1961 Allard Palm Beach Tires

The 1961 Allard Palm Beach uses two primary tire sizes: 590-15 and 600-15. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch rims, and the Palm Beach Base can use either one depending on the car’s wheel and existing fitment setup.

That makes the first step a physical check of the wheels and the tires already on the car rather than assuming one size applies universally. Confirm the rim diameter, review wheel width, and compare the current stance and clearance before selecting between the narrower 590-15 and the slightly wider 600-15.

The primary tire fitments for the 1961 Allard Palm Beach are built around a 15-inch rim. Both 590-15 and 600-15 use that same rim diameter, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the car may be found with either primary tire size.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a specialty car like the Palm Beach. Wheel width should also be checked, especially if the car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point, since correct tire choice depends on more than the 15-inch diameter alone.

A 590-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. In that format, the 590 refers to a nominal section width of about 5.90 inches, and the 15 refers to the rim diameter in inches, which matches the 15-inch wheel used on the 1961 Allard Palm Beach.

Modern buyers often expect metric sizing, so this older format can look unfamiliar at first glance. On the Palm Beach, understanding that 590-15 is a period bias-ply size helps narrow the decision to appearance, wheel compatibility, and whether to stay with traditional construction or explore one of the listed radial-equivalent options.

On the 1961 Allard Palm Beach, 590-15 is a bias-ply primary tire size. That means it uses traditional vintage construction rather than radial construction, which is important for buyers trying to preserve the car’s period-style look and the character associated with older tire design.

Bias-ply and radial should not be treated as the same decision simply because they may be similar in size. Staying with 590-15 bias-ply keeps the original sizing format, while moving to a radial alternative means checking wheel width, overall fit on the car, and the kind of driving the Palm Beach is expected to do.

Radial equivalents for 590-15 on a 1961 Allard Palm Beach include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The listed recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.

Each of those sizes represents a different radial sizing convention and profile approach rather than a guaranteed one-for-one swap. Comparing the wheel width, the mounted tire’s physical clearances, and the car’s actual ride height will help determine whether one of those radial equivalents is a sensible alternative for the Palm Beach.

Start by confirming which original size the car uses, since the 1961 Allard Palm Beach can be fitted with either 590-15 or 600-15 bias-ply tires. Then compare the appropriate radial-equivalent size, verify that the wheel is still a 15-inch rim, and make sure the rim width falls within the applicable range.

Clearance deserves close attention on a low, specialty-built car. Steering lock, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the presence of any aftermarket wheels or suspension changes can all affect the outcome, so the conversion should be treated as a measured fitment check rather than an automatic substitution.

Choosing a 590-15 tire for a 1961 Allard Palm Beach starts with confirming that 590-15 is the size already matched to the car’s wheels and stance. From there, the key comparisons are bias-ply construction, brand availability, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s intended fitment range.

A narrower vintage size like 590-15 often appeals to owners focused on period presentation. Blackwall and wide whitewall versions create very different visual results, and the presence of both BFGoodrich and Avon choices means the buyer can compare product character without moving away from the original sizing format.

The available sidewall styles for 1961 Allard Palm Beach tires are blackwall and wide whitewall. Those styles appear across the applicable 590-15 and 600-15 bias-ply offerings, giving the car owner a visible appearance choice while staying within the correct vintage sizing family.

That decision has a strong effect on the Palm Beach’s finished look. A blackwall usually keeps the presentation more understated and sporting, while a wide whitewall leans more toward a dressed, restoration-oriented appearance, so the right choice depends on how the car is being restored, displayed, or driven.

BFGoodrich and Avon offer applicable tires for the 1961 Allard Palm Beach. BFGoodrich covers both 590-15 and 600-15 in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, while Avon appears in the 590-size range with the Turbospeed Mk4, giving the buyer more than one period-style bias-ply option to consider.

The practical comparison is less about brand ranking and more about which size, sidewall treatment, and series best match the car’s setup. Looking at wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and load figures tied to each tire helps narrow the choice without drifting away from the Palm Beach’s intended fitment range.

A period-style 1961 Allard Palm Beach typically starts with one of its original bias-ply fitments, either 590-15 or 600-15, depending on the wheel setup on the car. That keeps the vintage sizing format intact and preserves the kind of tire profile and presentation most owners expect on a small early-1960s specialty car.

From there, the choice becomes one of appearance and documentation. Blackwall and wide whitewall options create different visual results, so owners aiming for a historically faithful restoration should compare the car against period photos, marque references, and restoration records before settling on the final sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1961 Allard Palm Beach; it also changes how the car looks at a glance. A bias-ply tire keeps the Palm Beach in its original sizing language, while a radial alternative introduces a more modern construction even when chosen in an equivalent size.

That matters because collectors often judge a car’s stance and visual balance as much as the tire’s dimensions. Owners who want a restoration-oriented presentation often stay with bias-ply, while those prioritizing regular road use may consider a radial equivalent after checking how the mounted tire complements the car’s wheels and body lines.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Allard Palm Beach even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or bodywork changes can all influence how a 590-15, 600-15, or a radial equivalent sits within the available space.

That is especially important on a limited-production specialty car where small changes can have noticeable effects. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the tire’s position through suspension travel helps avoid choosing a size that matches the format but conflicts with the car’s actual setup.

Before driving a 1961 Allard Palm Beach on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the rim diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the car’s setup. Tire pressure, valve stems, lug hardware, and basic clearance at the fenders and steering stops also deserve attention.

A collector car that sees limited use should also be checked for unrelated issues that can affect tire behavior on the road. Worn suspension bushings, loose steering components, brake pull, or uneven ride height can make even a properly sized new tire feel wrong, so a broader pre-drive inspection is worthwhile.

590-15 tires on a collector 1961 Allard Palm Beach should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently or spends long periods parked between outings.

Storage conditions matter on older specialty cars because tire aging often progresses long before tread is worn out. Keeping the Palm Beach away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and periodic inspection remains important even when the car covers only a small number of miles each year.