Geoff my boy, you're a bit unlucky. Of all brands of tyres to choose, you had to pick on the Nitto brand. Look, I know I am blowing into the wind, but some almost fifty years ago, I bought a 1959 Mercedes 190 which was shod, and you're guessing right, with Nitto tyres. They were absolutely hopeless, dry or wet roads, and downright dangerous. I replaced them with the leading new Radial tyre at the time - the Olympic GT Radial. Those tyres transformed the handling of the car.
Somewhere on TK, during the last six months, I have mentioned this story and the handling of that little 190 became unbelievable. 60mph. around bends of the Comenarra Parkway, my proving track in those days. Jaguar, Rovers, Citroens, Mercedes et al, all were put through their paces. Also, a Citroen DS23 with five speed, solenoid released gearchange mechanism. Nice. nice car.
In closing, I am also looking at the Nitto prices quoted - about on a par, percentage and relativity wise, with the $US160K. Packard Ghia. My Nankangs I have bought for less than half the price of the Nittos. Regards Styria