The 1956 Allard Safari comes from a brief, distinctive chapter in British specialty-vehicle history, blending postwar utility character with the handcrafted appeal that makes unusual collector vehicles so interesting to own. Its proportions and purpose give tire choice real visual and functional importance, especially on a vehicle that may be restored, shown, or driven only occasionally. The 1956 Allard Safari uses a 650-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. Within that size, there is meaningful room to choose among blackwall, wide whitewall, classic passenger-car patterns, and more utility-minded tread designs. The right selection depends on whether the goal is traditional appearance, restoration-minded presentation, or practical road use on the wheels currently fitted to the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1956 Allard Safari
The 1956 Allard Safari uses one primary tire size: 650-16. That size is a bias-ply fitment for a 16-inch rim, and it remains consistent for the covered Safari Base configuration. The main decision is not which size fits, but which version of 650-16 best suits the vehicle's appearance, intended use, and wheel setup.
A 650-16 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the 6.50 designates the tire's nominal section width in inches and the 16 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1956 Allard Safari, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that matches the period character of the vehicle and keeps the selection centered on authentic-looking construction rather than modern metric sizing. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior across several tire series. Choosing within 650-16 comes down to appearance, tread style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the Safari is being restored, shown, or driven in more utility-focused conditions.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1956 Allard Safari sub-model range. The Safari Base uses the same primary tire size, so the key step is selecting the right 650-16 tire style and series for the vehicle's appearance and road use.
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1956 Allard Safari Base
The 1956 Allard Safari Base uses the same 650-16 bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim as the model core. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style presentation, sidewall preference, tread character, and verifying that the wheels currently on the vehicle match the intended tire's rim requirements.
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:
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 1956 Allard Safari Tires for Sale
Available 650-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior. The product range includes blackwall and wide whitewall designs, classic passenger-car series, and more truck- or utility-oriented bias-ply patterns for buyers comparing appearance and tread style.
Owners of a 1956 Allard Safari usually want clarity on the 650-16 fitment, 16-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply selection, sidewall choices, and the checks worth making before putting a collector vehicle back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1956 Allard Safari?
The 1956 Allard Safari uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size fitted to a 16-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the Safari covered here, including the Base sub-model.
That means the main choice is not between multiple primary sizes, but between different versions of the same 650-16 fitment. Before selecting a tire, confirm that the vehicle still has the correct 16-inch wheels and that wheel width matches the tire being considered, especially if the Safari has been restored or modified over time.
What size rim does a 1956 Allard Safari use?
The 1956 Allard Safari uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire size. Product options in this fitment commonly call for wheel widths around 4.00 to 5.00 inches, depending on the specific tire series and design.
Rim diameter is the first item to verify on the vehicle, because a 650-16 tire is built for a 16-inch wheel only. Width matters too, since some 650-16 tires are better suited to narrower wheels while others are intended for the more common 4.50 to 5.00 inch range.
Does the 1956 Allard Safari Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1956 Allard Safari Base uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary tire size shown for the Base configuration on this vehicle.
That keeps selection fairly simple, but it does not make every 650-16 tire identical in character. The remaining decisions involve sidewall style, tread pattern, tire series, and wheel-width suitability, along with checking that the Safari still wears the same wheel setup and has adequate clearance after any restoration work.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 tire for a 1956 Allard Safari?
Start with the correct size and construction: the 1956 Allard Safari uses a 650-16 bias-ply tire. From there, compare the tire's intended wheel-width range, sidewall treatment, tread style, load capacity where stated, and whether the tire is part of a passenger-car or more utility-oriented series.
A wide whitewall can create a more formal period-style look, while a blackwall often gives the Safari a plainer and more functional presentation. Tread design also matters, especially if the vehicle is driven on more than smooth pavement, so it helps to match the tire's visual character and use pattern to the way the vehicle is actually kept.
What sidewall styles are available for 1956 Allard Safari tires?
The 1956 Allard Safari's 650-16 fitment is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners a clear appearance choice within the correct size without changing the basic vintage bias-ply fitment.
Blackwall tires usually suit a more understated or utility-focused look, while wide whitewalls create a stronger restoration-oriented visual statement. Sidewall style should be chosen with the vehicle's finish, trim, and intended presentation in mind, rather than treated as a universal answer for every Safari built or restored today.
What brands offer tires for the 1956 Allard Safari?
The 650-16 fitment for the 1956 Allard Safari is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. These brands appear across several bias-ply series, including both passenger-car and more truck-oriented designs.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision. It still helps to compare sidewall style, tread presentation, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the tire's overall look matches a restoration-minded Safari or one that needs a more rugged, practical bias-ply pattern for occasional road use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1956 Allard Safari?
A period-style 1956 Allard Safari should stay with the 650-16 bias-ply fitment. Within that size, the strongest candidates are the classic passenger-car bias-ply lines and sidewall treatments that match the vehicle's intended presentation, whether that means a restrained blackwall look or a more formal wide whitewall appearance.
The best choice depends on how the Safari is being restored and displayed, not just on the size itself. Buyers aiming for exact historical accuracy should compare tire appearance against marque references, restoration photos, or period documentation, since a correct size alone does not automatically establish the right visual finish.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1956 Allard Safari restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1956 Allard Safari because tire size and construction have a major effect on stance, wheel fill, and overall period character. Staying with the proper 650-16 bias-ply format preserves the vintage presentation that suits a vehicle from this era.
Appearance is only part of the picture. Proper fitment also helps avoid problems created by the wrong rim diameter or an unsuitable wheel width, both of which can undermine drivability and visual balance. On a low-production specialty vehicle, small fitment errors tend to stand out more than they would on a more common car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1956 Allard Safari?
Yes. A 1956 Allard Safari may still call for a 650-16 tire, but wheel changes, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all affect how that size behaves on the vehicle. Even when the nominal size remains correct, the actual wheel setup can change what works comfortably.
It is wise to confirm the wheel's true diameter and width before mounting replacement tires. Clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should also be checked, particularly if the Safari has aftermarket wheels or has been rebuilt over the years with parts that do not exactly match its earlier configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1956 Allard Safari on new tires?
Before driving a 1956 Allard Safari on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tire size and wheel dimensions match, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. A quick visual check of steering and suspension condition is also worthwhile on a collector vehicle.
Roadworthiness depends on more than fresh rubber. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, uneven ride height, loose components, and any signs that the vehicle has been sitting for long periods, such as seized brakes or aged valve stems. A short, careful test drive can reveal issues before the Safari is driven farther.
How should 650-16 tires on a collector 1956 Allard Safari be maintained?
650-16 tires on a collector 1956 Allard Safari should be checked regularly for inflation, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss. Because collector vehicles are often used infrequently, visual condition and age-related deterioration can matter as much as tread depth.
Storage conditions play a major role in tire life. Keeping the Safari away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce flat-spotting during long idle periods. Any tire showing structural concerns should be evaluated before road use.
