1959 Chevrolet Corvette Tires

The primary tire size for a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is 670-15. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Corvette Base sub-model uses that same fitment rather than a different original size.

Since there is one main size to work from, the selection process usually shifts to construction and appearance. A buyer should still confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car, especially if the Corvette has been modified over the years, and then compare sidewall style, brand, rim-width specification, and whether a radial equivalent is being considered.

The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette uses a 15-inch rim with its 670-15 tire fitment. That 15-inch diameter is the wheel size tied to the original-style bias-ply setup and is also the basis for the radial-equivalent sizes associated with 670-15.

Wheel diameter is the first thing to verify before buying tires, because a 15-inch tire must be matched to a 15-inch wheel. Rim width matters too, particularly when comparing among available 670-15 products or evaluating a radial alternative, so the actual wheel on the car should be measured if there is any doubt about originality.

On a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 670 indicates an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, while the 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches for the wheel the tire is built to fit.

That older sizing format matters because it points you toward period-style bias-ply choices rather than modern metric tires as the primary fitment. It also helps explain why radial alternatives are expressed in different formats such as 195R15 or P205/75R15, which should be treated as equivalents to evaluate rather than as automatic substitutions.

For the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available original-style fitment choices in this size are bias-ply tires, which is consistent with the period construction and visual character many Corvette restorations aim to preserve.

That does not prevent a radial-equivalent search, but it does mean bias-ply is the starting point for authentic-looking fitment. Anyone moving away from bias-ply should verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance instead of assuming any radial with a similar number will behave or sit the same on the car.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial format that keeps a more traditional visual presentation.

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to compare, not as a guaranteed swap. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and the buyer should also compare the actual wheel on the Corvette, plus steering and fender clearance, before changing construction.

Start by confirming that the Corvette still has 15-inch wheels and that the wheel width suits the radial-equivalent size being considered. For the 670-15 fitment family, the radial equivalents use the same rim diameter, but wheel width, tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance still need to be checked carefully.

Conversion decisions should also account for how the car is used. A restoration-oriented car may benefit from staying with bias-ply appearance, while a driver may lean toward a radial alternative after verifying clearance, suspension condition, and the overall stance the owner wants to keep on the finished car.

Start with the correct 670-15 size and make sure the tire matches the 15-inch wheel on the car. From there, the key variables are bias-ply construction, rim-width specification, load figure where stated, and whether the goal is a blackwall look, a narrow whitewall, or a wider whitewall presentation.

The right choice depends on how the Corvette is being finished and used. A restoration-minded owner may focus on period-style appearance, while a road-use owner may spend more time comparing tire series and wheel compatibility. It also helps to inspect whether the car still has stock-style wheels or has been changed over time.

The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette's 670-15 tire options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That range gives the car very different visual personalities even when the underlying size stays the same, from a more understated look to a stronger late-1950s whitewall presentation.

Sidewall choice should follow the overall look of the car rather than assumptions about exact factory presentation. Owners pursuing a strict restoration often compare period photos and marque references, while drivers building a personal period-style look may simply choose the sidewall treatment that best suits the wheel cover, body color, and stance.

Available 670-15 tires for the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette include offerings from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Avon, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic-style tire lines, with both blackwall and whitewall treatments represented in the size.

Brand choice is best treated as part of a broader comparison rather than the only decision. It helps to look at sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, weight, and load information where available, then match those details to whether the Corvette is being restored for show presentation or driven more regularly.

A period-style 1959 Chevrolet Corvette usually starts with the 670-15 bias-ply size, because that keeps the tire in the vintage format associated with the car's original era. From there, the real choice becomes sidewall presentation, brand, and tire series rather than moving immediately to a different primary size.

Appearance goals matter here. A blackwall gives one kind of late-1950s sports-car look, while narrow and wide whitewalls create very different visual emphasis. If exact originality is important, it is worth comparing the car against marque-club guidance, period photography, and restoration records before settling on a specific whitewall treatment.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1959 Chevrolet Corvette; it also changes how the car presents visually. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the vintage sizing format and traditional sidewall proportions associated with the period, while a radial equivalent introduces a more modern construction even when the rim diameter stays the same.

That difference is why many restoration-minded owners begin with bias-ply tires, then compare radial alternatives only if road-use priorities outweigh strict period presentation. A bias-look radial can be a useful middle ground, but wheel compatibility and the finished look on the car still deserve a careful check before making the switch.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette even when the intended tire size is still 670-15 or one of its radial equivalents. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearance can alter how much room the tire has during steering and suspension movement.

That is why an older Corvette should be checked as it actually sits today rather than assumed to match stock dimensions. Measuring the wheel, looking at fender and steering clearance, and confirming there is no rubbing at full lock or compression can prevent problems that a simple tire-size match would not reveal.

Before driving a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, check for any interference around the fenders and steering components, and verify that lug hardware is secure.

A collector car benefits from a broader check before road use. Sidewall clearance, suspension condition, brake function, and steering response all matter, especially after a tire change. A short local test drive followed by another walk-around can catch rubbing, air loss, or installation issues before the car is taken on a longer trip.

670-15 tires on a collector 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Even if the car is driven only occasionally, tires still need attention for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, because age and storage conditions matter on collector vehicles.

Maintenance also means watching the car's setup over time. Keeping the Corvette away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while periodic inspections of alignment and suspension condition help prevent wear issues. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration deserves professional evaluation before road use.