The 1962 Aston Martin DB sits in a refined grand touring tradition, blending British performance with the hand-built character that makes early Aston Martins so appealing to collectors today. Cars from this period reward careful attention to proportion, stance, and road manners, and tire choice plays a major role in all three. For this exact model, both 175R16 radial and 600-16 bias-ply fitments appear on the correct 16-inch rim diameter. That opens the door to traditional blackwall or whitewall bias-ply options, along with a radial size for owners pursuing a different driving feel. The right choice depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded presentation, road use, or a balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Aston Martin DB
The 1962 Aston Martin DB uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice is tied more to construction than to wheel diameter because both fitments use a 16-inch rim. One is a 600-16 bias-ply size and the other is a 175R16 radial, both used on the DB 4 Saloon & Convertible. The key decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to the radial fitment while confirming the actual wheel setup on the car.
175R16 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 175 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1962 Aston Martin DB, this size represents the radial fitment choice for owners using the correct 16-inch wheel diameter. Its sizing format is more familiar to later European cars than to older numeric bias-ply tires, so the main consideration is matching the wheel and overall setup rather than simply reading the code. This size is the right one to evaluate when the car is already set up for radial use.
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size where the 600 indicates an approximately 6.00-inch nominal section width and 16 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1962 Aston Martin DB, it carries the traditional bias-ply construction and a distinctly period-style look on the proper 16-inch rim. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options from brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, Ford Script, STA, and Camac across several tire series. This is the size to consider when the goal is a more traditional visual presentation and older-style construction.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1962 Aston Martin DB sub-model range because the same two tire sizes appear for the DB 4 Saloon & Convertible. The important step is confirming whether the car is being kept on 600-16 bias-ply tires or set up for 175R16 radials before choosing among the available options.
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1962 Aston Martin DB 4 Saloon & Convertible
The 1962 Aston Martin DB 4 Saloon & Convertible uses the same 16-inch tire fitment choices found across this model page, with both 600-16 bias-ply and 175R16 radial sizes in play. Tire selection comes down to construction preference, wheel compatibility, and whether the car is being preserved with a more traditional appearance or prepared for road use on a radial setup.
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 1962 Aston Martin DB Tires for Sale
Available 600-16 choices span brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, Ford Script, STA, and Camac, with several tire series and sidewall treatments including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Most options stay centered on traditional bias-ply presentation.
These FAQs focus on 1962 Aston Martin DB tire size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, available sidewall and brand variations, and the checks that matter before putting a collector-era grand touring car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Aston Martin DB?
A 1962 Aston Martin DB uses two primary tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the DB 4 Saloon & Convertible and both are built around a 16-inch rim diameter, so the fitment decision is not a matter of changing wheel diameter.
The practical choice is deciding which construction matches the car’s current wheel setup and intended use. A 600-16 keeps the older numeric bias-ply format and traditional look, while 175R16 represents the radial option. On a collector car, it is worth confirming the actual wheels on the car before selecting either size, especially if the car has been changed over time.
What size rim does a 1962 Aston Martin DB use?
The 1962 Aston Martin DB uses a 16-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 175R16 radial fitment and the 600-16 bias-ply fitment, so either size starts with the same wheel diameter even though the sizing systems are different.
Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint. Before choosing a tire, the owner should also confirm the actual wheel width and make sure the car still has the wheel setup intended for the selected construction. On older grand touring cars, replacement wheels or long-ago changes can affect which tire option makes the most sense.
Does the 1962 Aston Martin DB 4 Saloon & Convertible use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1962 Aston Martin DB 4 Saloon & Convertible uses the same two tire size options found for this model: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. That means the sub-model itself does not introduce a separate tire-size split within the covered fitment.
Even with shared fitment, selection still depends on how the individual car is equipped today. A restored car aimed at a traditional presentation may stay with 600-16 bias-ply tires, while a car set up around radial use may call for 175R16. Wheel condition, wheel width, and overall clearance are still worth checking before installation.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Aston Martin DB?
On the 1962 Aston Martin DB, 600-16 is the bias-ply fitment. It uses the older numeric sizing format, where the number reflects nominal section width and the final number identifies the 16-inch rim diameter. That makes it the traditional construction choice for this car’s covered fitment range.
Choosing 600-16 keeps the vehicle in a period-style tire format, and the available options include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations. Because this is a collector-era car, the owner should still confirm the actual wheels in use and decide whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance or a different driving setup before settling on construction.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 Aston Martin DB?
A 1962 Aston Martin DB can be approached either with 600-16 bias-ply tires or 175R16 radial tires, since both are primary fitments on the same 16-inch rim diameter. Bias-ply tires suit owners who want a more traditional vintage presentation, while the radial size is the fitment to consider when the car is already set up around radial construction.
The right direction depends on the car’s present wheels, how the car will be driven, and how important period-style appearance is to the owner. A change in construction should not be treated as automatic just because the rim diameter matches. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and body and steering clearance all deserve a careful check first.
What should I check before converting my 1962 Aston Martin DB from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first check is whether the car’s wheels are appropriate for the 175R16 radial size rather than the 600-16 bias-ply setup. Even though both use a 16-inch rim diameter, conversion is still a full fitment decision rather than a simple size-code swap. The wheel itself, tire dimensions, and the condition of the car’s suspension and steering all matter.
Clearance should be verified at the fenders and during full steering movement, especially on an older hand-built car where small setup differences can matter. It also helps to inspect for prior modifications, replacement wheels, or ride-height changes before making the switch. That approach keeps the decision centered on actual vehicle fitment instead of rim diameter alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1962 Aston Martin DB?
A 600-16 tire for a 1962 Aston Martin DB should first be chosen as a bias-ply fitment on the correct 16-inch wheel. After that, the main comparisons are sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the tire’s rim-width specification matches the wheel on the car. The available selection includes traditional blackwalls as well as whitewall treatments.
This decision usually comes down to appearance and intended use more than simple size alone. Some owners want a restrained blackwall for a sporting touring look, while others prefer a whitewall presentation that better suits a restoration theme. On an older Aston Martin, it is smart to compare wheel width and overall setup before narrowing the choice to a specific product line.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Aston Martin DB tires?
For the 1962 Aston Martin DB, the available 600-16 bias-ply choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those sidewall treatments appear across several brands and tire series, giving the buyer more than one way to approach the car’s appearance without changing the primary bias-ply size itself.
Sidewall style can noticeably change how the car presents, especially on a refined early-1960s grand touring car. A blackwall usually keeps the look more understated, while a whitewall or double-whitewall creates a more formal vintage impression. The best choice depends on the car’s restoration direction, trim presentation, and whether appearance or driving setup is the main priority.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Aston Martin DB?
The 1962 Aston Martin DB has 600-16 bias-ply product choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands cover several tire series and sidewall treatments, so the product grid offers meaningful variation even within the same primary size.
Brand alone should not be the only filter. A buyer should also compare construction, sidewall style, rim-width specification where given, and the overall type of tire being considered. Some 600-16 offerings are clearly aimed at traditional passenger-car appearance, while others sit in military or truck-oriented series that may not suit the intended look of an Aston Martin DB.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Aston Martin DB?
For a period-style 1962 Aston Martin DB, the 600-16 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric format and traditional construction associated with the car’s covered fitment. Within that size, the buyer can choose among blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations depending on the look being pursued.
Appearance decisions on a restoration should be made carefully, especially when originality matters. A traditional blackwall often suits a sporting grand tourer, while whitewall treatments can create a more formal presentation. If exact historical accuracy is important, compare the chosen tire style against period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific restoration guidance before making a final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Aston Martin DB?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1962 Aston Martin DB because 600-16 bias-ply and 175R16 radial tires belong to different sizing eras. The bias-ply size looks more rooted in the car’s original period, while the radial size introduces a later Euro-metric format that can alter the overall presentation even before brand or sidewall details are considered.
That difference matters most on a carefully restored car where stance and visual proportion are part of the appeal. Owners focused on a restoration-oriented result often start with the bias-ply fitment and then refine the look through blackwall or whitewall selection. Radials may still be appropriate, but they should be chosen with a clear understanding of how they change the car’s visual character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Aston Martin DB?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Aston Martin DB even when the intended size is one of the correct primary options. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all change how a 600-16 bias-ply or 175R16 radial fits in actual use.
A collector car that has lived through decades of ownership may not still match its original wheel and suspension setup. That is why tire selection should include a check of wheel diameter, wheel width, and steering and fender clearance on the individual car. Taking those measurements first helps avoid choosing by size code alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Aston Martin DB on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Aston Martin DB on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the selected size matches the car’s actual setup, and make sure the tires are properly mounted and inflated for service. It also helps to check suspension and steering condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn components.
A short, careful road test is a sensible next step on a low-use collector car. Watch for rubbing during turns, uneven tracking, vibration, or signs that the car has clearance issues under movement. Older vehicles also deserve a look at brake function and general roadworthiness before the first longer drive on a fresh set of tires.
How should tires on a collector 1962 Aston Martin DB be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 Aston Martin DB should be checked regularly for inflation, visible cracking, sidewall damage, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss. Because cars like this are often driven infrequently, age and storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage when judging whether the tires are still fit for road use.
Good storage practices help preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming low miles mean low risk. Periodic checks of wheel condition and overall clearance are also worthwhile on a vintage Aston Martin that may sit for long intervals.