The 1960 Jaguar XK sits at the close of one of Jaguar’s most admired sports-car lines, linking the earlier XK 120 and XK 140 to the more developed XK 150. These cars are valued as much for their long-hood British grand touring character as for their restoration appeal and road presence. Tire choice on the 1960 Jaguar XK centers on two 16-inch fitments: a 175R16 radial and a 600-16 bias-ply. That gives owners a meaningful choice between traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial option in the same rim diameter. The right decision depends on the exact XK sub-model, the look being preserved, and careful confirmation of wheel and vehicle setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Jaguar XK
The 1960 Jaguar XK uses two primary tire sizes, and both fit 16-inch wheels. The key decision is not wheel diameter, but whether the car is being kept on a 600-16 bias-ply setup or fitted with a 175R16 radial, since both the XK 120 & XK 140 grouping and the XK 150 are associated with those same two sizes. Once that is confirmed, the choice shifts to construction, appearance, and the specific tire style that suits the car’s use.
A 175R16 size uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On a 1960 Jaguar XK, this is the radial-format option, making it especially relevant for owners who want a more modern radial size while staying with the correct rim diameter. The key distinction here is construction rather than sidewall variety, since the main appeal of 175R16 is its radial format. It is a sensible size to evaluate when the car is intended for regular road use, provided the wheel setup and clearances are checked carefully.
A 600-16 tire is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number refers to a nominal 6.00-inch section-width class and the final number identifies a 16-inch rim. For the 1960 Jaguar XK, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and the size with the broadest range of available tire choices. Options in 600-16 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall treatments from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Avon, Goodyear, Excelsior, and others across several tire series. This size is worth close attention when preserving a more period-style appearance matters as much as basic fitment.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1960 Jaguar XK sub-models because both the XK 120 & XK 140 grouping and the XK 150 are associated with the same two 16-inch tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the main decision remains whether to stay with the 600-16 bias-ply fitment or move to the 175R16 radial format.
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1960 Jaguar XK 120 & XK 140
The 1960 Jaguar XK 120 & XK 140 grouping uses the same two tire-size paths found across this XK page: 175R16 radial and 600-16 bias-ply. That gives the owner a choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial setup, with wheel diameter already consistent at 16 inches.
The 1960 Jaguar XK 150 is also associated with both 175R16 radial and 600-16 bias-ply fitments. Tire selection therefore comes down less to sub-model separation and more to construction choice, appearance goals, and confirming that the wheel and vehicle setup still matches the intended tire.
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 Jaguar XK Tires for Sale
Available 1960 Jaguar XK tire choices are concentrated around 600-16, with bias-ply options from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Avon, Goodyear, Excelsior, Lester, STA, Camac, and Ford Script. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, sidewall styles, and rim-width specifications within that traditional 16-inch fitment.
Owners of a 1960 Jaguar XK usually want clarity on the two 16-inch tire sizes, the difference between 600-16 bias-ply and 175R16 radial fitment, and how to choose a tire that suits restoration goals, wheel setup, and actual road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Jaguar XK?
The 1960 Jaguar XK is associated with two primary tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 16-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and size format the car is set up to use.
That matters because a 600-16 bias-ply and a 175R16 radial do not represent the same type of tire even though they share the same rim diameter. A careful selection starts with confirming the current wheel setup, the intended appearance of the car, and whether the XK is being kept in a traditional bias-ply presentation or driven on a radial setup.
What size rim does a 1960 Jaguar XK use?
The tire fitments associated with the 1960 Jaguar XK use a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to both of the primary sizes on this vehicle, 175R16 and 600-16, so there is no change in rim diameter between the radial and bias-ply fitment paths.
Even with the same 16-inch diameter, wheel width still needs to be considered before choosing a tire. Several 600-16 products are built around narrow rim-width ranges, so the owner should confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if the XK has replacement wire wheels, aftermarket wheels, or other changes from an earlier restoration.
Do all 1960 Jaguar XK sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1960 Jaguar XK sub-models share the same two tire-size choices. Both the XK 120 & XK 140 grouping and the XK 150 are associated with 175R16 radial and 600-16 bias-ply fitments, all on 16-inch rims.
That makes sub-model fitment simpler than on many collector cars, but the real choice still has to be made carefully. The owner should decide whether the car should keep a period-style bias-ply look with 600-16 or use the 175R16 radial format, then confirm wheel width, clearance, and overall vehicle setup before final selection.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1960 Jaguar XK?
On the 1960 Jaguar XK, 600-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to many vintage vehicles, and it represents the traditional construction choice for owners who want a more authentic-looking period-style tire presentation on a 16-inch wheel.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire changes both the visual character of the car and the type of replacement options available. In 600-16, there is far more variety in sidewall style and tire series, so the buyer should match the tire not only to the wheel dimensions but also to the car’s restoration direction and intended road use.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1960 Jaguar XK?
A 1960 Jaguar XK can be fitted with either of its associated primary constructions: 600-16 bias-ply or 175R16 radial. Bias-ply suits owners focused on traditional visual character, while the radial size is the relevant path for those choosing a radial-format tire on the same 16-inch rim diameter.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how closely the owner wants to preserve a period-style appearance. Wheel width, clearance, suspension condition, and steering feel should all be reviewed before changing construction, particularly on a restored XK that may no longer wear its original wheel or chassis setup.
What should I check before converting my 1960 Jaguar XK from bias-ply to radial tires?
A conversion from 600-16 bias-ply to 175R16 radial starts with confirming that the car is actually being moved between the two primary fitments associated with the 1960 Jaguar XK. The wheel diameter remains 16 inches, but that alone is not enough to assume the setup is ready for a construction change.
The owner should inspect wheel width, tire clearance at the fenders and steering components, and the condition of suspension and steering parts before making the switch. Cars that have been lowered, fitted with replacement wheels, or restored over many years deserve an especially careful look so the radial choice is evaluated against the actual car, not just the nominal tire size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1960 Jaguar XK?
Choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1960 Jaguar XK starts with confirming that the car is staying with the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than moving to the 175R16 radial option. Once that is settled, the main selection points are sidewall treatment, tire series, brand, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s intended range.
This size offers a wide spread of choices, from blackwall to wide whitewall and double-whitewall designs, so appearance can change significantly even within the same basic size. It also helps to compare load figures where they are stated and make sure the tire suits the way the XK will actually be driven and presented.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Jaguar XK tires?
For the 1960 Jaguar XK, the available 600-16 products include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall treatments. Those options all stay within the same traditional bias-ply size, which means the sidewall style becomes one of the biggest visual decisions when selecting a tire for the car.
A blackwall generally gives the most restrained and sporting look, while whitewall treatments create a more formal vintage presentation. Since sidewall style has such a strong effect on the car’s stance and personality, it helps to decide early whether the XK is being finished as a cleaner road car, a more decorative restoration, or something in between.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Jaguar XK?
The 1960 Jaguar XK has 600-16 tire options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, giving the buyer a broad range of traditional 16-inch choices without changing the base size.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase, since the more useful comparison is often between tire series, sidewall style, rim-width requirement, and overall presentation. A Jaguar owner choosing among these options will usually get the best result by narrowing the decision to the car’s intended look first, then checking the wheel and specification details.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Jaguar XK?
For a period-style 1960 Jaguar XK, the 600-16 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it preserves the traditional sizing format and opens the broadest range of vintage-looking tire choices. That includes several blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options across multiple classic bias-ply tire series.
The exact tire depends on how the car is being interpreted visually, since a sporting presentation and a more formal restoration can point to very different sidewall treatments. Owners pursuing strict originality should compare the tire choice against marque-specific references and restoration documentation rather than assuming every period-style 600-16 looks the same on an XK.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Jaguar XK?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1960 Jaguar XK as much as it changes the fitment path. A 600-16 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 175R16 radial introduces a later-style radial format even though both sizes remain on a 16-inch rim.
That visual difference can be important on a carefully restored British sports car, especially when stance and sidewall character are part of the overall effect. Buyers balancing road use and appearance should decide early whether the car’s purpose leans toward preservation of period style or toward a radial-equipped driving setup with a different visual impression.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Jaguar XK?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1960 Jaguar XK, even when the car is being fitted with one of its correct 16-inch tire sizes. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can all alter how a 600-16 bias-ply or 175R16 radial sits on the car.
That is especially important on collector cars that have been restored in stages or upgraded over time. An XK with aftermarket wire wheels, altered springs, or brake conversions should be checked at the wheel wells and steering range before final tire selection so the chosen size works with the car’s actual setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Jaguar XK on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Jaguar XK on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems or tubes where applicable, lug or knock-off security, and basic tire seating and inflation. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn bushings, play, or poor alignment.
A short initial road test should include checking for rubbing, pull, vibration, and any sign of uneven clearance during turns. Collector cars that have spent long periods parked deserve extra attention because dormant mechanical issues often become noticeable only after fresh tires are installed and the car returns to regular road use.
How should 600-16 tires on a collector 1960 Jaguar XK be maintained?
600-16 tires on a collector 1960 Jaguar XK should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the sidewalls and tread, and periodic review for cracking, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss. Because many vintage cars see limited mileage, age and storage conditions can matter just as much as tread wear.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, heat, excess moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also pays to move the vehicle occasionally or adjust storage practices so the tires are not left under the same load point for long periods, especially on a bias-ply setup used mainly for seasonal motoring.
