1960 Austin A 105 Tires

The 1960 Austin A 105 uses two recognized tire sizes: 640-15 in a bias-ply construction and 185R15 in a radial construction. Both sizes are associated with this model on a 15-inch wheel, so the fitment question is really tied to construction choice as much as the size itself.

That means the next step is deciding whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial-style setup. Wheel width, overall tire proportions, and clearance should still be confirmed on the actual car, especially if it has replacement wheels or has been altered during past restoration work.

The 1960 Austin A 105 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its associated tire sizes, 640-15 and 185R15. Even though the tire constructions differ, the wheel diameter remains the same, which simplifies the basic rim-diameter part of the fitment decision.

Rim diameter alone is not the whole story, however. Bias-ply and radial products in these sizes can call for different rim-width ranges, so the actual wheel width on the car should be checked before making a final tire choice. That becomes especially important when the car no longer has its original wheels.

The 1960 Austin A 105 Six is associated with the same two tire-size paths as the model core: 640-15 bias-ply and 185R15 radial. That keeps fitment relatively simple, since the decision does not revolve around changing rim diameter or chasing a different sub-model-specific tire size.

What matters most is choosing the setup that matches the car's intended use and appearance. A period-style restoration may lean toward the 640-15 bias-ply route, while regular road use may lead an owner to evaluate the 185R15 radial path. Sidewall style and wheel width should be confirmed before ordering.

640-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1960 Austin A 105. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to vintage cars, and it is offered in traditional bias-ply product lines with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

Choosing 640-15 generally points toward a more period-style look and a traditional construction type. That does not mean every 15-inch wheel is automatically suitable, because rim width still matters across available products. The car's actual wheel setup should be checked before selecting among the bias-ply options in this size.

Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 6 inches is associated with these radial-equivalent options.

Those sizes give the owner several radial-format alternatives without changing away from a 15-inch wheel diameter. They should still be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutes, since wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and body all need to be verified before a conversion from bias-ply to radial is finalized.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size against available rim-width guidance. For a 640-15 conversion path, the radial equivalents include 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15, and that group is associated with a 5 to 6 inch rim-width range.

Clearance should be checked at the fenders, steering, and suspension once the wheel dimensions are known. A car that has seen wheel changes, suspension work, or body repair may not behave like a stock example. The goal is to confirm compatibility at the wheel and vehicle level, not just to match numbers on the sidewall.

A 640-15 choice starts with keeping the Austin on its traditional bias-ply fitment. From there, the decision usually comes down to the visual style you want, since this size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior.

Rim-width compatibility is also worth comparing because products in this size do not all share the same wheel-width specifications. Buyers focused on restoration appearance may prioritize sidewall treatment first, while others may compare tire series and construction details more closely. Matching the tire to the wheel and the car's intended use matters most.

The 1960 Austin A 105 has a broad sidewall range across its available tires. Blackwall appears in both 640-15 bias-ply and 185R15 radial offerings, while narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments are also available depending on the size and tire series being considered.

That variety allows the tire to shape the car's presentation as much as its construction choice does. A wide whitewall pushes the car toward an earlier touring look, a blackwall keeps things restrained, and a redline gives the radial route a more distinctive vintage flavor. Sidewall style should be selected alongside the correct size and wheel fit.

Tires for the 1960 Austin A 105 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Excelsior. Those brands cover both the 640-15 bias-ply path and the 185R15 radial path, so the brand choice is tied closely to the construction and sidewall style you want.

A helpful way to compare them is by looking at tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability instead of searching for a single brand answer. Some buyers will focus on a classic bias-ply series and whitewall style, while others will prefer a radial touring-type series in blackwall or redline form.

For a period-style 1960 Austin A 105, the 640-15 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction. Within that size, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices allow the car's final presentation to be tailored without moving away from the classic bias-ply path.

The right appearance depends on the exact restoration goal rather than one universal answer. Owners pursuing strict historical accuracy should compare the car against marque references, photos, and restoration documentation before settling on a sidewall style. Tire size, wheel width, and visual proportion all contribute to whether the finished car looks convincingly right.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1960 Austin A 105 in noticeable ways. A 640-15 bias-ply setup usually supports a more traditional period presentation, while an 185R15 radial can shift the car toward a later, more modernized look even when the wheel diameter remains the same.

Sidewall treatment then refines that visual effect further. Blackwalls keep the look understated, whitewalls add a more decorative vintage impression, and redlines create a different enthusiast-oriented style. A restored car can wear either path well, but the tire should match the broader restoration theme instead of being chosen by size alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Austin A 105 even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, ride-height changes, and body repairs can all alter how a 640-15 or 185R15 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.

That is why the actual car should be measured before settling on a tire, especially when changing from bias-ply to radial construction. Checking steering movement, fender clearance, and wheel dimensions helps avoid surprises. The farther the car has moved from stock configuration, the more important those physical checks become.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the tire is seated properly, and verify that the size and construction match the intended setup for the car. It is also wise to check valve stems, tire pressure, visible clearance around the fenders and suspension, and whether the car tracks straight at low speed.

A collector car deserves a broader look beyond the tires alone. Brakes, steering joints, wheel bearings, and suspension bushings should be in sound condition before longer driving begins. New tires can only perform as intended when the surrounding chassis is healthy and the car is not fighting underlying mechanical problems.

Tires on a collector 1960 Austin A 105 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age-related deterioration. That matters whether the car is on 640-15 bias-ply tires or 185R15 radials, because low annual mileage can hide problems that only appear during close inspection.

Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both appearance and condition. A car that sits for long periods should have its tires inspected before every meaningful drive rather than relying on mileage alone.