1962 Alvis TD 21 Tires

The 1962 Alvis TD 21 uses two primary tire sizes: 640-15 and 670-15. Both are bias-ply sizes intended for 15-inch rims, so the main fitment question is not construction type at the factory-style level, but which of those two sizes matches the car's present wheel and tire setup.

Since the TD 21 can be found with either size, it is smart to confirm the size already mounted on the car, the wheel width, and the clearance around the fenders and suspension before making a selection. That is especially important if the car has been restored previously, fitted with different wheels, or converted from one size to another.

The primary tire sizes used on a 1962 Alvis TD 21, 640-15 and 670-15, are both built for 15-inch rims. That means rim diameter stays consistent even though the car may use more than one tire size, which simplifies the first step of checking basic wheel diameter.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment question, because wheel width still matters when choosing among available bias-ply tires or considering a radial equivalent. A 15-inch wheel can still vary in width from car to car, and that can affect sidewall shape, clearance, and which replacement tires make the most sense.

Both 640-15 and 670-15 are vintage numeric bias-ply tire sizes. The first number indicates the tire's nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, so 640 corresponds to about 6.40 inches and 670 to about 6.70 inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter.

That sizing system matters because it differs from modern metric radial markings and can be confusing during restoration or replacement. Understanding the code helps when comparing period-style bias-ply tires with radial alternatives such as 175R15 or 195R15, and it also helps avoid mixing up wheel diameter with the tire's width designation.

Both 640-15 and 670-15 are primary bias-ply tire sizes for the 1962 Alvis TD 21. They use the traditional vintage numeric sizing format rather than a radial designation, which makes them the period-style starting point for owners who want the car to retain its classic tire construction and appearance.

That distinction is useful because a radial alternative may be available without changing the original size notation on the car itself. Buyers comparing constructions should think about wheel compatibility, the car's existing setup, and whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial option that still respects the original fitment envelope.

For 640-15, radial equivalents include 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. For 670-15, radial equivalents include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15, which is the bias-look radial option tied to that primary size.

Those alternatives span several sizing conventions, from Euro-metric to P-metric and, in the case of 670R15, a radial that keeps a more traditional visual character. The recommended rim-width ranges are 5-6 inches for 640-15 equivalents and 5-7 inches for 670-15 equivalents, but wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance still need to be checked before changing construction.

Start by confirming which primary size the car uses now, then compare that size with the available radial equivalent tied to it. A 1962 Alvis TD 21 using 640-15 can be evaluated against 175R15, P175/75R15, or P185/70R15, while a car using 670-15 can be evaluated against 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15.

The next checks are wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. Radial equivalents should be treated as alternatives to evaluate rather than automatic replacements, especially on a restored or modified car where wheel dimensions and ride height may no longer match the original setup.

Begin with the correct primary size on the car, because the 1962 Alvis TD 21 can use either 640-15 or 670-15. From there, the main choices are construction style within the bias-ply category, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and whether the car's wheel width matches the specifications of the tire being considered.

A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a more traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation, while a driver-focused car may prompt a closer look at the radial equivalents tied to the same primary size. It also helps to compare load figures where stated, along with the rim-width range, so the tire suits both the wheel and the intended use.

Tires for the 1962 Alvis TD 21 are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those treatments appear across both 640-15 and 670-15 offerings, although the 670-15 size has the broader variety of whitewall widths and brand choices.

That sidewall decision has a strong effect on the car's visual character, especially on a grand touring British car where tire presentation is easy to notice. Choosing between blackwall and whitewall usually comes down to the look of the restoration, the wheel covers or trim rings on the car, and how formal or sporting the finished car should appear.

Available brands for the 1962 Alvis TD 21 include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, Excelsior, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, and STA. Brand availability depends on size, with 670-15 offering the widest spread of choices and 640-15 still covering several established vintage tire lines.

The most useful way to compare those brands is by looking at the exact size you need and then narrowing the field by sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. That approach keeps the decision practical, because the right choice is usually the one that aligns with the car's fitment, appearance goals, and intended driving use.

A period-style 1962 Alvis TD 21 usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 640-15 or 670-15, depending on the car's actual wheel and tire setup. From there, the choice moves to brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment rather than away from the original style of construction.

Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options all create slightly different visual results, so the best match depends on the way the car is being restored or presented. If exact originality matters, compare the car against period photos, marque-club guidance, or other Alvis-specific references before settling on a particular sidewall width or brand style.

On a restored 1962 Alvis TD 21, bias-ply tires preserve the traditional sidewall shape and visual stance most buyers associate with the car's period. Radial equivalents can still be considered, but they may create a different overall presentation even when they stay close to the original fitment range.

That matters most when the goal is a restoration-oriented look rather than simply filling the wheel openings with a usable tire. The 670R15 bias-look radial offers another path for buyers who want a radial construction tied to the 670-15 size while still keeping a more traditional visual impression than a modern-looking radial format.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Alvis TD 21 even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, different offsets, suspension work, or body and fender adjustments can all influence how a 640-15, 670-15, or radial equivalent actually sits on the car.

That is why tire selection should always be tied to the car's current configuration rather than assumptions about original specification. A quick check of wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and space around the suspension can prevent problems before a new set of vintage-style tires goes into service.

Before driving a 1962 Alvis TD 21 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the tires are seated properly, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, make sure there is no interference at the fenders or suspension, and confirm even clearance from side to side.

A collector car deserves a broader inspection as well, especially if it has been off the road for a while. Steering components, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, and brake condition all influence how safely the car uses its new tires, and a short, cautious road test can reveal rubbing, pulling, or vibration before a longer trip.

Collector-car tires in 640-15 or 670-15 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread depth. On a low-mileage 1962 Alvis TD 21, sidewall cracking, flat spotting from storage, bulges, cuts, and gradual air loss can matter more than wear alone.

Storage conditions play a major role in preserving vintage-style tires. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the car periodically can reduce stress from long stationary periods. Frequent inspections remain important even when the car is only driven occasionally.