Michelin is set to take the wraps off a genuine reference tool on February 1. It targets fans of classic cars and industry professionals and will be unique in Europe. In launching www.michelinclassic.com, the French manufacturer is not merely inaugurating a conventional website to provide information on tyres for historic vehicles. Rather, the company is introducing a global service offering a complete service, from Michelin expert advice right the way through to online sales.

In the site, users will be able to find information on more than 2,400 historic vehicles. Better yet, for each one of them, the new site will provide accurate figures for the specific era regarding all the relevant sizes, fitting procedures and advice in terms of recommended pressures for the tyres and inner tubes.

Users will also have at their disposal a telephone number to be able to make direct contact with a Michelin expert. Even if users do not wish to take advantage of this option, they can start a virtual conversation by asking questions online. In this case, the Michelin expert will respond swiftly by e-mail.

More importantly, web users will also be able to find out the availability of the tyre(s) they are looking for and consult the list of Michelin Classic stockists. They will even be given the option to order tyres and inner tubes online, via the retailer's website of their choice (depending on the availability of Michelin stock).

Available in three languages (English, German and French), the website offers an entirely new level of global service that is at the same time modern, reliable and all-encompassing. Aficionados or owners of vintage automobiles will henceforth be able to rely upon the site as they endeavour to restore or fit their car with the correct tyres whilst fully respecting the vehicle's authenticity.