The 1961 Bentley S2 sits in a distinct postwar luxury era, combining traditional British coachbuilt presence with the smoother, more effortless character that defined Bentley grand touring in the early 1960s. Owners of these cars usually care as much about stance, elegance, and road manners as they do about basic replacement fitment. The primary tire size for the 1961 Bentley S2 is 820-15, a bias-ply tire mounted on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, there are meaningful choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, along with period-style bias-ply options and modern radial equivalents. The right choice depends on whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, touring use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 Bentley S2
The 1961 Bentley S2 uses one primary tire size: 820-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the Bentley S2 Base uses the same size, so the key decision is not which primary size fits but which version of 820-15 best suits the car's appearance, intended road use, and whether a radial equivalent should be considered.
An 820-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number refers to the tire's nominal section width, approximately 8.20 inches, while the final number identifies a 15-inch rim. On the 1961 Bentley S2, this is the primary period-style fitment and keeps the car in its original construction family. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, and Avon across series like Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Turbospeed Mk4. The selection comes down to the look you want and how closely you want the car to retain a traditional bias-ply presentation.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1961 Bentley S2 sub-models. The shared tire size keeps the focus on choosing the right 820-15 tire style, construction approach, and overall presentation rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
1
1961 Bentley S2 Base
The 1961 Bentley S2 Base uses the same 820-15 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment. That makes tire selection more about choosing between blackwall and whitewall presentations, period-style bias-ply construction, or evaluating a radial equivalent if driving priorities differ from restoration goals.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1961 Bentley S2
The original 820-15 size has four radial-equivalent options. They include 235R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P255/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 820R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These choices differ by sizing convention and profile, with the bias-look radial aimed at preserving a more traditional visual character. A 6-8 inch rim width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel dimensions, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should be checked before making a change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
235R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (820-15)
P235/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (820-15)
P255/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (820-15)
820R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (820-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1961 Bentley S2 Tires for Sale
Available 820-15 choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, and Avon, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several classic bias-ply series. Rim-width specifications and product attributes vary enough to reward a closer comparison.
These 1961 Bentley S2 tire FAQs focus on the 820-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial choices, sidewall appearance, and the key checks to make before road use or a construction change.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 Bentley S2?
The 1961 Bentley S2 uses an 820-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with the model.
That means the main decision is not choosing between several primary sizes, but choosing the right version of 820-15 for the car. Sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent will shape the final choice, especially on a luxury collector car where both appearance and driving character matter.
What size rim does a 1961 Bentley S2 use?
The 1961 Bentley S2 uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 820-15 tire fitment. That rim diameter is central to both period-style bias-ply replacement and any radial-equivalent comparison.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so it is also wise to confirm actual wheel width before selecting a tire. Many 820-15 bias-ply options are matched to narrower wheel widths, while radial equivalents are associated with a 6-8 inch rim width range, making wheel measurement an important step before changing construction or profile.
Does the 1961 Bentley S2 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1961 Bentley S2 Base uses the same 820-15 bias-ply tire size as the core 1961 Bentley S2 fitment, so there is no separate primary size to sort out for that sub-model.
With fitment staying consistent, the real choice becomes how the tire should look and behave on the car. A blackwall gives a more understated presentation, while narrow and wide whitewall options move the appearance in a more formal period direction, and radial equivalents may appeal to owners prioritizing modern road use over a fully traditional construction.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 820-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1961 Bentley S2?
For the 1961 Bentley S2, 820-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in this primary fitment are bias-ply tires, including classic touring styles as well as some specialty offerings in the same size.
Bias-ply construction helps preserve the car's traditional tire presentation, which matters on a Bentley of this era. Anyone considering a radial alternative should treat that as a separate conversion decision rather than assuming the original 820-15 bias-ply and a radial equivalent will behave or present the same way on the wheel.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 820-15?
Radial equivalents for 820-15 include 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and 820R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent.
Each option gives a different route away from the original bias-ply construction, so the choice should be tied to wheel width, overall dimensions, and the look you want from the car. The associated rim-width range for these equivalents is 6-8 inches, and clearance around the fenders and steering should be checked before settling on one.
What should I check before converting my 1961 Bentley S2 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the Bentley's actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the radial-equivalent size you are considering against the car's available space. For the 820-15 fitment, radial alternatives include 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and 820R15, with a 6-8 inch rim width range tied to those equivalents.
A conversion also changes the car's tire construction, so it is smart to inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and overall stance before making the switch. On a large luxury car, that extra verification helps avoid choosing a radial that works on paper but does not suit the wheel setup or visual balance of the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 820-15 tire for a 1961 Bentley S2?
Begin with the correct primary size, which is 820-15, and then narrow the choice by construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. The available tires are bias-ply, but they vary by brand, series, appearance, rim-width specification, weight, and in some cases load figure.
A formal restoration-oriented car may call for a whitewall presentation, while a more understated driver may suit a blackwall. It also helps to think about how the Bentley will be used, because occasional show driving, regular touring, and a future radial conversion all point the buyer toward slightly different priorities within the same primary size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 Bentley S2 tires?
The 1961 Bentley S2 has 820-15 tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That creates a broad visual range even though the primary size itself stays the same.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on how the car presents, especially on a full-size Bentley with substantial body lines and trim. A blackwall tends to look more restrained, while narrow and wide whitewalls push the car toward a more formal period-style appearance, so the right choice depends on whether the goal is subtle touring character or a more traditional restoration look.
What brands offer tires for the 1961 Bentley S2?
Tires for the 1961 Bentley S2 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, and Avon in the 820-15 size. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Turbospeed Mk4.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It is better to compare the tire's sidewall style, intended character, rim-width specification, and whether the product supports the appearance you want for the car, especially when choosing between a restrained blackwall touring look and a more pronounced whitewall presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 Bentley S2?
A period-style 1961 Bentley S2 starts with the correct primary size, 820-15, in bias-ply construction. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether the car looks best with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling.
For many restoration-oriented owners, the goal is preserving the car's overall visual balance rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all answer. If exact originality matters, marque-specific references and vehicle history should guide the final appearance choice, but the proper 820-15 bias-ply fitment is the right starting point for a traditional presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1961 Bentley S2?
Tire construction affects both stance and visual character on a restored 1961 Bentley S2. Staying with the original 820-15 bias-ply fitment maintains the car in its traditional construction family, while a radial alternative changes the way the tire is presented and selected.
That difference matters on a formal early-1960s luxury car, where the tire is part of the overall design impression. A bias-look radial can help bridge appearance and modern construction, but it should still be treated as an alternative rather than the same thing as a bias-ply tire, especially when restoration goals are driving the decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 Bentley S2?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Bentley S2 even when the nominal tire size remains 820-15 or follows one of its radial equivalents. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, suspension height, or body clearance can all alter how a tire sits and clears.
That is especially important if the Bentley has aftermarket wheels or if a radial conversion is being considered. Measuring the actual wheel, checking steering travel, and confirming fender and suspension clearance will give a more reliable picture than relying on size code alone, particularly on a collector car that may have been altered over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 Bentley S2 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, confirm that the tire size and rim diameter match, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It is also smart to check for adequate clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension through the car's normal range of movement.
A collector Bentley deserves the same attention after installation as it does during tire selection. Looking over alignment-related wear patterns, verifying that lug hardware is secure, and checking for any rub marks during the first few miles can help catch setup issues early, especially if the car is returning to the road after long periods of limited use.
How should 820-15 tires on a collector 1961 Bentley S2 be maintained?
820-15 tires on a collector 1961 Bentley S2 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and air loss, even if the car is driven sparingly. Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage.
Proper inflation, periodic movement, and storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources all help preserve tire condition. It also helps to examine the wheels and valve stems at the same time, since an elegant touring car that sits for extended periods can develop age-related issues that are easy to miss until the next longer drive.
