1952 Nash Healey Tires

The 1952 Nash Healey sits at an interesting crossroads of postwar sports-car history, blending American Nash power with European sports-car character at a time when open-road touring and competition influence still shaped tire choice. Its stance and presentation depend heavily on getting the tire size and construction right. This car uses a 640-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional early-1950s territory. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several vintage tire series, along with modern radial equivalents for owners considering an alternative. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road use, or a careful balance of both.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1952 Nash Healey

The 1952 Nash Healey uses one primary tire size: 640-15. That fitment is a bias-ply size for a 15-inch rim, and it is shared by the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model. With size settled, the real decision becomes choosing the right brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment, or deciding whether a radial equivalent deserves consideration for the way the car will be driven.

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640-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 6 Cyl.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

A 640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.40 designation represents the tire's nominal section width in inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1952 Nash Healey, this keeps the fitment in the traditional bias-ply construction the car was designed around. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior offerings, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations depending on the tire series. This size is the starting point for owners focused on proper vintage fitment, restoration-style appearance, and correct wheel-diameter matching before considering any radial alternative.

Explore 640-15 Tires

1952 Nash Healey Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1952 Nash Healey covered here. The 6 Cyl. model uses the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts away from size differences and toward construction, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility.

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1952 Nash Healey 6 Cyl.

The 1952 Nash Healey 6 Cyl. uses the 640-15 bias-ply tire size on a 15-inch rim. That makes tire selection more about choosing the right period-style look and product details, or evaluating a radial equivalent carefully against wheel width and overall fitment.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1952 Nash Healey

For the original 640-15 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 175R15 is the Euro-metric 80-series radial equivalent, P175/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P185/70R15 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series option. These choices give the Nash Healey several modern sizing formats to compare while staying in a 15-inch radial category. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 6 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before changing from the primary bias-ply fitment.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 175R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)

  • P175/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)

  • P185/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (5-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
  • Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
  • Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.

Important Fitment Notes

The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
  • Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)

If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.

Best 1952 Nash Healey Tires for sale

Available 640-15 choices include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior bias-ply tires across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Super Safety Crossply, and Excelsior Bias Ply lines. Sidewall treatments range from blackwall to narrow and wide whitewall, giving the Nash Healey several distinct period-style presentations.

Showing 6 of 8
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 640-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1190@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.75 Inch Whitewall | 640-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1190@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.125 Inch Whitewall | 640-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1190@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 640-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD970@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Avon Super Safety | 640H15 83H

Avon - Super Safety Crossply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT23 lb
MAX LOAD1,074 lbs
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich | 640-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT19 lb
MAX LOAD1190@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone | 640-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1190@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Excelsior | 640-15

Excelsior - Excelsior Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT22 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs focus on the 1952 Nash Healey's 640-15 tire fitment, 15-inch wheel sizing, radial-equivalent choices, sidewall and brand differences, and the checks that matter before putting a collector sports car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1952 Nash Healey?

The 1952 Nash Healey uses a 640-15 tire size as its primary fitment. That is a numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 15-inch rim, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses the same size, so the fitment question is generally straightforward at the year-make-model level.

Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the presentation and product style that suits the car. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available in 640-15, so the decision usually comes down to restoration goals, intended road use, and making sure the wheel itself still matches the original 15-inch fitment.

What size rim does a 1952 Nash Healey use?

The 1952 Nash Healey uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 640-15 tire size. Rim diameter is the key measurement here because the 15 in the tire size corresponds to the wheel diameter, and a different wheel diameter would require a different tire fitment altogether.

Wheel width also matters, especially if the car has been altered over the years or if a radial equivalent is being considered. Measuring the actual wheel on the car helps avoid mounting the right tire size on the wrong wheel, and it is especially important on collector cars that may no longer wear their original wheels.

Does the 1952 Nash Healey 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1952 Nash Healey 6 Cyl. uses the same 640-15 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this vehicle page. That means there is no separate primary tire size to sort out for this covered sub-model before moving on to appearance and product-selection questions.

Even with the same stated size, it is still worth confirming the wheels currently on the car. Collector vehicles are often fitted with replacement rims, and any change in wheel width or construction choice can affect how comfortably a tire suits the car's overall setup and intended driving use.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 640-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1952 Nash Healey?

For the 1952 Nash Healey, 640-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the primary fitment for the car and reflects the traditional construction associated with early-1950s sports-car tire presentation, including the taller, vintage-style look buyers often want to preserve on a restoration-minded vehicle.

Keeping a bias-ply construction maintains the original sizing format and a traditional appearance, but construction choice also affects how the car feels on the road. Owners considering a change should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance before moving away from the primary bias-ply setup.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 640-15?

Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. The 175R15 is a Euro-metric 80-series radial equivalent, P175/75R15 is a P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P185/70R15 is a P-metric 70-series radial option in the same 15-inch wheel diameter family.

These sizes offer different radial sizing conventions rather than one automatic replacement path. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 6 inches applies to the equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and body or steering clearance should be checked carefully before selecting one for a Nash Healey.

What should I check before converting my 1952 Nash Healey from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the available radial-equivalent sizes for the 640-15 fitment. The Nash Healey's primary tire is bias-ply, so any conversion should be treated as an alternative fitment decision rather than a simple construction swap.

Pay close attention to wheel compatibility, front and rear clearance, suspension condition, and the car's intended use. Radial equivalents for this fitment are associated with a 5 to 6 inch recommended rim-width range, and that makes wheel measurement especially important before mounting a modern radial on a vintage sports car.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 640-15 tire for a 1952 Nash Healey?

The starting point is staying with the correct 640-15 size and deciding whether the car should remain on its primary bias-ply construction or be evaluated against one of the radial equivalents. After that, the main selection factors are sidewall style, brand, tire series, wheel compatibility, and the look you want the car to carry.

A Nash Healey restored for a traditional appearance may call for a different presentation than one driven more regularly on the road. Comparing the actual wheel width, checking load figures where they are stated, and matching the tire's visual character to the car's overall finish will usually narrow the field quickly.

What sidewall styles are available for 1952 Nash Healey tires?

The available 640-15 tires for the 1952 Nash Healey include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives the car several distinct visual directions, from a restrained sporting look in blackwall form to a more formal early-1950s presentation with broader whitewall treatments.

Sidewall choice affects appearance more than fitment, but it can change the character of the whole car. A buyer trying to match a restoration theme should compare photos, trim level, and period presentation cues before choosing, while still keeping the correct 640-15 size and the wheel's 15-inch diameter at the center of the decision.

What brands offer tires for the 1952 Nash Healey?

Tires for the 1952 Nash Healey's 640-15 fitment are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several vintage-style lines, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Super Safety Crossply, and Excelsior Bias Ply.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall treatment, tire series character, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as a simple name decision. Looking at blackwall versus whitewall presentation, stated load figures where available, and the intended use of the car will usually do more to guide the right choice than the brand badge alone.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1952 Nash Healey?

A period-style 1952 Nash Healey usually starts with the primary 640-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps the tire format aligned with the car's early-1950s character, and the available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions depending on how formal or sporting the presentation should look.

The best restoration-oriented choice depends on the specific look being recreated rather than a single universal answer. Buyers aiming for exact historical originality should compare the car against marque references, period photos, or trusted restoration documentation, then choose the 640-15 tire that best matches that visual direction.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1952 Nash Healey?

Tire construction changes more than the driving feel on a restored 1952 Nash Healey; it also influences how authentic the car looks at a glance. The original-style fitment format is a 640-15 bias-ply, and that construction typically preserves the traditional early-1950s tire profile and vintage visual character buyers expect to see.

A radial equivalent can be considered for road use, but it may change the overall visual impression even when it stays within the same 15-inch wheel diameter family. Owners balancing restoration appearance with driving priorities usually benefit from deciding early whether the car is being built primarily for show presentation, touring, or a mix of both.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1952 Nash Healey?

Yes. Even though the primary tire size for the 1952 Nash Healey is 640-15, modifications can change how suitable that fitment remains. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all affect the clearance and wheel compatibility needed for either the bias-ply size or a radial alternative.

Checking the actual wheel dimensions and looking closely at inner and outer clearance is a smart step on any collector car with an unknown history. A Nash Healey that still uses stock-type wheels may be straightforward, but one with changed hardware should be measured carefully before a tire choice is finalized.

What should I inspect before driving a 1952 Nash Healey on new tires?

Before driving a 1952 Nash Healey on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the 15-inch rim size, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct 640-15 fitment or properly evaluated radial equivalent. It is also wise to check valve stems, balance, inflation, and whether the wheel hardware is in sound condition.

A broader pre-drive inspection matters on low-use collector cars. Look for steering or suspension looseness, verify that each tire clears through full steering travel, and recheck pressure after the first miles of use. Those steps help the car settle in safely and reveal any fitment issues before a longer outing.

How should 640-15 tires on a collector 1952 Nash Healey be maintained?

640-15 tires on a collector 1952 Nash Healey should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss even when the car is driven only occasionally. Storage conditions matter as well, since heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone can shorten tire life on seldom-used vehicles.

Periodic inspection is especially important with vintage cars because tires may age out before they wear out. Rotating use, avoiding long static storage on underinflated tires, and giving the car a careful walk-around before every road trip helps protect both the tire investment and the driving experience of an uncommon postwar sports car.