10,000 octopi can’t be wrong !

[Rich P. Bingham]

1921, the novel variety and ingenuity of early tire makers was simply wonderful ! Maybe tires are better nowadays, but they’re sure boring by comparison.

[DanTreace]

Can imagine the sounds from these suction cup treads.

Sorta like a multiple horses clopping, ......thcuk, thcuk, thcuk, thcuk as you drive along hard pavement.

[Loftfield]

What hard pavement?

[John Codman]

That's just plain weird.

[Phoenix88R]

It would be interesting to see traction testing ratings (like they have for current tires) for some of those unusual vintage tire tread designs.

Here are some photos of a metal studded leather tire cover fastened with 50+ buckled leather straps on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn Michigan. How would you like to install a set of four of these and how long do you think they would last?

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

I’ve heard that particular vacuum design sucks.

[Rich Eagle]

It would be fun to have a set to try out, wouldn't it?
W. C. Fields talked about a fellow who cut off tenacles and used them for Non-skid automobile tires. "A cruel thing to do...I wish I had thought of it".

[Rich P. Bingham]

I’ll bet these tires inspired that quip by ol’ W.C. !
Makes them just that more fun.

Reading the ad, it appears they aimed at urban drivers primarily, making no claims for the tread’s advantages in mud, sand or snow ?

[JohnM]

Back in the wild West of advertising where anything goes and buyer beware.
Remember Keds and PF Flier tennis shoes with the "special" heel insert that made you run faster and jump higher!! They were too expensive for my parents.

If those tires actually stuck to the road, they would also rob horsepower and fuel economy.

[Wayne Sheldon]

What are you John M, some kind of engineer? (I had the same thought when I read this thread the first time!)

[JohnM]

Thanks Wayne, I'm just a regular guy, like you, who enjoys engaging in critical thinking.

[Rich P. Bingham]

John, Wayne, I think you guys are missing the fun here - I’m imagining “smooching” sounds as they roll down a wet street ! Horsepower and fuel economy be damned !! You can drive straight up a vertical wall with these tires !!

[JohnM]

If that were true, Fay Wray would have been saved.

[Wayne Sheldon]

And speaking of "missing fun" Richard B, I hope a few people notice your posting's "address" Pilgrim.

I better stop now, or the drift might be too deep!