1964 AC Cobra Tires

The 1964 AC Cobra uses two primary tire sizes: 640-15 and 670-15. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes for 15-inch wheels, and the covered Cobra Base configuration is associated with both sizes rather than one single fitment across every car still on the road today.

That makes the first job confirming the actual setup on the car before replacing tires. Check the sidewall on the existing tires, verify wheel diameter, and compare wheel width as well, especially if the Cobra has been restored, modified, or fitted with different wheels over time. The correct replacement starts with the size already matched to the car’s present wheel package.

The primary tire fitments for the 1964 AC Cobra are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 640-15 and 670-15 use that same wheel diameter, so the key distinction is not rim diameter between the two sizes but which tire width-format is currently on the car.

Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, though. Rim width also affects which tires are appropriate, and several available products have different wheel-width ranges. Measuring the wheel before ordering is worthwhile, particularly on a Cobra, where many cars have been updated over the years and appearance goals may differ from one owner to the next.

These are vintage numeric bias-ply tire sizes. In simple terms, the first number represents the tire’s nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, so 640-15 is roughly a 6.40-inch section width and 670-15 is roughly a 6.70-inch section width, while the 15 refers to a 15-inch wheel.

That older sizing system matters because it points you toward period-style bias-ply products rather than modern metric sizes as the primary fitment. It also helps explain why radial alternatives are expressed differently, such as 175R15 or P205/75R15. Keeping the size format straight makes it much easier to compare appearance, wheel compatibility, and possible radial-equivalent options without mixing unlike tire types.

Both 640-15 and 670-15 are primary bias-ply tire sizes for the 1964 AC Cobra. These are vintage numeric bias-ply fitments, not modern radial sizes, and the available primary products in both sizes follow that traditional construction style.

That distinction matters because a buyer may be deciding between preserving a period-style bias-ply setup and considering a radial equivalent instead. Bias-ply and radial tires are not simply different labels for the same thing, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be reviewed before changing construction. The choice also affects the car’s visual presentation, especially when comparing blackwall and whitewall offerings.

For 640-15, radial equivalents include 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. For 670-15, radial equivalents include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15, which is a bias-look radial. Those sizes represent 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, 70-series P-metric, and bias-look radial formats depending on the specific alternative.

These equivalents give a Cobra owner more than one path when moving away from a traditional bias-ply tire, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. The 640-15 equivalents call for a recommended 5-6 inch rim-width range, while the 670-15 equivalents call for 5-7 inches. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance should all be checked before making the switch.

Start by matching the radial equivalent to the Cobra’s current primary size. A 640-15 can be compared with 175R15, P175/75R15, or P185/70R15, while a 670-15 can be compared with 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15. The wheel’s 15-inch diameter is shared, but rim width must also suit the radial being considered.

A proper conversion check should also include tire clearance at the fenders and steering components, plus a close look at the car’s suspension and alignment condition. Cobras are often personalized, and even small wheel or ride-height changes can alter fitment margins. The safer approach is to confirm the actual wheel dimensions and compare the chosen radial carefully before committing to the change.

Begin with the correct primary size already matched to the car, since a 1964 AC Cobra may use either 640-15 or 670-15. From there, focus on construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the kind of appearance or road use the car is meant for rather than picking a tire by brand name alone.

A Cobra aimed at restoration-style presentation may call for one visual direction, while a car intended for regular driving may push the decision toward a radial equivalent instead. Product details such as max load capacity, weight, and approved wheel width are also worth comparing. Once the correct size is confirmed, those practical differences become the real selection factors.

The 1964 AC Cobra tire selections include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options, depending on the size and tire series being considered. Both 640-15 and 670-15 have blackwall and whitewall choices, although 670-15 has the broader variety across brands and series.

Sidewall style changes the car’s visual character more than many buyers expect, especially on a compact sports car with exposed wheel openings. A blackwall typically gives a more understated competition-oriented look, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more traditional period presentation. Once the correct tire size is established, the sidewall treatment becomes one of the clearest ways to tailor the Cobra’s appearance.

Available 1964 AC Cobra tire brands include Firestone, BFGoodrich, Avon, Excelsior, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, and STA, depending on whether the car uses 640-15 or 670-15. The 670-15 size has the widest brand spread, while 640-15 still offers several meaningful choices.

Brand comparison should be done alongside tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width requirements instead of as a standalone decision. Some offerings lean toward blackwall presentation, others toward whitewall styling, and some are tied to very specific vintage series names. Narrowing the size first helps keep the comparison relevant and prevents mixing products that are meant for different fitment situations.

A period-style 1964 AC Cobra starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 640-15 or 670-15, depending on the actual wheel and tire setup on the car. Staying with a bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing format and gives the broadest connection to the car’s original-era tire character.

From there, the visual decision comes down to details such as blackwall versus narrow or wide whitewall and the preferred tire series. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque-specific historical references when that level of accuracy matters. For most restoration-oriented buyers, confirming the correct size and choosing a suitable vintage-style presentation is the sound starting point.

Tire construction influences both stance and visual character on a restored 1964 AC Cobra. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional vintage sizing format, while a radial equivalent introduces a more modern tire type even when the rim diameter remains the same and the overall look stays reasonably close.

That difference matters because many restoration-minded owners want the tires to match the Cobra’s 1960s sports car personality as closely as possible. A bias-look radial can help bridge that gap in the 670-15 range, but it is still a radial alternative rather than a bias-ply tire. Appearance goals, wheel width, and fitment clearance all deserve attention before making that construction choice.

Yes. A 1964 AC Cobra may use either 640-15 or 670-15, and modifications can change whether a particular tire remains appropriate. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, body adjustments, or even a shift from bias-ply to radial sizing can all affect clearance and the overall fitment picture.

That is why a modified Cobra should be measured rather than assumed to match a stock-style setup. Check wheel diameter and width, then look at steering clearance, fender room, and the space around suspension components. Even when the tire size sounds correct on paper, small changes in the car’s hardware can turn a straightforward replacement into a fitment issue.

Before road use, inspect the wheel diameter and wheel condition, confirm that the new tires match the car’s actual intended size, and make sure each tire is seated properly and inflated appropriately for its application. A close visual check for rubbing, uneven clearance, or interference at full steering lock is also worthwhile.

On a collector sports car like a Cobra, it also makes sense to review suspension condition, alignment, and any signs of looseness that could affect how the new tires behave. The first drive should be treated as a careful shakedown rather than a hard run. Recheck pressure and look again for contact marks or unusual wear after those first miles.

Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly even when the car is driven only occasionally. On a 1964 AC Cobra, that means checking 640-15 or 670-15 tires for proper inflation, visible cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs of slow air loss rather than assuming low mileage alone means the tires are road-ready.

Storage conditions matter as much as miles driven. Keeping the Cobra away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tire casing over time. It is also smart to examine the tires before any longer drive, since older collector vehicles may sit for extended periods. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance still deserves a thorough inspection.