1956 Allard Palm Beach Tires

The 1956 Allard Palm Beach uses two primary tire sizes: 590-15 and 600-15. Both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims, and the covered Palm Beach Base is associated with both of them rather than just one dedicated size.

That makes size confirmation especially important before choosing a tire. Checking the existing tires and measuring wheel width will usually clarify whether the car is set up for 590-15 or 600-15. On a specialty sports car like the Palm Beach, that step matters more than assuming one size is universal across every surviving car.

The 1956 Allard Palm Beach uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 590-15 and 600-15. Even though the tire sizes differ slightly in section width, they share the same basic 15-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still needs attention. Product fitment ranges in these sizes include 4.00 to 4.50 inches and 4.50 to 5.00 inches, depending on the tire. Confirming both diameter and width helps narrow the correct tire choice and avoids selecting a size that does not suit the wheel already on the car.

A 590-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 590 portion represents an approximate 5.90-inch nominal section width, and the 15 indicates the rim diameter in inches.

That older sizing format is common on 1950s specialty and sports cars, so it can look unfamiliar next to modern metric radial sizes. On a 1956 Allard Palm Beach, understanding that code helps separate the original-style bias-ply fitment from later radial-equivalent options such as 165R15 or P165/75R15, which follow different sizing systems and should be checked carefully before substitution.

For the 1956 Allard Palm Beach, 590-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is one of the car's primary vintage fitments and reflects the traditional construction associated with mid-1950s tire design.

That matters because a buyer choosing 590-15 is deciding whether to stay with the original-style construction or move to a radial equivalent in a different size format. Keeping bias-ply construction supports a more traditional appearance and period-style presentation, while a radial alternative should be matched carefully to the wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance on the car.

Both 590-15 and 600-15 cross-reference to the same three radial equivalents: 165R15, P165/75R15, and P175/70R15. That gives the 1956 Allard Palm Beach an 80-series metric radial option, a 75-series P-metric radial option, and a 70-series P-metric radial option.

Those sizes are useful comparison points, but they are not automatic substitutions simply because they share a 15-inch rim diameter. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and the final choice should account for the actual wheel width on the car along with steering clearance and the visual profile you want to maintain.

A conversion from 590-15 or 600-15 bias-ply tires to radial equivalents starts with the wheel itself. The Palm Beach uses 15-inch rims, and the radial-equivalent sizes tied to these fitments carry a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

Beyond wheel width, compare the actual tire dimensions on the car, inspect steering and fender clearance, and make sure the suspension and alignment are in good condition. A low-volume sports car may have variations from restoration work or earlier modifications, so checking the complete setup matters more than relying on size code alone when changing construction.

Start with the correct primary size for the car's current setup, since the 1956 Allard Palm Beach is associated with both 590-15 and 600-15. From there, the main considerations are bias-ply construction, 15-inch rim compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented presentation or evaluated for radial alternatives.

Product differences also matter once the right size is established. Sidewall appearance, tire series, rim-width range, and load figures can all influence the final choice. On a specialty car like the Palm Beach, selecting a tire that suits both the wheel and the intended look is usually more important than simply choosing by size code alone.

The available sidewall styles for 1956 Allard Palm Beach tires are blackwall and wide whitewall. Those options appear across the primary 590-15 and 600-15 bias-ply sizes, giving the car either a simpler sporting presentation or a more decorative vintage look.

Sidewall choice can noticeably change the way a Palm Beach sits visually, especially on a compact 1950s roadster. A blackwall often leans toward a restrained sports-car appearance, while a wide whitewall can emphasize period style and restoration character. The best choice depends on how the car is being presented, not on an assumption that one sidewall suits every example.

Available tires for the 1956 Allard Palm Beach come from BFGoodrich and Avon. BFGoodrich appears in both 590-15 and 600-15, while Avon is available in the 590-size range through the Turbospeed Mk4 line.

Brand is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and the exact size each product is built around. On a low-production British sports car, those details often matter more than the badge on the sidewall because they influence both the car's appearance and how closely the tire matches the intended setup.

A period-style 1956 Allard Palm Beach usually starts with one of its two primary bias-ply sizes, 590-15 or 600-15. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing system and the traditional profile associated with the car's original-era roadgoing character.

After confirming which size belongs on the specific car, the appearance decision comes down to details such as blackwall versus wide whitewall and the overall presentation you want. Buyers pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the chosen tire against marque references, older photos, and restoration records rather than assuming any current sidewall treatment is correct for every Palm Beach.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1956 Allard Palm Beach; it also affects the car's visual character. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage size format and traditional look that many restoration-minded owners want on a mid-1950s specialty sports car.

A radial equivalent can still be a sensible option, but it introduces a more modern sizing convention and may alter the overall presentation even when the rim diameter stays at 15 inches. That is why many buyers decide on appearance goals first, then compare radial alternatives only after confirming the wheel width and the look they want the finished car to carry.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Allard Palm Beach. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence whether 590-15, 600-15, or a radial equivalent remains appropriate.

That is especially important on a hand-built specialty car, where surviving examples may differ from one another after decades of restoration and maintenance. Measuring the wheel, checking clearance at full steering lock, and comparing the current setup before ordering tires is the safest approach whenever the car's wheel or suspension history is not completely obvious.

Before driving a 1956 Allard Palm Beach on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm proper mounting, and verify inflation matches the tire's intended use. It also helps to check for rubbing at the fenders and steering components once the tires are installed.

A broader road-use inspection is just as important on a collector car. Look at the suspension, steering linkage, wheel bearings, and brake condition, then recheck tire pressure after the first short drive. Any sign of unusual wear, pull, vibration, or contact should be corrected early, since those problems can point to alignment or clearance issues rather than the tire alone.

Collector-car tires on a 1956 Allard Palm Beach should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic rotation if the setup and wear pattern allow it. Whether the car runs 590-15 or 600-15, watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss.

Storage habits matter on a low-use vehicle just as much as miles driven. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and occasional movement prevents long static periods in one spot. Tires that look acceptable at a glance still deserve close inspection before every meaningful road outing.