1959 AC Saloon Tires

A 1959 AC Saloon is associated with two primary tire sizes: 185R16 in radial construction and 670-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 16-inch rim, so the fitment question is not just about diameter. It is also about whether the car is set up for a radial-size format or a traditional numeric bias-ply format.

That distinction matters because wheel width, tire profile, and the car's present setup all affect which route makes sense. A car already running radial-compatible wheels may point toward 185R16, while a restoration-oriented setup may stay with 670-16. Checking the actual wheels on the car is the best first step before choosing between the two primary fitments.

The 1959 AC Saloon uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire fitments. That applies whether the car is equipped with 185R16 radial tires or 670-16 bias-ply tires. Rim diameter is shared, but the tire constructions and usual wheel-width needs can differ between those two fitment paths.

A matching 16-inch diameter alone does not settle the decision, especially on a collector car that may have had wheel changes over time. The actual wheel width should be confirmed before replacing tires, particularly when moving between a narrower bias-ply setup and a radial alternative. It is also wise to inspect for clearance around suspension and bodywork if the car has been modified.

The 1959 AC Saloon Base is associated with the same two primary sizes used on the model overall: 185R16 radial and 670-16 bias-ply. Rather than separating into a unique sub-model-only fitment, the Base can follow either of those established 16-inch tire paths depending on how the car is equipped.

For an owner, that means the important check is not the sub-model badge alone but the actual wheels and tires on the car now. A Base model set up around bias-ply tires may call for different replacement considerations than one already running radial tires. Construction choice, wheel width, and intended use should all be settled before ordering a new set.

On a 1959 AC Saloon, 670-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The size code uses a vintage width-based format rather than a modern metric radial format, and it represents the traditional construction choice associated with this car. Available 670-16 options remain within the bias-ply family rather than crossing into radial construction.

That matters because a bias-ply setup can influence both appearance and wheel compatibility on an older car. If the Saloon has been driven on 670-16 tires for years, staying with the same construction may preserve the character of the existing setup. Before changing to a radial size, confirm wheel width and overall clearance rather than assuming any 16-inch alternative behaves the same.

A 1959 AC Saloon can be equipped with either 670-16 bias-ply tires or 185R16 radial tires, so the choice depends on how the car is being used and how closely the owner wants to retain a traditional setup. Bias-ply keeps the vintage construction style, while 185R16 provides a radial-format alternative on the same 16-inch rim diameter.

The practical decision usually comes down to wheel suitability, desired appearance, and the kind of driving the car sees. A restoration-focused owner may prefer the traditional bias-ply presentation, while a road-use owner may lean toward radial construction if the wheels support it. Verifying wheel width and checking for rubbing or steering-clearance issues should happen before changing construction types.

A conversion from 670-16 bias-ply to 185R16 radial on a 1959 AC Saloon starts with the wheel itself. Both sizes use a 16-inch rim, but radial tires can call for different wheel-width suitability than a narrow bias-ply setup. The tire should also be matched to the car's intended use rather than chosen by diameter alone.

Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should be checked once wheel compatibility is confirmed. It also helps to inspect the chassis and front-end condition, since worn steering or suspension parts can become more noticeable with a construction change. On a collector car, the car's visual character may change too, so appearance can be as important as fitment.

The first choice for a 1959 AC Saloon is deciding between its two primary fitments: 670-16 bias-ply or 185R16 radial. Both use a 16-inch rim, but they represent different sizing systems and different construction styles. That makes wheel setup and intended use more important here than simply matching the rim diameter.

Once the correct fitment path is established, compare brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility within that size. A car aimed at restoration presentation may stay with the bias-ply route, while a road-driven car may favor the radial format. It also makes sense to look at load figures and overall tire condition standards when selecting among the available products.

The available tire options for the 1959 AC Saloon are offered in blackwall sidewall style. That applies across both the 185R16 radial choices and the 670-16 bias-ply choices shown for this model year. The visual decision here is therefore driven more by tire construction and series character than by a mix of blackwall and whitewall treatments.

For a buyer, that keeps the appearance comparison fairly focused. The main visual differences come from whether the car wears a traditional bias-ply profile or a radial-format tire such as Michelin X Radial, Turbosteel CR6D, or Sprint Classic. On a period-style restoration, that construction choice can influence the overall stance and presentation as much as the sidewall itself.

Tire options for the 1959 AC Saloon include Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, and Firestone. The 185R16 radial fitment includes Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein choices, while the 670-16 bias-ply fitment includes Firestone and Avon. That gives the car a useful spread of product choices across both modern radial-style and traditional bias-ply directions.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase, because the more important comparison is whether the tire matches the car's correct size, construction, and wheel requirements. It also helps to compare tire series and any stated rim-width or load details within the correct fitment path. Choosing among brands makes more sense after the bias-ply-versus-radial decision has already been settled.

For a period-style 1959 AC Saloon, 670-16 bias-ply is the most traditional-looking starting point because it keeps the vintage numeric size format and bias-ply construction associated with the car. Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Avon Turbospeed Mk4 both follow that route. The 185R16 radial fitment is still relevant, but it presents the car in a more modern tire format.

A restoration-minded owner should decide whether historical appearance or broader road-use practicality comes first. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-specific references and vehicle history should guide the final choice. Once that goal is clear, the next step is making sure the current wheels suit the selected construction rather than assuming an older setup accepts either tire equally well.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1959 AC Saloon more than many buyers expect. A 670-16 bias-ply tire keeps the vintage sizing language and traditional construction style, which tends to suit an older British saloon visually. A 185R16 radial still fits the car's 16-inch wheel diameter, but it reads as a more modern fitment choice.

That visual difference becomes especially important when the goal is a restoration-oriented presentation rather than casual road use. The sidewall offerings here stay within blackwall styles, so much of the appearance decision comes from the construction itself and the tire series selected. Looking at the car's stance, wheel width, and intended use will usually point toward the better overall match.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1959 AC Saloon, even though the original fitment paths center on 185R16 radial and 670-16 bias-ply sizes. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearance can alter what works safely and cleanly. That is especially important on an older car that may have been updated over time.

A Saloon with aftermarket wheels or altered suspension should be measured carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Steering lock, inner-fender clearance, and clearance under compression all deserve a look, particularly when changing from one construction type to another. Matching the original rim diameter is only one part of fitment, and collector cars often carry changes made long after they left the factory.

Before driving a 1959 AC Saloon on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall condition of the suspension and steering components. The tires themselves should be checked for proper mounting, inflation, and visible clearance around the fenders and chassis. That applies whether the car is wearing 670-16 bias-ply tires or 185R16 radial tires.

A short, careful test drive is a smart follow-up after installation. During that drive, pay attention to rubbing, pulling, vibration, or unusual steering feel, then recheck inflation and look for any signs of contact. On a collector car that has sat for long periods, wheel bearings, brakes, and aged rubber parts deserve attention too before regular road use resumes.

Tires on a collector 1959 AC Saloon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even a low-mileage car can develop tire issues from age, sunlight, moisture, long stationary periods, or exposure to ozone sources. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss should all be taken seriously on either primary fitment.

Driving the car occasionally helps, but stored vehicles still need routine inspection because time can age a tire as much as mileage. Keeping the car on a clean, dry surface and away from sustained heat can also help preserve tire condition. Before any longer outing, it is wise to inspect tread and sidewalls closely and confirm the tires still suit the car's current setup.