1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII Tires

The 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII uses a 550-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment used on a 16-inch rim, and it applies to both the Coupe and Roadster covered here.

That means the first step is usually not choosing between multiple sizes, but confirming that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheel setup. Once that is established, selection shifts to the available bias-ply choices within 550-16, including blackwall or wide whitewall appearance, along with wheel-width compatibility and overall tire condition for a collector car that may spend long periods parked.

The 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire size. That rim diameter is consistent across the covered MKII fitments, including both Coupe and Roadster versions.

Rim diameter is only one part of the check, especially on a specialty sports car that may have had wheel changes over the years. It is also worth confirming actual wheel width before choosing among available 550-16 tires, since some products call for relatively narrow rim widths. A quick wheel inspection can prevent buying a period-style tire that does not suit the car’s current wheel setup.

Yes. The covered 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII sub-models share the same primary tire size, 550-16, and that fitment remains bias-ply on a 16-inch rim for both the Coupe and Roadster.

Shared fitment simplifies the search, but it does not remove the need to inspect the individual car. Collector vehicles are often restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over time, so the safest approach is to confirm the actual rim diameter and width on the car before selecting a tire. After that, the main choice becomes visual style and product character rather than sub-model-specific sizing.

Start with the core fitment: the 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII uses a 550-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. From there, the most important selection factors are wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the car is being presented as a restoration-oriented sports car or simply maintained for occasional road use.

Available 550-16 options include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Looking closely at the wheel setup matters because some products call for a narrow rim-width range. It also helps to inspect suspension condition, clearance, and how the car sits, especially if it has not been driven regularly or has seen changes during past restoration work.

The available 550-16 tires for a 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both treatments stay within the same traditional bias-ply size, but they create noticeably different visual impressions on a compact late-1950s specialty sports car.

Blackwall tires usually suit a restrained sporting presentation, while wide whitewalls create a more decorative period-style look. Neither style should be assumed to be factory-correct without vehicle-specific historical confirmation, so the better approach is to match the sidewall treatment to the car’s restoration goal, existing trim, and the way the vehicle will be shown or driven. Appearance can matter as much as fitment on a car this distinctive.

The 550-16 tire size for the 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII is available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. These options stay within the correct traditional size while varying in series and sidewall treatment.

Brand choice is best approached as part of the car’s overall presentation rather than as a ranking exercise. Some buyers focus on a simple blackwall sporting look, while others want a wide whitewall for a more formal restoration appearance. It also helps to compare product details such as rim-width compatibility and load information where stated, since those practical specifications matter just as much as the brand name on a collector vehicle.

A period-style starting point for a 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII is the original-style 550-16 bias-ply format on a 16-inch rim. That preserves the traditional tire construction, visual proportion, and stance associated with a late-1950s Anglo-Italian sports car.

The finer choice comes down to how the car is being presented. A blackwall keeps the look understated and sporting, while a wide whitewall creates a more dressed appearance. Exact originality can vary by individual history and restoration goals, so buyers concerned with strict authenticity should compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, and other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final presentation.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII because tire size and construction strongly influence the car’s stance, wheel-fill, and overall period presentation. The proper starting point is the 550-16 bias-ply fitment used on a 16-inch rim.

On a specialty collector car, a tire that looks close at a glance can still change the visual balance if the wheel setup or sidewall treatment is wrong for the build. Restoration-minded buyers should consider whether the goal is a restrained sporting look or a more formal classic presentation, then match that direction to the available blackwall or wide whitewall choices without overlooking wheel condition and suspension height.

Yes. Even though the 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII uses a straightforward 550-16 bias-ply fitment, wheel or suspension changes can alter how that size works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, ride-height changes, or body work can all affect clearance and overall compatibility.

A collector car’s current setup matters more than assumptions based on model name alone. It is worth measuring the actual wheel diameter and width, then checking steering lock, fender clearance, and suspension travel before choosing tires. That is especially important on a low-production sports car that may have been restored or modified decades ago and may no longer match its original wheel configuration.

Before driving a 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the wheel size matches the 550-16 fitment, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated correctly. A basic check of brakes, steering, and suspension condition is also worthwhile on a collector car that may not be driven often.

Tire condition should never be considered in isolation from the rest of the chassis. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, verify that the car sits evenly, and inspect surrounding components for looseness or wear that could affect handling. A short, careful road test followed by another visual inspection helps catch clearance or air-retention issues before the car is used for longer drives.

A 550-16 tire on a collector 1959 Arnolt-Bristol MKII should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration even if tread wear looks minimal. Bias-ply tires on lightly used classics still need to be monitored for cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss.

Storage habits matter as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excessive heat, and ozone sources can help protect the sidewalls, while moving the car periodically can reduce long-term stress from sitting in one position. Any vibration, pull, or visible change in tire shape should be investigated before further road use.