fits, typical price ranges you will actually see at U.S. retailers, and which cars usually pair best with each tire.

Before we dive in, a quick note about pricing: classic-fitment tires are produced in smaller runs than mainstream sizes. That means prices are higher than everyday commuter tires and vary more by size and availability. Whitewall options, N‑spec approvals, and rare metric TRX sizes will usually cost more than the most common black wall sizes.

Quick lineup snapshot (2025)

• XZX: everyday road tire with period look for 1960s–1970s European compacts, popular on VW Beetle and classic Mini. Typical U.S. pricing ranges from about $95 to $199 per tire for common sizes, with some larger or whitewall versions higher.
• XAS: asymmetric tread for sharper handling on 1960s–1970s sports cars and GTs. Typical U.S. pricing ranges from about $209 to $307 per tire depending on size.
• X: the original Michelin radial pattern for early postwar cars, including 400 mm (metric-diameter) rims. Typical U.S. pricing ranges from about $150 to $329 per tire, depending on size and whether it is a whitewall.
• TRX: metric wheel system for late 1970s–1980s performance cars such as BMW 5/6 Series and Ferrari 308. Typical U.S. pricing for common TRX sizes ranges from about $399 to $519 per tire, with some specialty GT‑B sizes higher.
• TB15: road‑legal tarmac rally tire with soft compounds for classic competition and hot street builds. Typical U.S. pricing ranges from about $679 to $839 per tire, and some listings around $750 for popular 18/60‑15 sizes.

Model by model

XZX – the Daily-Driver Classic

What it is: XZX is a radial tire with period-correct tread and sidewall styling that suits 1960s-1970s European compacts and many air-cooled Volkswagens. It keeps the look enthusiasts want while benefiting from modern rubber compounds for better wet evacuation and stability compared with older designs.

Who it fits: Popular on Volkswagen Beetle (165R15), classic Mini and other small British or European cars that run 12–15 inch wheels. Certain sizes also work well on lowered Beetles that need a slimmer front tire.
Sizes you will see: 145/70R12, 145R15, 165R15 and other small-to-medium vintage sizes.
Typical pricing in 2025: Expect about $95–$199 for the common sizes. Whitewall versions often price near the top of that band.
Real-world pairings:
• VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia running 165R15 or 145R15.
• Classic Mini on 145/70R12 for a stock look with modern manners.
• Early Peugeot, Citroën, Volvo, and similar period compacts where owners seek a correct visual and ride feel.

When to choose it: You want the right look for cruise nights and weekend drives, you prefer an authentic silhouette over outright grip, and you want strong value for money with widely available sizes.

XAS – Asymmetric Grip for Classic Sports Cars

What it is: XAS was one of the first asymmetric road tires, created to improve straight-line stability and cornering on sports cars. The pattern and carcass tuning deliver a secure, precise feel without looking out of place on a 1960s–1970s car.

Who it fits: Often chosen for Porsche 356 and early 911, MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Alfa Romeo, BMW 2002 and CS, Citroën DS post‑1965, and similar period GTs and roadsters. Certain sizes carry Porsche N‑spec approvals, which is a useful stamp of compatibility for classic Porsche owners.
Sizes you will see: 155HR15, 165HR14, 165HR15, 180HR15, 185HR15 depending on car and wheel.
Typical pricing in 2025: Most U.S. listings fall roughly between $209 and $307 per tire depending on size, construction code, and vendor.
Real-world pairings:
• Porsche 911 (mid‑1960s) on 165HR15 XAS, especially where an N‑spec approval matters.
• Citroën DS models after 1965 on 180HR15 XAS for period handling, sometimes mixed with XVS on later years.
• British sports cars like Triumph TR4/TR6, MG B and C, and Austin‑Healey 3000 wanting crisper steering than a basic touring tire.
When to choose it: You value period handling and aesthetics, do spirited backroad driving, and want a tire that feels more precise than a simple touring pattern while remaining authentic.

X – The First Michelin Radial, perfect for early postwar icons

What it is: The Michelin X pattern is the granddaddy of road radials. It brought modern radial behavior to 1950s cars, many of which used 400 mm rims instead of inch sizes. The X remains the authentic choice for concours restorations that demand a correct tread and sidewall.

Who it fits: Citroën Traction Avant and early DS and ID models, plus period European sedans and coupes that originally rode on 400 mm rims. On some restorations the X is also selected for inch-size fitments when owners want the earliest radial look.
Sizes you will see: 165SR400, 185SR400 for the common 400 mm fitments, plus a few inch-based sizes like 155TR15.
Typical pricing in 2025: About $150–$329 per tire, with 400 mm sizes and whitewall versions at the upper end.
Real-world pairings:
• Citroën Traction Avant using 165SR400 X for a faithful look and ride.
• Early Citroën DS and ID models and certain Peugeot and Renault sedans that originally used 400 mm wheels.
• Period Alfa Romeo and Lancia restorations where the earliest radial aesthetic is desired.
When to choose it: You are restoring to original specification, your car uses 400 mm wheels, or you want the iconic early radial appearance with Michelin’s construction quality.

TRX – The Metric Performance System of the 1980s

What it is: TRX introduced a matched metric wheel and tire system to improve stability, steering precision, and comfort at speed. TRX sizes are metric in rim diameter, which means you must use TRX-specific wheels. That design showed up on European performance legends from the late 1970s through the 1980s.

Who it fits: BMW 5 Series and 6 Series of the era, Ferrari 308 and Mondial, SAAB 900 Turbo, Peugeot and Citroën high-trim models, and even some North American Ford and Mercury performance variants of the early 1980s. Certain TRX GT‑B versions were developed with BMW for the 635 CSi.
Sizes you will see: Common listings include 220/55VR390, 240/55VR390, and 240/55VR415, among others. The final two digits are the metric rim diameter in millimeters, not inches.
Typical pricing in 2025: Many U.S. listings show roughly $399–$519 per tire for the common sizes. Some specialty GT‑B sizes and rare fitments can be higher.
Real-world pairings:
• BMW E24 635 CSi and M635 CSi using TRX GT‑B sizes for an accurate look and steering feel.
• Ferrari 308 and early Testarossa applications using 390 or 415 mm fitments.
• SAAB 900 Turbo and Citroën CX and BX models that originally specified TRX.
When to choose it: You are keeping the original TRX wheels, you want the exact stance and steering feel the car had when new, and you accept that TRX limits your size choices compared to converting to an inch wheel.

TB15 – Road‑legal tarmac rally grip

What it is: TB15 is Michelin’s road‑legal tarmac rally tire for classic competition and fast road use. It blends significant dry and wet grip with that purposeful period tread that looks right on hot-rodded classics and historic racers. Many builders pair TB15 front and rear in staggered sizes to get the stance and traction they want.

Who it fits: Classic 911 builds, Alpine A110, hot period BMWs and Fords, and many modified track and hillclimb cars from the 1960s–1980s that need serious grip yet remain road legal in many regions.
Sizes you will see: Popular sizes include 18/60‑15, 23/62‑15, and 26/61‑15, which roughly correspond to modern 215/55R15, 265/40R15, and 295/40R15 equivalents.
Typical pricing in 2025: Expect about $679–$839 per tire in the U.S., with some vendors listing the 18/60‑15 around $750.
What to know: TB15 uses soft, high‑grip compounds, so tread life is short compared with touring tires. They also pick up and throw road debris more than a street tire would. The tradeoff is superior dry and wet road holding for period‑correct competition and aggressive street cars.
Real-world pairings:
• Porsche 911 ST‑style builds running 18/60‑15 front and 23/62‑15 rear.
• Alpine A110 and similar lightweight rally classics where response and wet evacuation matter.
• Historic BMW and Ford tarmac rally builds that need a legal, sticky tire with classic looks.
When to choose it: You prioritize grip and period competition style over tread life and price, and you need a road‑legal solution for events, rallies, and fast weekend driving.

How to choose the right model for your build

1. Start with the wheel spec. If you have TRX metric wheels, your choice is TRX unless you convert to inch wheels. If you have 400 mm rims on a 1950s Citroën or similar, Michelin X in the correct 400 mm size is the authentic pick.
2. Be honest about use. For show-and-cruise cars, XZX brings the correct look and value. For spirited drives in classic sports cars, XAS gives you sharper feel. For competition or track-leaning street cars, TB15 delivers real grip.
3. Match the era and brand DNA. A Porsche 911 from the mid 1960s looks right and steers properly on XAS. A 1980s BMW 635 CSi feels “factory original” on TRX. A Beetle or early Volvo will look just right on XZX.
4. Consider replacement cost. TRX and TB15 can cost significantly more than XZX or XAS, and availability can fluctuate. Budget for a full set and a matching spare if your car sees real road time.
5. Keep authenticity in mind. If you aim for concours judging, stick to sizes and patterns that the car used in period, including whitewalls where appropriate.

2025 Pricing Summary at a Glance

• XZX: roughly $95 to $199 for common sizes, more for select whitewall versions.
• XAS: roughly $209 to $307 depending on size and approvals.
• X: roughly $150 to $329, with 400 mm and whitewall versions at the high end.
• TRX: roughly $399 to $519 for common 390 and 415 mm sizes, specialty variants higher.
• TB15: roughly $679 to $839, with popular 18/60‑15 listings around $750.

Suggested Fitments by Model Family

• Volkswagen Beetle, Karmann Ghia: XZX in 165R15 or 145R15 for stock or lowered looks; XAS in certain builds that prioritize handling.
• Classic Mini: XZX in 145/70R12 for a stock appearance that still behaves well in rain.
• Porsche 356 and early 911: XAS in 165HR15, or X in inch sizes for very early cars where period style is the primary goal.
• Citroën Traction Avant, early DS and ID: X in 165SR400 or 185SR400 to keep the correct look for 400 mm rims.
• BMW E24 635 CSi, E28 5 Series, SAAB 900 Turbo: TRX in the factory metric sizes to preserve steering precision and stance.
• Ferrari 308 and early Testarossa family: TRX 390 or 415 mm sizes as originally specified.
• Alpine A110, Porsche 911 ST or RS‑style builds, classic Ford and BMW rally cars: TB15 in staggered 15 inch sizes for maximum period grip with road legality.

Fitment and Safety Notes

• Do not mix TRX tires with inch-based wheels. TRX uses metric rim diameters and must be paired with TRX wheels only.
• If your car came with tube‑type tires, confirm whether your chosen size is tubeless or if tubes are recommended for your wheel type.
• Align the car after installing new tires, especially if you are changing section width or diameter. Many classics benefit from slightly increased positive caster for high‑speed stability.
• Verify load index and speed rating when choosing sizes. A period-correct look only matters if the tire meets the demands of your car and driving.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I replace TRX wheels with inch-based wheels to save money on tires?
A: Yes, many owners convert to inch wheels to access a wider range of sizes and pricing. If originality matters, however, staying with TRX keeps the factory look and steering feel.

Q: Are whitewalls available in the Michelin Classic lineup?
A: Yes, certain sizes of X, XZX, and some related models are offered with whitewalls. Expect to pay more for whitewall versions and confirm sidewall width to match your car’s trim level.

Q: How long do TB15 tires last on the street?
A: It depends on alignment and driving style, but plan for significantly shorter life than a touring tire. TB15 is chosen for grip and period competition style, not longevity.

If you want a recommendation that balances authenticity, price, and how you actually use the car, Eclectic Tire Company can help. Tell us what you drive, how you drive it, and whether originality or performance is the priority. We will match you with the correct Michelin Classic model, the right size and load index, and reputable sources so you get 2025‑accurate pricing.