The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire belongs to the final years of a distinguished British luxury marque, and it carries the formal, long-distance character expected of an upper-class saloon from that period. Tire choice matters here because the car sits at the intersection of traditional bias-ply fitment and later radial touring practice. The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire uses either a 670-16 bias-ply or a 185R16 radial on 16-inch rims. That opens the door to comparing period-style bias-ply presentation against blackwall radial options from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. The right choice depends on whether the priority is restoration character, road manners, or confirming the wheel setup already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire
The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire uses two primary tire sizes, both on 16-inch rims: a 670-16 bias-ply and a 185R16 radial. Because the covered Sapphire sub-model can use either size, the first step is confirming whether the car is set up for its traditional bias-ply fitment or has moved to a radial configuration so the tire construction and wheel compatibility match the car's intended use.
185R16 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire, this size represents the radial option and suits owners looking for a later-style touring setup on the same 16-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include blackwall tires from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein across series such as Michelin X Radial, Turbosteel CR6D, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to evaluate when the car is already on radial-compatible wheels or when a traditional-looking blackwall radial is the goal.
670-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 670 represents a nominal section width of about 6.70 inches and 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. For the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and keeps the car in its earlier construction style. Blackwall options are available from Firestone and Avon in series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Turbospeed Mk4. It is the size to consider when preserving a period-style driving and visual character matters more than changing over to radial construction.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire sub-model can use the same two 16-inch tire formats. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire choice stays aligned with the car's current wheel and construction setup.
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1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 346 Saloon
The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 346 Saloon can be fitted with either the 670-16 bias-ply size or the 185R16 radial size. That means the selection process is less about identifying a different trim fitment and more about deciding whether the car should remain in a period-style bias-ply configuration or move forward with a blackwall radial setup.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire Tires for Sale
Available choices for the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire include 185R16 radial options from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, plus 670-16 bias-ply options from Firestone and Avon. The product grid is most useful for comparing construction, tire series, blackwall presentation, and rim-width specifications within the correct size.
Owners of a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire usually need clarity on the two correct tire sizes, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial selection, and how to choose a tire that suits restoration goals as well as road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire uses two primary tire sizes: 670-16 in bias-ply construction and 185R16 in radial construction. Both sizes are built for 16-inch rims, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but tire construction and the way the car is set up to use it.
That makes the real decision one of configuration rather than simply picking any 16-inch tire. A Sapphire that remains close to period specification may stay with 670-16 bias-ply tires, while a car set up for radial use may run 185R16. Confirm the wheel width, the tire construction already on the car, and available clearance before changing from one size format to the other.
What size rim does a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire use?
Both tire sizes used on the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire are designed for 16-inch rims. The radial 185R16 and the bias-ply 670-16 share the same rim diameter, which simplifies the first stage of fitment compared with vehicles that use more than one wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Product specifications in these sizes show different rim-width ranges, so the actual wheel width still matters before choosing a tire. A car that has had replacement wheels fitted over the years should be measured rather than assumed, especially if the goal is to move between bias-ply and radial construction.
Does the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 346 Saloon use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 346 Saloon uses the same two primary size paths as the model core: 670-16 for bias-ply fitment and 185R16 for radial fitment. That means there is no separate sub-model-only diameter or special size to chase for this saloon.
The practical question is which setup the individual car is using now. A restored car may still be on its traditional bias-ply format, while a regularly driven example may have been converted to radials. Checking the wheels on the car, the current tire markings, and overall clearance will prevent choosing a size purely by appearance or assumption.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
670-16 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to many period cars, with 670 indicating a nominal section width of about 6.70 inches and 16 indicating the wheel diameter in inches.
Choosing 670-16 generally points toward a more traditional period-style setup in both construction and appearance. That can matter on a restoration-oriented saloon where the owner wants to retain a classic presentation. Before installing one, verify that the wheel width suits the tire and make sure the car is not currently configured around a radial size and profile.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
A 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire can be set up with either 670-16 bias-ply tires or 185R16 radial tires. Bias-ply keeps the car in its traditional construction style, while 185R16 represents the radial path on the same 16-inch rim diameter.
The better choice depends on what matters most for the car. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the period-style look and feel of bias-ply construction, while a driver-focused owner may want the Sapphire on blackwall radials from the available 185R16 range. Wheel width, current tire setup, and clearance should all be checked before changing constructions.
What should I check before converting my 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first items to confirm are the wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the tire size being used now. On the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire, a move from 670-16 bias-ply to 185R16 radial keeps the 16-inch diameter, but it still changes the tire format and the wheel requirements that go with it.
A careful conversion also means checking front and rear clearance, steering movement, and suspension condition so the radial tire is not being asked to solve unrelated mechanical issues. It is also wise to inspect for older replacement wheels or previous modifications. Matching the new construction to a sound chassis setup is more important than simply choosing a similar-looking size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
Start with the correct size and construction for the way the car is set up. The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire uses either a 670-16 bias-ply or a 185R16 radial, both on 16-inch rims, so the main decision is whether the car should stay with its traditional format or use a radial configuration.
After that, compare details that affect compatibility and character, such as rim-width requirements, brand, and tire series. A restoration-oriented owner may focus on period-style bias-ply presentation, while a regular road-use owner may want one of the available blackwall radials. The current wheels on the car should guide the decision as much as appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
Tires for the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire are available from Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, and Firestone. Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein appear in the 185R16 radial size, while Firestone and Avon are available in the 670-16 bias-ply size.
That mix gives buyers a useful way to narrow choices by construction first and brand second. Once the correct size path is established, the comparison can move to tire series, blackwall appearance, and wheel-width compatibility. It is best to avoid choosing by brand name alone until the car's present tire setup and the intended use of the saloon are confirmed.
What tire series are available for the 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
The 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire has several distinct tire series available depending on size and construction. In 185R16 radial form, choices include Michelin X Radial, Turbosteel CR6D, and Sprint Classic. In 670-16 bias-ply form, options include Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Turbospeed Mk4.
Those series names matter because they help separate a traditional bias-ply selection from a vintage-style radial touring option. Once the correct tire size is established, the series can guide the final choice alongside brand and wheel-width fitment. Looking at series within the right construction type keeps the selection process focused and avoids comparing unlike setups.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
For a period-style 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire, the 670-16 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the traditional tire format associated with the car's era. Available blackwall bias-ply choices in that size keep the visual presentation closer to an original-style luxury saloon stance.
That does not mean every period-style restoration must use the same brand or series. If exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references and restoration records are worth checking before making the final selection. For many owners, the key is choosing the correct size and construction first, then selecting a blackwall tire that supports the car's intended look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
Tire construction can change the overall impression of a restored 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire even when the wheel diameter stays at 16 inches. A 670-16 bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional format, while a 185R16 radial gives the Sapphire a later-style blackwall touring presentation.
That visual difference matters on a formal British saloon where stance and sidewall character are part of the car's presence. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented result often decide on construction before comparing brands or series. The closer the project is to period appearance, the more important it becomes to treat construction as part of the overall restoration decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire even though both primary sizes use a 16-inch rim. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all change the amount of space available for either a 670-16 bias-ply or a 185R16 radial.
A car that has been changed over the years should be inspected as it sits rather than treated as a stock reference example. Measuring the actual wheels and checking steering and fender clearance are worthwhile before mounting new tires. That is especially important when switching construction types, since the car may no longer match its earlier wheel and suspension setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are properly seated, and confirm there is no interference through full steering travel. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so new tires are not paired with worn or unstable hardware.
A collector-era saloon should also have its tire pressures checked carefully and be watched for any early signs of air loss after installation. Short initial drives help reveal rubbing, vibration, or handling changes before the car is used at length. Catching those issues early protects both the tires and the driving character of the Sapphire.
How should tires on a collector 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1960 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread. Low-mileage classic cars often spend long periods parked, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss deserve as much attention as miles driven.
Storage conditions matter, too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, whether it is running 670-16 bias-ply tires or 185R16 radials. A brief inspection before each outing and a closer check before a longer drive will usually reveal developing issues before they become roadside problems.
