1960 Alvis TD 21 Tires

The 1960 Alvis TD 21 uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 640-15 and 670-15. Both sizes are built for 15-inch rims, and the Base sub-model is associated with both, so this car is not limited to a single size across every example.

That means the right starting point is the car in front of you rather than the model name alone. Check the tires already on the car, confirm the wheel diameter, and compare the wheel width before selecting a replacement. Once the existing setup is verified, the choice becomes much easier, whether the goal is a traditional blackwall, a whitewall presentation, or a radial-equivalent alternative.

The 1960 Alvis TD 21 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 640-15 and 670-15. Even though the tire size can vary, the wheel diameter remains the same across those fitments.

Rim diameter is only one part of the check, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel width before choosing a tire, because product options in these sizes can call for different rim-width ranges. That extra step helps avoid selecting a tire that matches the diameter but is less appropriate for the wheel already on the car.

A 640-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 640 refers to an approximate 6.40-inch nominal section width, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches.

For a 1960 Alvis TD 21, that size points to a traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial format. Understanding the code helps when comparing replacement choices, because a 640-15 blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall may all share the same basic size while presenting the car very differently. It also helps separate the original-style size from modern radial equivalents that use an entirely different numbering system.

On a 1960 Alvis TD 21, 640-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It belongs to the vintage numeric bias-ply system rather than a modern radial sizing format.

That matters because staying with 640-15 bias-ply preserves the original-style construction and opens up classic blackwall and whitewall choices. Radial alternatives do exist in equivalent sizing, but they should be evaluated separately rather than treated as the same tire in a different construction. A careful check of wheel width, overall fitment, and the car's intended use helps determine whether keeping bias-ply construction or moving to a radial equivalent makes more sense.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These options give the 1960 Alvis TD 21 several modern-format alternatives to the original bias-ply size.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative, not as an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5-7 inches, and the final choice should still be checked against the car's actual wheel width, tire clearance, and overall stance. The bias-look radial is especially useful for owners who want radial construction while keeping a more traditional visual presentation.

Start by identifying whether the car is currently set up for 640-15 or 670-15, then compare the appropriate radial-equivalent size for that original fitment. For 640-15, the radial equivalents are 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. For 670-15, the equivalents are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15.

The next step is confirming the wheel itself. Equivalent radials should be checked against rim width, overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance rather than assumed to match automatically. On a car of this era, suspension condition and any past wheel changes can also influence the result. That kind of verification is especially important when moving from original-style bias-ply construction to a more modern radial format.

Choosing a 640-15 tire for a 1960 Alvis TD 21 starts with confirming that 640-15 is the size already fitted to the car. From there, the main considerations are bias-ply construction, the visual effect of blackwall versus whitewall styling, and the tire series or brand that best matches the way the car will be used.

Product details can matter within the same size. Some 640-15 options differ in rim-width compatibility, weight, and load figures, while others change the car's appearance more than its basic fitment. A buyer focused on traditional presentation may lean toward a classic bias-ply whitewall, while someone prioritizing a simpler look may prefer a blackwall. Matching the tire to the actual wheel and the car's intended character is the key step.

1960 Alvis TD 21 tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the tire size and product selected. Those sidewall treatments appear across both 640-15 and 670-15 offerings, although the number of choices is greater in 670-15.

Sidewall style changes the personality of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on a formal British touring car. A blackwall gives a restrained, understated presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the look toward a more period-flavored visual statement. Since sidewall style does not answer the fitment question by itself, it is best chosen after the correct size and wheel compatibility have already been confirmed.

The 1960 Alvis TD 21 has tire options from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, Excelsior, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Goodyear, and STA, depending on whether the car uses 640-15 or 670-15. Some brands appear in both sizes, while others are specific to one size or a narrower range of sidewall styles.

Brand choice is most useful when combined with the rest of the fitment picture. Two tires can share the same nominal size and still differ in sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width recommendation, weight, or load figure. Instead of choosing by brand name alone, narrow the search to the correct size first, then compare which products align best with the car's wheel setup, appearance goals, and planned driving use.

A period-style 1960 Alvis TD 21 usually begins with one of its original-format bias-ply sizes, either 640-15 or 670-15, depending on the setup already on the car. Within those sizes, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options can all create different period-flavored presentations.

The most suitable choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual character is desired. Buyers aiming for a historically grounded look often keep the bias-ply construction and choose a sidewall style that suits the car's trim and era. When exact originality matters, marque references, period photography, and vehicle-specific restoration documentation are the best guides for narrowing the appearance details.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1960 Alvis TD 21; it also changes the visual character of the car. A bias-ply tire preserves the traditional profile and presentation associated with the car's period, while a radial alternative introduces a more modern sizing format and appearance.

That difference is why many restoration-oriented owners start by deciding whether visual authenticity or modernized road use is the higher priority. A standard radial equivalent can alter the overall look even when the rim diameter stays the same, while a bias-look radial may help bridge that gap. The right choice comes from balancing the car's intended use with the style of restoration being pursued.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Alvis TD 21 even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body and fender modifications can all influence how a 640-15, 670-15, or radial-equivalent tire sits and clears.

That is especially important on a car associated with two primary sizes. A TD 21 that has been changed over the years may no longer match the fitment assumptions suggested by the model name alone. Checking actual wheel diameter and width, then verifying steering and fender clearance at full lock and full suspension movement, gives a far better answer than relying on size markings alone.

Before driving a 1960 Alvis TD 21 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tire mounting itself, then confirm pressure and basic clearance around the fenders and steering components. On a collector car, it also makes sense to look over suspension condition and wheel hardware before putting road miles on a freshly fitted set.

A short, careful initial drive is a smart follow-up. Listen for rubbing, watch for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the tires have settled in. Since this car can use either 640-15 or 670-15, any mismatch between the tires and the wheel setup may show up quickly once the car is moving. Catching those issues early helps protect both the tires and the vehicle.

Collector-car tires on a 1960 Alvis TD 21 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Whether the car wears 640-15 or 670-15 tires, low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and persistent air loss deserve attention even when tread wear looks minimal.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful outing rather than only at service intervals. On a lightly used grand touring car, age and condition usually become the deciding factors long before tread depth does.