Did Tyres Used to Be White?

Originally, automotive tires were off white in color, due to the natural color of the rubber formula used by tire companies. Zinc oxide would later be used to give the tires a more bright white color. Then, in 1910, B.F. Goodrich used a substance called "carbon black" in the manufacturing process.

When did they stop making white tires?

Whitewall tires fell out of fashion in 1960's, especially when radial tires become the dominant choice.

Why did old cars have white tires?

Early automobile tires were made of pure natural rubber with various chemicals mixed into the tread compounds to make them wear better. The best of these was zinc oxide, a pure white substance that increased traction and also made the entire tire white.