1962 Bentley S2 Tires

The 1962 Bentley S2 uses an 820-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment mounted on a 15-inch rim, and it matches the tall-sidewall look typically associated with a luxury British car from this period.

That means the main fitment question is usually not which primary size fits, but which version of 820-15 best suits the car. Before choosing a tire, confirm that the Bentley still has its correct wheel diameter and that no wheel, brake, or suspension changes have altered the space available around the tire.

The 1962 Bentley S2 uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 820-15 tire size. That 15-inch diameter is the key wheel dimension to confirm before selecting either a traditional bias-ply tire or a radial-equivalent alternative.

Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, though. Rim width also matters, especially if a radial equivalent is being considered, and some available 820-15 products carry different rim-width ranges. A quick wheel check before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire that suits the size code but not the car's actual wheel setup.

An 820-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 820 designation represents an approximate 8.20-inch nominal section width, and the 15 indicates the wheel diameter in inches.

For a 1962 Bentley S2 owner, that size format is helpful because it points to the car's original-style tall-sidewall tire profile rather than a modern metric sizing system. If the goal is to stay close to the car's period look, that numeric bias-ply format is the reference point, while radial equivalents should be compared carefully for wheel fit and overall presentation.

For the 1962 Bentley S2, 820-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available core fitment is built around a 15-inch wheel and carries the traditional sizing and sidewall profile expected from a luxury car of the early 1960s.

Staying with bias-ply construction usually makes the most sense when period-style appearance is the priority. A switch to a radial-equivalent size can still be considered, but it should be approached as a conversion choice rather than as the same tire in a different construction, with wheel width and clearance checked before moving away from the primary setup.

Radial equivalents for 820-15 include 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and 820R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, a P-metric 70-series radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent.

Each option reflects a different sizing convention and visual approach, so the best choice depends on how the Bentley is used and how closely the owner wants to retain a traditional appearance. A recommended rim-width range of 6 to 8 inches is associated with these equivalents, and wheel size, rim width, and vehicle clearance should be verified before making the change.

A bias-look radial equivalent is available for the 1962 Bentley S2 in size 820R15. It is intended to give a more traditional visual presentation than a modern-looking metric radial while still being a radial construction rather than a true bias-ply tire.

That makes it a useful option for owners who want a vintage tire appearance without staying strictly with the primary bias-ply format. Even so, the 820R15 should be treated as an alternative, not an automatic interchange, so wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and the Bentley's actual ride-height and suspension condition still deserve a careful check.

Start with the correct 820-15 size and 15-inch rim fitment, then decide what matters most for the car: traditional appearance, whitewall style, tire series, or whether a classic bias-ply construction is the goal. Available 820-15 choices include multiple brands and several sidewall treatments.

From there, compare the details that affect suitability, such as rim-width range, load capacity where stated, and whether the tire is a standard classic road tire or a specialty performance product. A restored touring car usually benefits from a very different tire choice than a car built for show presentation or unusual specialty use.

The 1962 Bentley S2 has 820-15 tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives the owner a broad range of visual choices, from understated blackwall presentation to more formal whitewall looks that suit many luxury cars of the period.

The right sidewall style depends on the appearance you want the car to carry. A blackwall can look more restrained, while a narrow or wide whitewall can move the Bentley toward a more restoration-oriented period impression. When appearance matters, compare the actual whitewall width along with the tire series instead of choosing by brand name alone.

Brands available in the 1962 Bentley S2's 820-15 size include BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, and Avon. Those choices appear across classic bias-ply series with different sidewall presentations and, in some cases, different intended tire character.

That variety gives the owner room to compare visual style as much as brand identity. Some selections lean toward traditional blackwall or whitewall touring presentation, while others are more specialized. The most useful comparison is usually size correctness first, then series, sidewall treatment, rim-width suitability, and any stated load specifications.

For a period-style 1962 Bentley S2, the natural starting point is the original-style 820-15 bias-ply size. That keeps the car in the correct vintage sizing format and preserves the tall-sidewall look that suits an early-1960s Bentley saloon.

From there, the choice becomes one of presentation. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are available, so the final look can range from restrained to highly formal. If exact historical authenticity matters, compare the selected sidewall treatment against marque references or period photography instead of assuming every available whitewall style is equally appropriate.

Tire construction affects both the look and the stance of a restored 1962 Bentley S2. A true 820-15 bias-ply maintains the vintage sizing format and visual character most closely associated with the car's original era, especially when paired with an appropriate blackwall or whitewall style.

A radial-equivalent option can change the visual impression even when it fits the same wheel diameter, particularly if the sizing convention shifts to modern metric or P-metric markings. Owners balancing authenticity and road use often compare a traditional bias-ply against an 820R15 bias-look radial when appearance matters as much as construction.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Bentley S2 even when the intended tire size remains 820-15. Aftermarket wheels, brake changes, altered ride height, or suspension work can change the room available around the tire and may also alter the wheel dimensions the tire has to fit.

That is especially important if a radial-equivalent size is being considered, because a change in section shape or recommended rim width can influence the result. A careful check of wheel diameter, rim width, steering clearance, and fender clearance is worthwhile any time the car no longer sits exactly as it did when originally equipped.

Before driving a 1962 Bentley S2 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify proper inflation, and make sure the tires have adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. It is also wise to confirm that the wheels are true and that valve stems and tubes, where applicable, are in sound condition.

A collector car should also have its suspension and steering checked before road use, because worn bushings, sagging springs, or alignment problems can affect how new tires behave. After the first miles, recheck inflation and look for any sign of rubbing, uneven wear, or air loss so small issues are caught early.

820-15 tires on a collector 1962 Bentley S2 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, or unusual wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Cars that are driven only occasionally deserve extra attention because tire age and condition can matter as much as tread depth.

Routine checks are best done before each outing and again after longer drives. It also helps to watch for slow air loss, flat spotting from extended storage, and any change in ride or steering feel. If the Bentley has sat for a long period, a close inspection of both the tires and wheels is worthwhile before returning it to regular road use.