The Lotus Grand Tourers

Hi Guys
I've been away for 5 years, here in the backwaters of France, and my MY89 SE Big Black Monster has been sitting in the hangar, totally neglected & unused. I have Bridgestone 215/50 ZR 15 on the back (& spare), Pirelli P7000 215/50 ZR 15 on the front. These were nearly new when I left the UK, and have full tread. Over the 5 years they have lost abot 50% of their pressure.
After a good deal of work over the past month, the car is nearly fit for the road . Assuming that I remember to inflate the tyres again, what are your views on the future life in these tyres? Are they good for pottering around for a few/100's of/1000's of miles? Would they be safe for a track day? (My local circuit, The Val de Vienne, hold regular open track days, open to everyone.)
If they are safe to use for a while, is Pirelli fwd, Bridgestone aft the best arrangement?

I would bin them and get new rubber fitted, they are bound to have deteoriated over 5 years and would definitely have flat spots if they have not turned in that time. Finding the original sizes is nearly impossible and expensive but 205/50/15 are a popular fit and Toyos and Falkens popular fits on this forum, I have just fitted Falkens on the front of my Excel and cant fault the grip and ride I get. Enjoy yourself when shes back on the road. Keith

Very Disappointing Guys! 67 viewings and only one opinion - I expected more!
Thanks, Royal for the answer I really didn't want to hear: surely they're safe for a few miles?
Derek

I think they would be safe, ie no reason for a blowout unless they have been totally flat and the sidewalls crushed. However they will definitely be flat spotted, the ride will be poor and noisy, and you will want them replaced ASAP anyway. Sorry for the bad news, but you should have sent me the keys to take it out for a blat every now and again

If you feel the need to ask the question, then you obviously have doubts. I would get fresh rubber. Tyres degrade over time, in any case (whatever the brand), and a new set always make a huge improvement. Not long ago, I replaced my original, 18 year old, Bridgestones (still legal as far as tread went), with a complete set of budget Nankangs (205/50*15) for under £200. The transformation in ride and performance was almost incredible.

Just to put the cat amongst the pidgeons, take a look at this website, especially the bit about tyre degradation over time.

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

Well! The Tyre Bible is certainly not short of information!! Thank you for the link Redexcel. At the moment tyres are still an academic question as far as my car is concerned - but the time will come .....soon, I hope.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread - we move on to the debate on 205's - I've posted an interesting quote from Club Lotus /Lotus on the subject under 'Wheels & Tyres'

Derek

Hello Derek,
I was just looking through and noticed you live down the road....! I have a white 1992 Excel. Are you going to the Val de Vienne on Saturday for the open day? We can talk tyres then.....!
Cheers,
Rob.