1959 Riley Two Point Six Tires

The 1959 Riley Two Point Six is associated with two tire sizes: 670-15 in bias-ply construction and 195R15 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim, so the fitment question centers more on construction choice and the car's actual setup than on a change in wheel diameter.

That means the next step is confirming whether the car is currently equipped for a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial configuration. On a restored or long-stored British saloon, it is also smart to verify actual wheel width, tire clearance, and any previous wheel changes before selecting between the two size conventions.

The tire sizes associated with the 1959 Riley Two Point Six use a 15-inch rim diameter. Both the 670-15 bias-ply size and the 195R15 radial size are built around that same 15-inch wheel diameter, which keeps the rim-size question straightforward even though two sizing formats appear.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment decision. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has had replacement wheels installed at some point, and that becomes more important when comparing a traditional 670-15 bias-ply tire against radial-equivalent alternatives that can have different width and profile relationships.

The 1959 Riley Two Point Six Base is associated with the same two fitment paths found on the model core: 670-15 as a bias-ply size and 195R15 as a radial size. In practical terms, the Base model does not introduce a separate rim diameter or a unique size outside those two options.

That keeps sub-model fitment simple, but it still helps to inspect the car rather than relying only on the badge. Many collector cars have changed wheels or changed tire construction over time, so confirming the wheel dimensions and the vehicle's current stance can prevent choosing a tire that conflicts with the existing setup.

670-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Riley Two Point Six. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply format associated with the car and is offered in period-style series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations depending on the product chosen.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the visual character and the setup of the car differently than a radial. Owners considering a switch should confirm wheel width, tire clearance, and the condition of steering and suspension components before moving away from the original-style construction approach.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 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 equivalent. These options give the 1959 Riley Two Point Six several radial sizing paths while staying in the same general fitment family.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic swap. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 5-7 inches, and it is still wise to compare the tire against the car's wheel width, body clearance, and current suspension condition before committing to a conversion.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the existing 670-15 fitment. The 1959 Riley Two Point Six can be evaluated around radial alternatives such as 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15, but each should be checked individually.

Condition matters as much as sizing on a collector-era saloon. Steering joints, bushings, alignment, ride height, and fender clearance should all be inspected so the radial choice matches the car's real-world setup, especially if the car has seen wheel changes, suspension work, or years of limited use.

The main factors are sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel compatibility within the 670-15 bias-ply size. This size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, with offerings from Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Coker Classic, Avon, and STA.

A buyer restoring the car's period feel may focus first on visual presentation, while a road-use owner may pay closer attention to rim-width specifications and load figures where those are given. Matching the tire to the car's existing wheels and intended use is more useful than choosing only by brand name.

For the 1959 Riley Two Point Six, the available 670-15 bias-ply products include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives the owner a broad range of traditional visual choices, from a more understated touring look to a stronger period-style whitewall presentation.

The right sidewall depends on the character of the individual car and the way it is being restored or presented. Whitewall width can noticeably change the overall look of a late-1950s British saloon, so it helps to consider wheel finish, trim level, and the car's intended appearance before settling on a sidewall treatment.

The 670-15 fitment for the 1959 Riley Two Point Six is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, which gives the car a wider range of period-style replacement choices than many niche British applications.

Brand alone should not make the decision. It is more useful to compare the exact series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and any stated load details that matter for the car's use, especially when trying to balance traditional appearance with practical road-going expectations on a restored vehicle.

A 670-15 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point for a period-style 1959 Riley Two Point Six because it preserves the traditional numeric sizing format and the visual character associated with a late-1950s saloon. Within that size, the choice can then shift toward blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation.

For many restorations, appearance matters as much as fitment, but exact originality should be checked against marque references and vehicle-specific history when that level of detail is important. The best practical approach is to match the size first, then choose the sidewall treatment and series that suit the car's restoration goals.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1959 Riley Two Point Six; it also changes how the car presents visually. A 670-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage look, while a 195R15 or other radial alternative introduces a more modern sizing convention and visual impression.

That difference becomes especially noticeable on a formal late-1950s British saloon where wheel and tire proportions contribute strongly to the finished stance. Owners who want a radial but still prefer a classic appearance may also consider a 670R15 bias-look radial, while still checking wheel compatibility before making the change.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Riley Two Point Six even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all change how a 670-15 or 195R15 tire sits within the wheel opening and steering range.

A car that has been restored over many decades may not match its original wheel and suspension condition anymore. Measuring the installed wheels and checking steering lock, fender clearance, and rear-arch space is a sensible step before choosing either the traditional bias-ply size or one of the available radial alternatives.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the new tires seat properly, and check for adequate clearance at the fenders and steering components. On a 1959 Riley Two Point Six, it also makes sense to look over suspension and steering parts that may have aged while the car was stored.

Collector cars often accumulate little mileage but still suffer from age-related issues. Tire pressure, lug fastener security, tread condition, visible sidewall damage, and any signs of rubbing should all be checked during the first short drives so the car can be evaluated carefully before longer touring use.

670-15 tires on a collector 1959 Riley Two Point Six should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and monitored for air loss if the car spends long periods parked. Storage conditions also matter, especially for a seldom-driven car kept through seasonal changes.

Heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and long exposure to ozone sources can shorten tire life even when tread wear is minimal. Moving the car periodically, checking the tires before each outing, and having any questionable condition reviewed by a qualified tire professional are sensible habits for safe vintage road use.