1959 Bristol 406 Tires

The 1959 Bristol 406 uses two primary tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the Bristol 406 Base and both are built around a 16-inch rim, so the fitment question is more about construction and wheel setup than about different wheel diameters.

That means the next step is confirming what is actually on the car now, especially if it has been restored or changed over the years. A Bristol running 600-16 bias-ply tires may be aiming for a more traditional presentation, while a car using 175R16 radials follows a vintage European radial route. Wheel width, clearance, and the car’s intended use should be checked before changing from one size and construction type to the other.

The 1959 Bristol 406 uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 175R16 and 600-16. That shared rim diameter keeps the decision focused on tire size format and construction rather than switching to a different wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though, because wheel width still matters when comparing actual tires. Several 600-16 products call for narrow vintage wheel widths, and a radial setup should also be checked against the wheel’s dimensions before selection. Measuring the wheel on the car is especially useful when the Bristol has older replacement wheels or has been through a long-term restoration.

Yes. The 1959 Bristol 406 Base follows the same overall fitment pattern as the model core, with 175R16 radial and 600-16 bias-ply tire sizes associated with it. There is no separate sub-model-only size change within the covered Bristol 406 listing.

That simplifies the search, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. Because both a radial and a bias-ply size are associated with the Base model, the important step is verifying which construction and wheel setup your particular car is using now. That avoids ordering by assumption on a Bristol that may have been converted, re-wheeled, or set up for a specific restoration style.

For the 1959 Bristol 406, 600-16 is the bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, and the available products in this size are bias-ply offerings across several traditional series and sidewall styles rather than radial versions of the same code.

That matters because choosing 600-16 usually means choosing the more traditional construction route for the car’s appearance and setup. Bias-ply and radial tires can differ in feel and presentation, so the Bristol owner should confirm wheel condition, wheel width, and the overall goal for the car before making a change. Matching the tire choice to the car’s current setup is more useful than treating the two constructions as interchangeable.

A 1959 Bristol 406 can be found with either 600-16 bias-ply tires or 175R16 radials, both on 16-inch rims. The right direction depends less on the model name and more on whether the car is being kept in a traditional period-style setup or driven with a radial configuration already in place.

Bias-ply tires usually appeal to owners focused on vintage presentation, while 175R16 radials suit owners who want to stay within an appropriate older European radial format. The decision should be made after checking the actual wheels, the tire clearances, and any previous restoration or suspension changes. Keeping all four tires in the same construction type is also an important part of maintaining a coherent setup.

A Bristol 406 owner moving from 600-16 bias-ply tires to 175R16 radials should first confirm the 16-inch wheels, then verify the actual wheel width and the car’s available clearance at the fenders and steering components. The tire size may remain within the same general vintage range, but the construction and dimensions still need to be matched carefully to the car.

It also helps to inspect the suspension, steering, and alignment condition before making the change, especially on a collector car that may have sat for long periods. Radial conversion is best approached as a complete setup check rather than just a tire purchase. Any aftermarket wheels, brake changes, or ride-height alterations should be reviewed before selecting the final radial fitment.

Start with the basics: 600-16 is the bias-ply fitment path for the 1959 Bristol 406, so the first consideration is whether your car is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup. From there, compare the available tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width specifications where stated, because those details shape both the look of the car and how closely the tire suits the wheel.

The 600-16 range includes blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options, along with several different vintage-style series. Some products also differ in load figures, pressure references, and weight. A buyer choosing for touring use may focus on one set of priorities, while a restoration-oriented owner may focus more on appearance. Matching the tire to the Bristol’s intended use is more important than choosing by sidewall style alone.

For 600-16 tires on the 1959 Bristol 406, the available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices give the car very different visual character even when the tire size and basic bias-ply construction stay the same.

Blackwall tires usually create the most restrained and utilitarian look, while whitewall treatments bring a more formal period presentation. The right choice depends on how the Bristol is being restored or displayed, not just on fitment. Since sidewall style does not change the need for correct sizing and wheel compatibility, it is best treated as an appearance decision after the basic size and construction have already been confirmed.

The 600-16 tire size for the 1959 Bristol 406 is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several vintage-style series, mostly in bias-ply construction and with a mix of blackwall and whitewall presentations.

Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only deciding factor. It is worth looking at the series name, sidewall treatment, rim-width guidance where stated, and any load information that applies to the exact tire. On a car like the Bristol 406, appearance and correct overall setup usually matter just as much as the brand name molded into the sidewall.

For a period-style 1959 Bristol 406, the 600-16 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it reflects the traditional construction and sizing language associated with the car’s era. Within that size, the choice can then move toward blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall depending on the visual direction of the restoration.

A period-style result does not automatically mean there is only one correct appearance for every Bristol 406. Buyers aiming for high-level authenticity should compare the tire choice against marque-specific restoration references, period photography, and the individual car’s history. That extra step matters most when the goal goes beyond vintage character and into exact presentation for judging or historical accuracy.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1959 Bristol 406 more than many owners expect. A 600-16 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional mid-century presentation, while a 175R16 radial places it in an older European radial format that may suit a more road-oriented setup but can shift the visual feel.

Construction choice also influences which sidewall treatments and series are available to support the restoration theme. The broadest appearance range here sits with 600-16 bias-ply options, especially for buyers considering whitewall or double-whitewall styles. Anyone pursuing a highly specific historical look should evaluate the complete wheel-and-tire presentation together rather than judging the size code alone.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1959 Bristol 406 even when the intended size is one of the correct period choices such as 600-16 or 175R16. Wheel replacements, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or bodywork repairs can all affect how much room the tire actually has.

That is why the wheel and car should be checked as they sit today, especially on a hand-built or long-restored grand touring car where previous work may not be obvious. Steering lock clearance, fender clearance, and the relationship between tire and wheel width all deserve attention. A size that is appropriate for the model still needs to suit the specific Bristol in front of you.

Before driving a 1959 Bristol 406 on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, then confirm the tires are mounted in the intended construction and size for the car’s setup. It also makes sense to check valve stems, balance, and basic inflation before the first real road test.

The car itself should get equal attention. Look over steering components, suspension bushings, shocks, and alignment, because fresh tires can highlight problems that old tires were masking. A short local drive is a better first step than a long highway outing. After that, recheck pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven contact that suggest a setup issue.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Bristol 406 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car runs 600-16 bias-ply tires or 175R16 radials, owners should watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, especially when the car spends long stretches parked.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used Bristol. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming low mileage means low risk. Age and storage history can matter as much as tread depth on a collector vehicle.