1959 Humber Super Snipe Tires

The 1959 Humber Super Snipe is associated with two primary tire sizes: 185R15 in radial construction and 775-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the sizing system and tire construction.

That means the real choice is whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply format or set up around a radial tire. Before choosing either size, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and look for any previous wheel or suspension changes that could affect clearance or the way a different construction sits on the vehicle.

The 1959 Humber Super Snipe uses a 15-inch rim with both of its associated tire sizes, 185R15 and 775-15. Even though the tire formats differ, the rim diameter stays the same across those fitments.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to verify the actual wheel width before selecting a specific tire. That matters even more if the car has replacement wheels, since some available tires in these sizes are designed around narrower or wider approved rim-width ranges than others.

On a 1959 Humber Super Snipe, 775-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 775 indicates an approximate 7.75-inch nominal section width, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches.

This format points to a traditional bias-ply tire rather than a radial, so it affects both appearance and construction choice. Buyers looking at 775-15 should focus on whether they want a period-style presentation with options such as blackwall, whitewall, goldline, or redline, while also confirming that the car's wheels match the tire's approved rim-width requirements.

For the 1959 Humber Super Snipe, 775-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric format associated with vintage bias-ply construction, while 185R15 represents the radial-format option tied to the same 15-inch rim diameter.

That distinction matters because choosing 775-15 is not just choosing a size, but choosing a classic construction style and the period look that comes with it. Anyone moving away from it should compare wheel width, available clearance, and the intended use of the car rather than assuming any radial alternative will behave or fit exactly the same way.

Radial equivalents for 775-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. These give the 1959 Humber Super Snipe owner several different radial-format paths to consider.

Each of those alternatives should be treated as a comparison point rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the car's actual wheel width, fender and steering clearance, and whether the goal is a more traditional appearance or a more modern radial presentation.

A 1959 Humber Super Snipe can be approached either way, since it is associated with both 775-15 bias-ply and 185R15 radial fitments. The better choice depends less on a universal rule and more on whether the car is being preserved in a traditional visual style or prepared for regular road use with a radial-format tire.

Bias-ply tires keep the vintage sizing system and open up classic sidewall treatments, while radial options bring a different construction type and a separate range of products. The smartest approach is to decide the car's role first, then verify wheel width, tire clearance, and overall compatibility before changing construction.

Start with the fact that 775-15 is the bias-ply path for a 1959 Humber Super Snipe, so the decision includes both construction and appearance. In this size, choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Goodyear, along with blackwall, narrow whitewall, goldline, redline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak sidewall treatments.

After confirming that bias-ply is the direction you want, compare the specific rim-width requirements and load figures tied to each product. The right tire often comes down to how the car is being presented, how closely the sidewall style matches the desired period look, and whether the existing wheels match the tire's approved fitment range.

The 1959 Humber Super Snipe has a wide spread of sidewall choices depending on tire size and construction. Across the available 185R15 and 775-15 options, sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak.

That variety allows the tire to shape the car's visual tone as much as its fitment. A buyer choosing between them should first settle on the correct size and construction, then use the sidewall treatment to support either a restrained touring-sedan look or a more expressive late-1950s custom or restoration-oriented presentation.

Tires for the 1959 Humber Super Snipe are available from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Goodyear. Those brands are spread across the car's two fitment directions, with radial choices centered around 185R15 and bias-ply choices centered around 775-15.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor, because the available products also differ by tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, weight, and in some cases load capacity. It is more useful to compare the full tire configuration that suits the car's intended appearance and driving use than to choose by name alone.

For a period-style 1959 Humber Super Snipe, the 775-15 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric format and opens up traditional sidewall treatments. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, blue dot, and other classic presentations are all available within that bias-ply size.

The best choice depends on what kind of late-1950s look the car is meant to carry, since not every sidewall treatment will suit every restoration goal. Owners pursuing strict originality should compare the intended tire against marque references or period photos, while others may simply want a visually appropriate tire that complements the car's era.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1959 Humber Super Snipe as much as the size marking on the sidewall. A 775-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage format, while an 185R15 radial gives the car a more modern radial-style presentation even though both fit a 15-inch rim.

That visual difference matters on a formal British sedan where wheel and tire proportions are part of the car's character. Buyers who want a traditional restoration look often stay close to the bias-ply presentation, while those prioritizing road use may consider radial options and then choose sidewall styling that still feels sympathetic to the era.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Humber Super Snipe even when the car is using one of the correct 15-inch tire sizes. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or bodywork differences can all change how either a 775-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial sits in the car.

A car that has been lowered, widened, or fitted with non-original wheels should be measured rather than judged by size code alone. It is smart to confirm wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before final tire selection, especially when changing from bias-ply to radial construction or evaluating one of the 775-15 radial-equivalent sizes.

Before driving a 1959 Humber Super Snipe on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 15-inch diameter and proper width, then check that the tires seat correctly and clear the suspension and bodywork. Tire pressure, valve condition, lug security, and any signs of rubbing should also be reviewed before normal road use.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step because it can reveal steering interference, unusual vibration, or contact that is not obvious when the car is stationary. It also helps to recheck pressure and fastener tightness after the initial miles, particularly on a collector car that may have sat for long periods before the tire change.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Humber Super Snipe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and careful storage practices. Whether the car carries 775-15 bias-ply tires or 185R15 radials, watch for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Humber. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspection remains important even when tread looks good because age and inactivity can affect a collector vehicle's roadworthiness long before the tread is worn out.