1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S Tires

The 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S uses two primary tire sizes: 640-15 in bias-ply construction and 185R15 in radial construction. Both sizes are built for 15-inch rims, but they represent different tire formats, different wheel-width needs in many cases, and a different overall look on the car.

The practical choice starts with the setup already on the vehicle. A car kept in a more traditional restoration style may stay with 640-15 bias-ply, while a car already running radial-compatible wheels may use 185R15. It is smart to confirm wheel width, current tire construction, and body or suspension clearance before selecting one path over the other.

Both primary tire fitments for the 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 640-15 bias-ply size or the 185R15 radial size, so the wheel diameter itself stays consistent across the two main tire choices.

Rim diameter is only the first check, though. Wheel width matters just as much when moving between a vintage bias-ply size and a radial size, especially on a car that may have been restored or modified over time. Confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car instead of assuming every 15-inch Jaguar wheel is set up the same way.

The 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S Base can use the same two fitments found on this page: 640-15 in bias-ply form and 185R15 in radial form. In other words, the sub-model itself does not create a separate tire-size split here; the larger decision is construction and wheel setup.

That makes selection more straightforward, but it still helps to inspect the car closely. Many older Jaguars have seen wheel changes, suspension work, or tire substitutions over the years, and that can affect which size and construction make the most sense today. Matching the tire to the actual wheels on the car is more important than relying on appearance alone.

640-15 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to the period, and it is offered in bias-ply lines with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments depending on the brand and series chosen.

Keeping 640-15 means staying with the traditional construction and appearance associated with many restored early-1960s cars. That can be especially important when the goal is a period-style stance and sidewall look. Before choosing one, verify that the wheel width on the car suits the specific bias-ply tire being considered rather than assuming every 15-inch wheel is equally suitable.

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 alternatives to the original bias-ply size, and each follows a different modern sizing convention and profile family.

A recommended rim-width range of 5-6 inches is associated with these radial equivalents, which makes wheel measurement especially important before converting. Even when rim diameter matches, the tire’s overall dimensions and section shape still need to be checked against the Jaguar’s wheel, clearance, and intended use. An equivalent size is a comparison point, not an automatic interchange.

Either construction can be appropriate on a 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S, depending on the car’s current setup and the owner’s priorities. The 640-15 size keeps the car in a traditional bias-ply format, while 185R15 and the listed radial equivalents provide radial alternatives on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

The better choice depends on how the car is used and how closely the tire should reflect a vintage presentation. Bias-ply often appeals to restoration-minded owners, while radials may suit owners focused on later-style road use. The most important step is checking the actual wheel width and ensuring the tire’s dimensions and construction are appropriate for the Jaguar as it sits today.

Start with the correct primary size and construction already suited to the car: 640-15 for bias-ply or 185R15 for radial. From there, compare the intended look, the wheel dimensions on the car, and the available product details such as sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width compatibility where those specifications are given.

A restored saloon aimed at period-style presentation may point toward a bias-ply whitewall or blackwall, while a road-driven car may lean toward a radial in blackwall, redline, or narrow whitewall form. It also helps to compare load figures and weight when those values are shown, especially if the Jaguar sees regular use rather than occasional display driving.

The available sidewall styles for this Jaguar include blackwall, redline, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and series selected. Radial 185R15 choices include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall, while 640-15 bias-ply choices extend into traditional whitewall presentations as well as blackwall.

Sidewall style changes the car’s visual character as much as the brand or construction does. A wide whitewall creates a distinctly formal early-1960s look, while blackwall keeps the presentation more restrained and sporting. Redline offers another period-style alternative on the radial side. Appearance should be balanced with correct size, proper wheel match, and how the car is actually driven.

Tires for the 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S are available from Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Excelsior. The brand mix depends on whether the car is being fitted with the 185R15 radial size or the 640-15 bias-ply size.

Brand choice is most useful when paired with the right size, construction, and series rather than treated as the first decision. One brand may offer a blackwall radial, another a narrow whitewall radial, and another a wide-whitewall bias-ply look more suited to a restoration-minded car. Compare the full specification and appearance package rather than choosing by brand name alone.

For a period-style 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S, the 640-15 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point. It is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, which allows the car to keep a distinctly early-1960s tire profile and sidewall character.

The exact sidewall treatment should match the presentation you want the Jaguar to have rather than assuming one style suits every restored car. Some owners prefer a cleaner blackwall sporting look, while others want the visual formality of a whitewall. If exact originality matters, compare the chosen tire style with marque-specific historical references before making the final decision.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S more than many buyers expect. A 640-15 bias-ply keeps the car in a distinctly vintage format, while a 185R15 radial introduces a more modern tire presentation even when the wheel diameter remains the same.

That difference matters on a Jaguar saloon, where stance and sidewall character contribute heavily to the car’s finished look. A radial can still be very appropriate, especially in blackwall, redline, or narrow whitewall form, but it will not mirror the same visual feel as a traditional bias-ply. Choosing construction should follow the restoration goal as much as the driving plan.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S even when the car still uses a 15-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence whether a bias-ply or radial setup has the clearance and compatibility it needs.

That matters most when moving between 640-15 bias-ply and 185R15 or other radial alternatives, because the tire shape and wheel requirements may differ. A Jaguar that has been lowered, widened, or updated over the years should be measured rather than assumed stock. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and actual wheel dimensions should all be checked before mounting new tires.

Before driving a 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension through steering travel. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.

A collector car can sit for long periods, so a general road-readiness check is just as important as the tires themselves. Verify there are no signs of rubbing, air loss, or mounting issues after installation, and recheck the car after the first short drive. That process is especially worthwhile when changing construction type or returning a long-stored Jaguar to road use.

Collector-car tires on a 1962 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of uneven wear. That applies whether the car is running 640-15 bias-ply tires or 185R15 radials, since both can age out long before they wear out on a low-mileage vehicle.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a vintage Jaguar. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and periodic movement can help prevent long-term flat spotting. Before a longer drive, give each tire a close visual inspection and confirm the car still has adequate clearance and stable pressure.