1962 Austin A 105 Tires

The 1962 Austin A 105 uses two primary tire sizes: 640-15 in bias-ply construction and 185R15 in radial construction. Both sizes are built for a 15-inch wheel, so the fitment decision is not about wheel diameter alone, but about which tire format and construction best match the car and the way it is being used.

A buyer should first confirm whether the car still has its original-style wheel setup or has already been changed to suit radial tires. That check helps narrow the choice between a traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial alternative, while also keeping wheel width, overall proportions, and fender or steering clearance in view before selecting a tire.

The 1962 Austin A 105 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 640-15 bias-ply fitment and the 185R15 radial fitment, so the wheel diameter stays the same even though the tire construction and sizing format differ.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have seen replacement wheels over the years. Measuring the actual wheel width before choosing a tire is worthwhile, because the available products in these sizes cover different rim-width ranges and that can influence which radial or bias-ply option makes the most sense.

Yes. The 1962 Austin A 105 Six uses the same two primary tire sizes covered here: 640-15 in bias-ply construction and 185R15 in radial construction. That means the sub-model does not introduce a separate tire-size requirement within this fitment listing.

Since the size options remain the same, the real choice is how the car is equipped now and what kind of result is desired. Owners restoring a period-style look often focus on the 640-15 bias-ply route, while drivers leaning toward radial construction should still confirm wheel width and general clearance before settling on a 185R15 setup.

640-15 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1962 Austin A 105. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, and its sizing language reflects the older convention used on many period vehicles rather than modern metric radial nomenclature.

Keeping the car on 640-15 generally suits buyers who want a more traditional appearance and period-style construction. Moving away from that size toward a radial alternative can change both tire format and wheel-width needs, so it is smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car and compare the intended replacement against available clearance before making the switch.

Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as the 80-series metric radial option, P175/75R15 as the 75-series P-metric radial option, and P185/70R15 as the 70-series P-metric radial option. Those sizes provide three distinct radial comparison points for owners considering an alternative to the original bias-ply format.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention and profile family, so the decision should not be treated as automatic interchangeability. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 6 inches is associated with these radial equivalents, and the usual checks still apply: actual wheel width, general dimensions, steering travel, and fender clearance on the car as it sits today.

That depends on whether the priority is period-style presentation or a more modern radial tire format. The 1962 Austin A 105 supports both approaches through its 640-15 bias-ply fitment and its 185R15 radial fitment, giving owners a genuine choice rather than forcing one construction type.

Bias-ply tires usually appeal more to restoration-minded owners who want the car to retain an earlier look and feel, while radial tires tend to attract owners planning more regular road use. The best approach is to match the tire to the wheel on the car, then consider whether sidewall style, series selection, and vehicle setup support the result you want.

Start with the two correct 15-inch fitment paths: 640-15 if a bias-ply tire is the goal, or 185R15 if a radial is preferred. After size and construction are settled, the next useful comparisons are wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, load information where shown, and whether the finished look should lean more traditional or more road-oriented.

A well-chosen tire for an Austin A 105 should suit both the car’s current wheel setup and the way the car will actually be driven. A lightly used restoration may point toward a classic bias-ply look, while a car seeing more frequent miles may justify radial consideration, provided wheel fit, clearance, and overall proportions are checked carefully.

Sidewall choices for the 1962 Austin A 105 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline depending on tire size and series. The 185R15 radial options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline versions, while 640-15 bias-ply products expand the visual choices with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles.

That variety means appearance can be tailored without stepping outside the correct size family for the car. A blackwall tends to keep the presentation understated, whitewall treatments create a stronger period-style visual cue, and redlines offer a more distinctive look, but the right choice should still be balanced against construction type and wheel compatibility.

Tires for the 1962 Austin A 105 are available from several brands across its two primary sizes. Radial choices include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire in 185R15, while 640-15 bias-ply options include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior.

Brand choice matters less as a ranking exercise than as a way to sort through construction, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability. One product may offer the visual treatment a restoration needs, while another may better match the current wheel and intended use, so comparing the details within the correct size is the most practical way to narrow the field.

A period-style 1962 Austin A 105 usually starts with the 640-15 bias-ply size, because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and the traditional construction associated with the car’s era. Within that size, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices allow the finished presentation to be tailored without moving away from the classic bias-ply path.

The exact visual target can vary from one restoration to another, so sidewall treatment deserves as much attention as size. If authenticity matters at a higher level than general period style, marque references, period photography, or vehicle-specific documentation can help narrow the best appearance choice before selecting among the available 640-15 products.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1962 Austin A 105 even when the wheel diameter remains the same. A 640-15 bias-ply keeps the older sizing language and a more traditional visual character, while a 185R15 radial introduces a later-style metric format that can subtly shift how the car presents at curbside.

That difference matters most on a restoration where stance, sidewall shape, and overall period impression are part of the goal. A radial may still be the right choice for some owners, especially if regular road use is planned, but buyers focused on an earlier visual feel usually spend extra time comparing the construction and sidewall treatment before deciding.

Yes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all affect tire fitment on a 1962 Austin A 105. Even though the correct primary sizes are 640-15 and 185R15, the car’s current setup still determines how much room is available around the tire.

That is especially important when moving from a bias-ply setup to a radial or when the car has not remained fully stock over time. Checking the actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and space at the fender openings before mounting new tires can prevent choosing a size or construction that does not suit the car as it exists now.

Before driving a 1962 Austin A 105 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or poor bead-seat condition, confirm the tires are inflated appropriately for the application, and make sure there is no contact at the fenders or during full steering travel. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components on a collector car that may have seen long periods of storage.

A short initial drive followed by another visual inspection is a sensible way to catch rubbing, settling, or pressure loss early. On an older saloon, fresh tires can only do their job if the surrounding hardware is sound, so wheel condition, alignment behavior, and general roadworthiness deserve attention along with the tire size itself.

Tires on a collector 1962 Austin A 105 should be checked regularly for air pressure, visible cracking, tread wear, bulges, cuts, and signs of long-term aging. Cars that spend much of their time parked can develop tire issues without accumulating many miles, so condition matters at least as much as use on a vehicle of this era.

Storage habits play a big role in preservation. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps slow deterioration, and moving the vehicle occasionally can help avoid flat spotting during long rests. Any tire showing age-related damage or unexplained air loss deserves closer inspection before the car returns to regular road use.