1962 Humber Hawk Tires

A 1962 Humber Hawk uses two recognized 15-inch tire sizes: 640-15 in bias-ply construction and 175R15 in radial construction. Those are the core fitment choices for the model, and the Base sub-model can use either path depending on the car's wheel setup and the type of tire the owner wants to run.

That means the first decision is not usually about trim level, but about construction and presentation. A 640-15 keeps the vintage numeric bias-ply format, while 175R15 follows a Euro-metric radial format. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been updated over the years or no longer wears its original-style tire setup.

The 1962 Humber Hawk uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 175R15 and the bias-ply 640-15 are both built around that same rim diameter, so wheel diameter does not change between the two main fitment directions for this car.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing a bias-ply setup to a radial alternative. If the car has replacement wheels, verify the stamped or measured wheel size before ordering tires, then check clearance at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement rather than assuming every 15-inch wheel is suitable.

640-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 640 indicates an approximate 6.40-inch nominal section width, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1962 Humber Hawk, that size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment and matches the older sizing system many British and American cars used in this era.

For a buyer, the important takeaway is that 640-15 is not a modern metric radial size even though it shares the same 15-inch rim diameter as the radial alternative. It points toward a different construction, different tire appearance, and potentially different wheel-width preferences, so it should be chosen as part of the car's overall setup rather than by rim diameter alone.

On a 1962 Humber Hawk, 640-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format and represents the traditional construction choice for this model, while 175R15 is the radial size associated with the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

That distinction matters because construction affects both the car's appearance and how the tire is selected. A bias-ply 640-15 opens up period-style blackwall and whitewall choices, while a radial path involves different equivalent sizing considerations. Owners changing from one construction to the other should verify wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and steering and fender clearance before making the switch.

Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as the 80-series metric radial option, P175/75R15 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P185/70R15 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. These are the recognized radial alternatives tied to the original 640-15 bias-ply size for the 1962 Humber Hawk.

Each one uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not just about picking any radial with a 15-inch diameter. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 6 inches applies to the equivalent group, and the owner should still compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and body before deciding which radial alternative makes the most sense.

That choice depends on what matters most for the car. A 640-15 bias-ply tire keeps the Humber Hawk in its traditional sizing and construction style, while 175R15 and the related radial equivalents provide a modern radial path on the same 15-inch rim diameter.

For a restoration-oriented car, bias-ply often makes sense because it preserves the period-style look and opens up classic sidewall treatments. For a driver that sees more road use, a radial may be worth considering. Either way, the decision should be made after checking the actual wheel width, the vehicle's current setup, and the clearance available with the chosen size.

Start with the basics: 640-15 is the Humber Hawk's bias-ply size, so the main considerations are construction, rim compatibility, sidewall style, and the overall look you want on the car. In this size, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs from several classic tire series.

Beyond appearance, compare the wheel width the tire is designed for and look at load figures where they are supplied. Some 640-15 options suit narrower rims than others, which can matter on an older car that may have had wheels changed over time. Matching the tire to both the wheel and the car's intended use gives a better result than choosing by style alone.

For the 1962 Humber Hawk's 640-15 bias-ply size, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That gives the car owner a meaningful appearance choice, from a more understated all-black look to a brighter period-style presentation with a white sidewall treatment.

The best choice depends on how the car is being finished and driven. A blackwall usually suits a more restrained or utilitarian presentation, while whitewalls can push the car toward a more formal touring look. Since sidewall style does not override fitment, confirm the tire's rim-width suitability and construction before letting appearance become the deciding factor.

The 1962 Humber Hawk's 640-15 bias-ply size is available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several classic tire series, giving buyers a range of traditional blackwall and whitewall options within the Humber's primary bias-ply fitment.

Brand should be considered alongside the details that actually affect your car: sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, load figure where stated, and the kind of presentation you want. A restoration-focused owner may prioritize a certain visual style, while a driver may focus first on wheel match and construction. Comparing those factors usually leads to a better choice than selecting by brand name alone.

For a period-style 1962 Humber Hawk, the 640-15 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It keeps the car in its vintage numeric sizing format and is offered in classic blackwall and whitewall treatments that suit the formal, early-1960s saloon character of the Hawk.

The final choice depends on how the restoration is being interpreted. A blackwall can give the car a restrained, businesslike look, while whitewalls create a more dressed appearance. When exact originality matters, compare your planned tire style against marque-club guidance, period photography, and vehicle-specific historical references rather than assuming any available sidewall treatment is automatically correct.

Construction changes the visual character of the car as much as the mechanical feel. A 640-15 bias-ply tire preserves the vintage numeric size format and the traditional sidewall presentation associated with older tire design, while a 175R15 radial introduces a more modern sizing convention even though it still fits a 15-inch wheel.

That difference becomes noticeable on a restored Humber Hawk, especially when wheel openings, stance, and sidewall treatment are part of the car's finished look. Owners who want a strongly period-style presentation often begin with the bias-ply route, while those prioritizing road use may accept the more modern radial look after confirming that the overall proportions still suit the car.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1962 Humber Hawk even when the nominal size seems correct. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all affect how a 640-15 or 175R15 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears nearby components.

That is why an older car should be checked as it exists today, not just as it left the factory decades ago. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering stops. A car that has been restored or updated over time may need more verification than a completely stock, untouched example.

Before driving a 1962 Humber Hawk on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 15-inch diameter, verify that the wheel width suits the selected tire, and look over the valve stems, wheel condition, and lug hardware. Then confirm that the tires clear the fenders and steering components through their normal range of motion.

It also helps to check the rest of the car, especially on a collector vehicle that may have spent long periods parked. Look for suspension looseness, uneven ride height, brake drag, and any signs that the old tires rubbed the body or chassis. A careful walk-around and short settling drive can reveal fitment issues before they become road-trip problems.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and sensible storage habits. On a 1962 Humber Hawk, whether it wears 640-15 bias-ply tires or 175R15 radials, watch for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is only driven occasionally.

Long periods of inactivity can be as hard on tires as road miles, so keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. It is also wise to inspect the tires before each outing rather than relying on mileage alone. Older collector cars often spend enough time parked that condition matters more than tread depth.