What the Heck are These?

[Ponyboy]

Saw these on a japanese auction site and thought they were particularly interesting. I'd never heard of these before nor seen them. Anyone have some knowledge about them?

The listing is described as:

HONDA NSX specially designed
At that time in '95, it was optional tire of custom order plan

BS POTENZA TT-1 245/40ZR17 2 Movies

And not as a tire because it is very old
It is an exhibition as a collector's item

It is a beautiful side wall, but there is a crack in the tread
There is one place to bead scratches when removed
Please refer to the image.

http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w93525029

 

[CL65 Captain]

Rain tire. Goodyear tried something similar in design years (early 90s) ago called the Goodyear Aquatred.

 

[guanacoracing]

Center channel seems to deep and wide and the thread blocks are slick so maybe not a rain tire...

 

[docjohn]

train track checker tires..

 

[Ponyboy]

My first inclination was that it was a rain tire but I haven't read any specific info on their purpose or efficacy.

They are, in fact, listed on the custom order plan:

http://www.nsxprime.com/Gallery/press/refresh3.jpg