The Golden Age of Motor Racing
The 1930s were the golden years of motor sport. And, indeed, Pirelli’s focus on the world of racing and speed reached the very highest levels during this period. Race after race, the development of tyre technology really took off. Leading the way was the innovation brought about by the Cord, a rubberised fabric that eliminated the problem of friction between the cords in traditional fabrics, ensuring greater resistance and durability. The Cord, which was further perfected in the low-pressure Superflex version, earned Pirelli numerous victories together with Fiat and Alfa Romeo. This can be seen in the fame of the Superflex Cord, with which the Quadrifoglio won its first title in 1924 upon its entry into the world of the Grand Prix. This created a perfect triangulation with Pirelli and with the racing champions of the time: Antonio Ascari, Gastone Brilli-Peri, and Giuseppe Campari.
Europe was emerging from the First World War and the economic recovery of the Roaring Twenties meant that technological research was entering a new era. Cars were still a rare sight on European roads. They were mostly luxury or sports cars, which are still today among the most sought after by collectors. Jewels of Italian industry that deserve tyres worthy of their performance and prestige. This was the dawn of the Stella Bianca, the first cross-ply tyre. It was so innovative that it became part of the evolution of mass mobility from the 1920s to the 1950s, and it wrested the title as the “Victory Tyre” from the Superflex Cord.
The Stella Bianca introduced a more complex tread pattern than those of previous models, giving it greater grip at high speeds, especially on slippery or wet roads. This meant it was perfect for compact cars, but also for sports cars and vans.
The 1930s were the golden years of motor sport. And, indeed, Pirelli’s focus on the world of racing and speed reached the very highest levels during this period. Race after race, the development of tyre technology really took off. Leading the way was the innovation brought about by the Cord, a rubberised fabric that eliminated the problem of friction between the cords in traditional fabrics, ensuring greater resistance and durability. The Cord, which was further perfected in the low-pressure Superflex version, earned Pirelli numerous victories together with Fiat and Alfa Romeo. This can be seen in the fame of the Superflex Cord, with which the Quadrifoglio won its first title in 1924 upon its entry into the world of the Grand Prix. This created a perfect triangulation with Pirelli and with the racing champions of the time: Antonio Ascari, Gastone Brilli-Peri, and Giuseppe Campari.
Europe was emerging from the First World War and the economic recovery of the Roaring Twenties meant that technological research was entering a new era. Cars were still a rare sight on European roads. They were mostly luxury or sports cars, which are still today among the most sought after by collectors. Jewels of Italian industry that deserve tyres worthy of their performance and prestige. This was the dawn of the Stella Bianca, the first cross-ply tyre. It was so innovative that it became part of the evolution of mass mobility from the 1920s to the 1950s, and it wrested the title as the “Victory Tyre” from the Superflex Cord.
The Stella Bianca introduced a more complex tread pattern than those of previous models, giving it greater grip at high speeds, especially on slippery or wet roads. This meant it was perfect for compact cars, but also for sports cars and vans.
