The 1959 Austin A 105 sits in an interesting postwar British touring-car space, blending family-car practicality with the character and road manners enthusiasts still appreciate in period saloons. Its tire choices reflect that same transition era. This model uses either a 640-15 bias-ply tire or a 185R15 radial, both on 15-inch wheels, so the key decision is whether to stay with a traditional period-style construction or choose a radial setup. Available options span blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments across several established vintage tire lines. For a restoration-minded car or a regularly driven one, wheel compatibility and the look you want are just as important as the size itself.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Austin A 105
The 1959 Austin A 105 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit a 15-inch rim. One is a traditional 640-15 bias-ply size and the other is a 185R15 radial, so the first step is deciding whether your car is set up for period-style bias-ply fitment or a radial tire arrangement.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size: 185 indicates the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1959 Austin A 105, this size gives you a radial-format option while keeping the same 15-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments across series such as Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, Coker Classic Radial, and Universal Sport. It is the size to evaluate when road use, radial construction, and appearance choice all matter.
640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 640 represents an approximate 6.40-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1959 Austin A 105, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and suits buyers who want a more period-style construction and presentation. Choices include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Super Safety Crossply, and Excelsior Bias Ply. It is the right size to review when preserving vintage character is part of the goal.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered Austin A 105 sub-model shares the same two tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so you can confirm whether the car is being kept in a bias-ply configuration or has been set up around a radial tire choice.
1
1959 Austin A 105 Six
The 1959 Austin A 105 Six uses the same 15-inch tire-size choices found at the model level, with both a 640-15 bias-ply option and a 185R15 radial option. That gives the owner room to choose between a traditional period-style bias-ply presentation and a radial tire setup with its own sidewall and series options.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1959 Austin A 105
For the original 640-15 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 175R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P185/70R15 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than wheel diameter, since all remain 15-inch radial alternatives to the bias-ply size. A 5-6 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should be checked before making the switch.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)
P175/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)
P185/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1959 Austin A 105 Tires for Sale
Available 1959 Austin A 105 tire choices cover both 185R15 radial and 640-15 bias-ply fitments, with brands including Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Excelsior. The main points to compare are construction, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility.
Common questions for the 1959 Austin A 105 center on its two primary tire sizes, 15-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for 640-15, and how sidewall style and construction affect restoration appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 Austin A 105?
The 1959 Austin A 105 uses two primary tire sizes: 640-15 in bias-ply construction and 185R15 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with 15-inch wheels, so the main distinction is not wheel diameter but tire type and sizing system.
That means the right choice depends on how the car is currently set up and what kind of result you want from the tire. A bias-ply 640-15 keeps a more traditional vintage format, while 185R15 follows a radial convention. Checking wheel width, suspension condition, and body clearance is smart before changing construction or moving from one size family to the other.
What size rim does a 1959 Austin A 105 use?
The tire sizes used on a 1959 Austin A 105 are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both the 640-15 bias-ply fitment and the 185R15 radial fitment use that same 15-inch wheel diameter, which simplifies the first stage of fitment confirmation.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing a traditional 640-15 bias-ply tire to a 185R15 radial or to radial equivalents for the bias-ply size. Measuring the wheels currently on the car is worthwhile, particularly if the Austin has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point.
Does the 1959 Austin A 105 Six use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1959 Austin A 105 Six uses the same tire-size choices as the model core: 640-15 in bias-ply form and 185R15 in radial form. Both of those fitments stay on a 15-inch rim, so there is consistency at the sub-model level.
The practical question is less about sub-model differences and more about which construction path matches the car in front of you. A period-style restoration may lean toward the 640-15 bias-ply format, while a car already equipped around radial use may call for 185R15. Wheel width and the vehicle’s actual current setup should guide the final decision.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 640-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 Austin A 105?
640-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Austin A 105. It uses the older numeric sizing format commonly seen on period vehicles, and the available products in this size are bias-ply designs rather than radial tires.
Choosing 640-15 usually means preserving a more traditional vintage tire format and appearance. That can be especially relevant if the car is being restored with a period-style presentation in mind. Before selecting one, it still helps to confirm wheel width and the car’s current configuration, since some Austin A 105 cars may already be running a radial-based setup instead.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 640-15?
Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. Those represent three different radial-size conventions: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all tied to the original 640-15 fitment.
Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic swap. The associated rim-width range for these equivalents is 5-6 inches, which makes wheel measurement especially important. Comparing the actual wheel width on the car, along with clearance at the fenders and steering components, is the sensible next step before converting from bias-ply.
What should I check before converting my 1959 Austin A 105 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming which bias-ply size is on the car and which radial size is being considered in its place. On the 1959 Austin A 105, that often means comparing the original 640-15 format with radial alternatives such as 175R15, P175/75R15, P185/70R15, or the primary 185R15 radial fitment.
Wheel width should be checked first, followed by overall tire clearance through steering travel and suspension movement. It also helps to inspect the condition of the wheels, suspension bushings, and alignment before the change. A collector car that has sat for long periods may need more than just new tires, especially if old components affect how a radial tire sits and tracks.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1959 Austin A 105?
The first decision is whether the car should run the 640-15 bias-ply size or the 185R15 radial size. Both fit 15-inch wheels, but they differ in construction, sizing format, sidewall presentation, and the type of driving experience and appearance an owner may want from the car.
After the correct size path is established, compare wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and load details where they are stated. A restoration-minded Austin may call for a traditional bias-ply look, while a driver-focused car may point toward a radial. The best choice depends on the car’s actual wheel setup, intended use, and the overall presentation you want.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Austin A 105 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1959 Austin A 105 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size and product line. Those options appear across both the 640-15 bias-ply range and the 185R15 radial range, giving the car noticeably different visual character without changing the basic wheel diameter.
That sidewall choice can shape the car’s overall look as much as the tread itself. Wide whitewalls tend to emphasize a stronger late-1950s period feel, while blackwalls are more restrained and redlines create a sportier visual note. Appearance alone should not drive the decision, though; the sidewall style still needs to be chosen within the correct size and construction for the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1959 Austin A 105?
Tires for the 1959 Austin A 105 are available from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Excelsior. Those brands cover both of the vehicle’s primary size paths, with radial offerings concentrated in 185R15 and bias-ply offerings centered on 640-15.
Brand is only one part of the selection process. It helps to compare each tire’s construction type, sidewall treatment, series character, and wheel-width suitability rather than choosing by name alone. On a car like the Austin A 105, the most useful match is the one that supports the right look and setup for the vehicle you actually have, not just the badge on the sidewall.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Austin A 105?
For a period-style 1959 Austin A 105, the 640-15 bias-ply fitment is the most natural starting point because it keeps the traditional numeric size format and vintage construction associated with the car’s era. Available versions include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments, depending on the product line.
The exact visual choice depends on how authentic or how personalized the restoration is meant to be. A buyer focused on historical presentation should compare sidewall style carefully and use marque-specific references if exact originality matters. Even on a restoration project, wheel width and the car’s current mechanical setup still deserve attention before settling on a final tire.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 Austin A 105?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Austin A 105 more than many owners expect. A 640-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 185R15 radial introduces a later-style radial format even when the wheel diameter remains the same at 15 inches.
That difference matters most when the restoration goal is tied closely to period feel. Sidewall treatment can push the look further, whether the choice is blackwall, whitewall, or redline. Appearance should still be balanced against how the car will be used, because a display-focused restoration and a regularly driven Austin may not call for the same construction choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Austin A 105?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1959 Austin A 105 even when the nominal size stays within the normal 640-15 or 185R15 range. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or bodywork variations can all alter how much room the tire has.
That is why a modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match stock clearances. Steering lock, fender gap, inner-wheelhouse space, and the relationship between the tire and suspension components all matter. A car that has been converted from bias-ply to radial construction deserves extra attention, since tread shape and wheel-width needs may differ from the original setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Austin A 105 on new tires?
Before driving a 1959 Austin A 105 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, make sure the rim diameter and width suit the tire being installed, and check that the tires are properly seated and inflated. It also helps to look over the valve stems and confirm there are no immediate signs of air loss.
The car itself deserves attention too. Steering components, suspension bushings, shocks, and alignment condition all influence how a new set of tires behaves on the road. A short, careful shakedown drive is a smart way to confirm there is no rubbing, pulling, or unusual vibration before the Austin is used for longer runs or higher-speed road driving.
How should tires on a collector 1959 Austin A 105 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1959 Austin A 105 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage.
Storage habits make a real difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and periodic movement can reduce flat-spotting during long storage periods. Any Austin that has been sitting should have its tires inspected closely before road use, since an older-looking tire can still hide age-related deterioration.
