Pirelli developed its high-speed radial tyre in the early 1960s, specifically aiming it at the new performance cars being released by Italian manufacturers such as Maserati and Ferrari, as well as the new Italian-American hybrids like the Iso Grifo. It helped to prompt a move from 16in to 15in wheels in the period.

These tyres were referred to by Pirelli as ‘HS’ to signify high speed, and carried a pattern called CN72 and CN73 aimed at providing a quieter more comfortable ride. The tyre is available in a size commonly used by 1960s supercars, and is also suitable as a radial replacement for original crossply fitments.