The 250SE left the factory in 1967 on 185 HR14s. Back then tire aspect ratios were not designated. Today we can choose from a myriad of aspect ratios, in the sixties motorists only had to select the width and the diameter.

Doing an internet search for 185 HR14 returns very few results. Some are insanely expensive tires that were never specified by Mercedes but seem to be promoted as being period authentic. This makes no sense to me. Surely it would be a negative at a show and they’re probably not as good as a major brand.

I dropped by Lucas Tires to see what they had on hand. The Vredesteins had a great looking tread pattern but at $157 each I thought I’d call the Classic Center in Irvine to see what they had to say. They said, that despite what they left the factory with, that if the 250SE were going into their collection they would be installing 205 70 14s. They didn’t really have a specific tire to recommend though but did agree that Michelin was probably the best bet.

TireRack has a set of 4 Michelin Harmony priced at $412. Since Lucas sells those I’m going to go back there  to see if they can give me a good price.

And, I still haven’t decided whether or not to keep looking for whitewalls.