1959 Aston Martin Mark Tires

The 1959 Aston Martin Mark uses two primary tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the covered Mark III & IV applications and both use a 16-inch rim diameter.

Choosing between them starts with the car's actual wheel and tire setup today. A car already equipped around 600-16 bias-ply tires may call for a period-style replacement, while a car running 175R16 radials should stay within that radial fitment path unless the entire setup is being reviewed carefully.

The 1959 Aston Martin Mark uses a 16-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 600-16 bias-ply size or the 175R16 radial size.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, because construction and wheel width still matter. A 16-inch wheel can still differ in width or be an aftermarket replacement, so it is worth confirming the wheel itself before moving between bias-ply and radial options or comparing products with stated rim-width ranges.

The covered 1959 Aston Martin Mark III & IV sub-model applications share the same tire-fitment choices. Both are associated with the same pair of 16-inch tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction.

That makes sub-model identification less of a hurdle than on vehicles with multiple trim-specific sizes. The more important step is confirming which construction the car is actually using now, along with wheel width, overall tire clearance, and whether the owner wants to preserve a traditional bias-ply presentation or continue with a radial setup.

Start with the fact that 600-16 is the bias-ply fitment, so the first consideration is whether the car is meant to stay on a traditional construction. Within that size, available options vary by brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, load figure where stated, and even tread character on some specialty products.

A restoration-minded car may lean toward a traditional blackwall, whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation, while a road-use decision may place more emphasis on matching the wheel and intended use. It also helps to separate passenger-style bias-ply choices from military or truck-type patterns that share the same numeric size but present the car very differently.

The 600-16 bias-ply offerings for the 1959 Aston Martin Mark include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices create a noticeable difference in how the car looks even when the tire size itself stays the same.

Sidewall style is best treated as an appearance decision after the correct size and construction have been settled. A blackwall usually gives the most restrained presentation, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall options create a more decorative period-style look, so the right choice depends on the car's restoration direction and the visual balance you want.

Available 600-16 tires for the 1959 Aston Martin Mark come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series and sidewall treatments rather than as one uniform type of tire.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside construction, sidewall appearance, series character, and wheel compatibility instead of treated as a stand-alone decision. Two tires in the same 600-16 size can still differ in styling, published rim-width guidance, load figures where stated, and overall presentation, so comparing the full product details is more useful than choosing by brand name alone.

For a period-style presentation, the 600-16 bias-ply size is the natural starting point on a 1959 Aston Martin Mark. It preserves the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing format and offers the broadest range of classic-looking choices, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions.

The best visual match depends on how the individual car is being restored and what reference point is guiding the build. If exact originality matters, marque-specific references and historical documentation are worth checking, because a tire can look convincingly period-style without automatically being the precise brand or sidewall treatment originally delivered on the car.

Tire construction changes the visual character of the car as much as the driving feel. A 600-16 bias-ply keeps the older numeric sizing language and a distinctly traditional appearance, while a 175R16 radial reflects a later-style radial fitment even though it still uses the same 16-inch rim diameter.

That difference matters on a restored grand touring car where proportions and sidewall presentation contribute heavily to the finished look. Owners aiming for a more authentic period impression often begin with the bias-ply path, while those prioritizing a radial setup should still pay close attention to how the tire's shape and sidewall treatment suit the car visually.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Aston Martin Mark even when the nominal tire size stays within the expected range. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height alterations, and body or brake changes can all influence how a 175R16 or 600-16 tire sits on the car.

That is especially important when the car has changed hands over the years and no longer wears its original wheel setup. A careful check of wheel dimensions, steering clearance, fender space, and suspension condition helps prevent surprises and is more useful than assuming that every 16-inch wheel will behave the same way.

Before putting a 1959 Aston Martin Mark back on the road, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the intended size and construction, and check inflation, valve stems, and overall clearance. It is also wise to look for suspension wear that could affect how the tires track or sit in the arches.

A collector car that sees limited use deserves an extra walk-around after the first few miles. Recheck pressure, look for any rub marks, and make sure the car steers cleanly from lock to lock, since an issue with wheel width, ride height, or alignment can reveal itself only after the tires are mounted and loaded.

Tires on a collector 1959 Aston Martin Mark should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread wear. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss all matter on a low-mileage car that may spend long periods parked.

Storage habits make a difference as well. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and occasional movement can reduce set-in flat spots, particularly on bias-ply tires. Any tire that shows significant aging or damage should be evaluated before the car returns to regular road use.