Best Tyres for the Jaguar 1973 XJ 12 with limited slip RWD

My experience with Dunlop Signature tyres was not good, so I'm posting this review to give more information. A pair of these (with a tread pattern different from that in the picture) was already installed on the rear (driving) wheels of an old Jaguar saloon when I bought it from the previous owner. The Dunlops rolled along the road quietly and showed little tread wear, however the rubber was cracking in the sidewalls (I don't know how old they were). The few times I drove the car before replacing them for safety revealed the Dunlops to have very hard, low-grip rubber, resulting in the back end of the car feeling like it was about to slide sideways while cornering. This was at the speed limit in the dry and slower in the wet. The front tyres (same size, different brand) always felt secure, with stronger grip than the Dunlops while cornering and braking. These Dunlops might be good on all four wheels for a few track days, but I would not recommend them for daily driving in modern traffic and changeable weather conditions.

I bought Pirelli P4000 tyres because they were the only ones available with the correct high-speed rating for my V12 Jaguar (everything else in that size was designed for trucks or 4x4s, with lower H or T or S speed ratings). I was not disappointed, because they restored the wonderful grip, handling poise and ride comfort I expected from that classic luxury saloon. The old car would cruise quietly on most road surfaces, with no wheel vibration or wandering into other lanes. Grip around fast corners was confidence-inspiring on wet, dry, or bumpy roads. The only demerit for lack of grip was occasional rear-wheel-drive slippage when powering away from stationary on shiny wet tarmac. If you are able to still find these tyres (P4000 SuperTouring with M+S rating) pay close attention to air pressures and steering alignment, because various mechanics scrubbed away several thousand miles of tread life by leaving the front wheels misaligned and inflated too hard; this will be indicated by squealing on sharp turns and roundabouts (normally these Pirellis are quiet and effective).