1958 Austin A 95 Tires

The 1958 Austin A 95 uses three primary tire sizes: 670-15 bias-ply, 640-15 bias-ply, and 185R15 radial. These are not universal across every version of the car, because the Countryman uses 670-15 while the Westminster appears with either 640-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial fitment.

That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel-and-tire setup currently on the car. Since all three sizes use a 15-inch rim, the main issue is not diameter alone but choosing the size and construction that match the vehicle's intended specification, wheel width, and overall presentation.

The tire fitments used on the 1958 Austin A 95 all center on a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 670-15 and 640-15 bias-ply sizes as well as the 185R15 radial size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions and section widths differ.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment question, however. A 15-inch wheel can still vary in width, and that matters when comparing a narrower 640-15, a wider 670-15, or a 185R15 radial. Checking the actual wheel width before changing tire size or construction helps avoid clearance and compatibility surprises.

The correct starting point depends on the sub-model. A 1958 Austin A 95 Countryman uses 670-15 bias-ply, while a 1958 Austin A 95 Westminster appears with either 640-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial fitment.

That makes sub-model identification especially important on the Westminster, because tire choice is tied not only to size but also to construction. Once the sub-model is confirmed, compare the actual wheels on the car and decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or staying with the radial setup already associated with 185R15.

On the 1958 Austin A 95, 670-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the primary fitment used on the Countryman, and it also carries the traditional numeric sizing format common to many vehicles of the period.

That matters because a bias-ply tire is part of the car's period-style driving and visual character. Owners looking at alternatives can consider radial equivalents for 670-15, but the decision should be made with the wheel width, intended use, and the car's current setup in mind rather than assuming any radial option is automatically interchangeable.

For 670-15, radial equivalents include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. For 640-15, the radial equivalents are 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15.

Those options cover different radial sizing conventions, from Euro-metric 80-series to P-metric 75-series and 70-series alternatives, plus a bias-look radial in the 670-15 family. The recommended rim-width range is 5-7 inches for 670-15 equivalents and 5-6 inches for 640-15 equivalents, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should be checked before making a change.

Start by confirming the original bias-ply size on the car and then matching it to the correct radial-equivalent family. A 670-15 setup can be compared with 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15, while a 640-15 setup can be compared with 175R15, P175/75R15, or P185/70R15.

The next checks are wheel width, wheel condition, and physical clearance around steering and suspension movement. A radial conversion can also change the overall look of the car, so owners focused on a restoration-oriented presentation may want to weigh a conventional radial against a bias-look radial or remain with a period-style bias-ply tire.

Begin with the exact sub-model and the correct primary size, because the 1958 Austin A 95 does not use one universal fitment. The Countryman centers on 670-15 bias-ply, while the Westminster can use 640-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial, so size and construction are the first decisions.

Once that is settled, compare the tire's visual style and wheel compatibility. Sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and rim-width requirements all shape the final choice, especially on a car where period appearance may matter just as much as road use. Matching the tire to the wheel and the car's purpose usually produces the best result.

Sidewall choices for the 1958 Austin A 95 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size and construction you are considering. The bias-ply 670-15 and 640-15 sizes offer the broadest whitewall variety, while 185R15 radial options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline.

That gives owners room to tailor the car's look without changing the primary tire size. A whitewall can emphasize a late-1950s touring presentation, while blackwall or redline choices create a different visual tone. The key is making sure the preferred sidewall style is available in the exact size and construction that belongs on the car.

Tires for the 1958 Austin A 95 are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, US Royal, Michelin, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Excelsior, and STA. Brand availability varies by size, with the broadest selection appearing in 670-15 bias-ply and a more focused group supporting 185R15 radial and 640-15 bias-ply.

The practical choice is less about naming one brand over another and more about finding the right mix of size, construction, sidewall style, and tire series. A buyer comparing brands should also look at rim-width suitability and, where shown, load capacity and inflation-pressure pairing to make sure the tire fits the intended setup.

A period-style 1958 Austin A 95 usually starts with the primary size and construction used by the specific sub-model. That points the Countryman toward 670-15 bias-ply, while a Westminster may call for either 640-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial depending on the setup being preserved.

After size and construction are settled, appearance becomes the next filter. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and even redline options exist in the covered sizes, but exact originality can vary by car history and market. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare tire choices against marque references and period vehicle documentation.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling; it also changes the visual character of a restored 1958 Austin A 95. A bias-ply tire preserves the tall, traditional stance and period-style look associated with late-1950s fitment, while a radial typically gives the car a more modern visual impression.

That difference is especially important when the goal is a restoration-oriented presentation rather than simple road use. A conventional radial may suit a driver-focused car, while a bias-look radial can help retain a more traditional appearance in the sizes where that option exists. The final decision should reflect both the vehicle's look and its actual use.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Austin A 95 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and steering adjustments can all influence whether a 670-15, 640-15, or 185R15 setup still clears properly.

A car that has been lowered, widened, or fitted with non-stock wheels should be checked carefully before ordering tires. Confirming actual wheel diameter and width, then inspecting clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel, is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions or considering an equivalent size.

Before putting a 1958 Austin A 95 back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire condition, even if the tires are newly mounted. Confirm that the size matches the car's sub-model, that the tires seat correctly on the rims, and that there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components.

A short road test should follow a pressure check and a careful look for air loss, vibration, or uneven behavior. On a collector car, it is also smart to inspect brake function, suspension wear, and wheel hardware at the same time, since a fresh set of tires cannot compensate for issues elsewhere in the chassis.

Collector-car tires on a 1958 Austin A 95 should be inspected regularly for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and signs of slow air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked can age tires without accumulating much mileage, so appearance and age-related condition matter just as much as tread depth.

Storage conditions also play a major role. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect both bias-ply and radial tires. Occasional pressure checks and periodic movement of the vehicle help reduce stress on one contact patch, which is especially helpful on infrequently driven vintage cars.