The 1964 Austin 1800 arrived at the start of BMC’s front-wheel-drive family-car era, with practical packaging and distinctly British styling that set it apart from many mid-size sedans of the period. For today’s owner, tire choice centers on two period-appropriate paths on a 13-inch rim: a 175R13 radial or a 650-13 bias-ply. That makes this page less about discovering an unknown size and more about deciding whether to keep the car’s vintage bias-ply character or move toward a radial-style setup. Available 650-13 options also bring whitewall variation into the discussion, which matters for both appearance and restoration intent.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Austin 1800
The 1964 Austin 1800 uses two primary tire sizes on a 13-inch rim: 175R13 radial and 650-13 bias-ply. Because the Base model is associated with both sizes, the key decision is not sub-model identification but choosing the construction and overall presentation that best suits the car. For many owners, that means balancing period feel, tire appearance, and whether a radial or bias-ply setup matches the vehicle’s current wheels and intended road use.
175R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 175 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1964 Austin 1800, this size represents the radial side of the vehicle’s fitment picture and gives buyers a more modern sizing convention than the older numeric bias-ply format. It is especially useful for owners who want to stay with a period European radial-type size on a 13-inch wheel. The practical step is confirming that the car’s actual wheels and overall setup still match this radial fitment.
650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 650 refers to an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Austin 1800, it is the vintage bias-ply option and the size with the clearest product selection, including Coker Classic and US Royal tires in both narrow and wide whitewall treatments. Those choices make 650-13 especially relevant for an owner who wants a more traditional look on a 13-inch rim. It is the size to examine closely when appearance and period-style presentation matter as much as basic fitment.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the 1964 Austin 1800 Base is associated with the same overall tire-size choices for the model. The important step is deciding between the radial and bias-ply fitment paths rather than sorting through multiple trim-specific sizes.
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1964 Austin 1800 Base
The 1964 Austin 1800 Base is associated with both 175R13 radial and 650-13 bias-ply sizing on a 13-inch rim. That gives the owner a choice between a radial-format tire and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, so wheel setup and restoration goals should guide the final selection.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Austin 1800
For the original 650-13 size, four radial-equivalent options are available. 175R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, P185/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent, and 650R13 is the bias-look radial equivalent. These choices span traditional metric radial sizing, later P-metric profiles, and a radial intended to preserve a more vintage visual character. A 4-6 inch rim-width range is relevant for these alternatives, and wheel compatibility, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before converting.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (650-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (650-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (650-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (650-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1964 Austin 1800 Tires for Sale
Available 650-13 products focus on traditional bias-ply choices from Coker Classic and US Royal. The main differences are tire series and sidewall presentation, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options on 13-inch applications.
These FAQs for the 1964 Austin 1800 focus on the two primary tire sizes, the 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for 650-13, and the appearance and maintenance details that matter on a collector-era Austin.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Austin 1800?
The 1964 Austin 1800 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 650-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and sizing style matches the car’s wheels, appearance goals, and intended use.
A buyer should first confirm whether the car is being kept in a period-style bias-ply setup or run with a radial-size arrangement. Since many vintage cars have had wheels changed over time, it is smart to verify the actual wheel width, inspect clearance at full steering lock, and make sure the chosen tire aligns with the vehicle’s current configuration rather than assuming every surviving example is unchanged.
What size rim does a 1964 Austin 1800 use?
The 1964 Austin 1800 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its associated tire sizes, 175R13 and 650-13. That common rim diameter simplifies the first step of fitment because the buyer does not have to sort between multiple wheel diameters for this model before looking at tire construction and style.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a collector car. It still helps to confirm the wheel’s actual width and condition before selecting tires, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been off the road for years. Matching the correct 13-inch diameter without checking width, wheel integrity, and clearance can still lead to a tire choice that does not suit the car as currently equipped.
What does 650-13 mean on a 1964 Austin 1800?
On a 1964 Austin 1800, 650-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 650 portion indicates an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width, while the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system that predates the more familiar modern metric radial format seen in sizes such as 175R13.
Understanding that older size code helps when comparing period-style tires with radial alternatives. A 650-13 tire is not just a number on the sidewall; it also signals a bias-ply construction and a different visual character than a radial. Anyone changing from 650-13 to a radial equivalent should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance rather than treating the newer size format as automatically interchangeable.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 650-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Austin 1800?
For the 1964 Austin 1800, 650-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format and represents the traditional construction choice associated with this car, while 175R13 is the radial-format size also tied to the model’s fitment picture.
That distinction matters because construction affects both appearance and selection. The available 650-13 products include narrow and wide whitewall bias-ply options, which makes this size especially relevant for restoration-oriented buyers. Anyone moving away from 650-13 should verify that the wheel width and vehicle clearances are suitable for the radial size being considered, rather than assuming a simple sidewall-code change is enough.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 650-13?
Radial equivalents for 650-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P185/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. Those options give the 1964 Austin 1800 owner several ways to compare a radial alternative against the original numeric bias-ply size.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the decision should go beyond sidewall code alone. The recommended rim-width range noted for these alternatives is 4-6 inches, which is a useful checkpoint before conversion. It also helps to compare the tire against the car’s actual wheel setup and inspect steering and body clearance so the chosen radial alternative suits the vehicle as equipped.
What should I check before converting my 1964 Austin 1800 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Before converting a 1964 Austin 1800 from 650-13 bias-ply tires to radial alternatives, confirm the wheel diameter and width first. The radial equivalents tied to 650-13 include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4-6 inches for those alternatives.
It also makes sense to inspect clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering travel, especially on an older car that may no longer sit exactly as it did when new. A conversion can also change the visual character of the car, so owners with restoration goals may want to weigh appearance along with fitment. Checking wheel condition and overall tire dimensions before installation is the safer path than relying on size naming alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-13 tire for a 1964 Austin 1800?
Choosing a 650-13 tire for a 1964 Austin 1800 starts with recognizing that it is the model’s bias-ply size and the one with the clearest period-style product selection. Available options focus on bias-ply construction from Coker Classic and US Royal, and they differ mainly by sidewall treatment and tire series rather than by modern high-volume fitment conventions.
The next step is deciding how the car will be used and how it should look. A wide whitewall creates a different visual statement than a narrow whitewall, even though both remain in the same basic size. It also helps to compare the wheel’s actual width against the tire’s rim specification and consider whether maintaining a traditional bias-ply appearance matters more than exploring a radial alternative.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Austin 1800 tires?
For the 1964 Austin 1800’s 650-13 bias-ply fitment, the available sidewall styles are narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. Those sidewall choices appear across Coker Classic and US Royal offerings, giving the owner some flexibility in how traditional or how visually prominent the tire presentation looks on the car.
Sidewall style is more than a cosmetic detail on a 1960s British sedan because it can shape the entire stance and visual tone of the vehicle. A buyer focused on a restrained, understated look may lean toward a narrower whitewall, while a more pronounced vintage presentation may point toward a wider whitewall. The right choice depends on the car’s trim, restoration direction, and the appearance the owner wants once the tires are mounted.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Austin 1800?
The 1964 Austin 1800’s 650-13 bias-ply products are available from Coker Classic and US Royal. Those brands cover the visible product choices in this fitment and give buyers a way to compare period-style offerings within the same vintage size rather than shifting immediately into a different size or construction category.
Brand alone should not be the only selection factor on a collector car. It is worth comparing the tire series, the sidewall treatment, and the wheel-width specification alongside the brand name, especially when the goal is to match a certain look. Since the available 650-13 products share the same basic size and construction type, appearance and setup compatibility usually become the more meaningful decision points.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Austin 1800?
For a period-style 1964 Austin 1800, the 650-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and a traditional construction style. It is also the size with restoration-oriented whitewall choices, which makes it especially relevant when the goal is to maintain a distinctly vintage presentation on the car.
The final decision depends on how closely the owner wants to follow a historical appearance versus how the car will actually be driven. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions both change the look, but neither should be assumed to match every original delivery configuration. When exact originality matters, Austin-specific historical references and marque guidance are worth checking before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Austin 1800?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1964 Austin 1800 more than many buyers expect. A 650-13 bias-ply keeps the older numeric sidewall format and a more traditional visual impression, while a 175R13 or other radial equivalent introduces a later-style radial presentation even when the wheel diameter remains 13 inches.
That visual difference matters because the tire is a large part of the car’s profile and stance. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented appearance often start by deciding whether the car should read as authentically mid-1960s in character or as a vintage driver with more modern tire conventions. Sidewall styling then becomes the finishing touch, especially when comparing narrow and wide whitewall bias-ply options.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Austin 1800?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1964 Austin 1800, even though the model is associated with 13-inch tire sizes. If the car has aftermarket wheels, changed suspension height, non-stock wheel offset, or bodywork differences, a tire that matches the basic size code may still need closer clearance and wheel-compatibility checks.
That is especially important when comparing the original-style 650-13 bias-ply size with radial alternatives such as 175R13, P175/75R13, or P185/70R13. Any change in wheel width or stance can alter how the tire sits in the wheel opening and how it behaves at full steering lock. Checking the actual car before installation is more reliable than assuming a catalog-size match tells the whole story.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Austin 1800 on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Austin 1800 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the intended setup, and make sure the tires are mounted on suitable 13-inch rims. It is also smart to verify inflation, look for any installation-related air loss, and confirm that the tires clear the fenders and suspension through normal steering movement.
A collector-era car deserves a broader walk-around before road use. Check for uneven suspension settling, brake drag, and any signs that the car has been sitting long enough to affect alignment or steering components. After the first short drive, recheck pressure and inspect for rubbing marks or unusual wear so any fitment issue is caught early rather than after a longer outing.
How should 650-13 tires on a collector 1964 Austin 1800 be maintained?
650-13 tires on a collector 1964 Austin 1800 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. On a low-use vintage car, sidewall cracking, flat-spotting from long parking periods, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss are often more important to monitor than tread wear alone.
Good maintenance also means paying attention to the environment around the car. Long exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, or ozone sources can shorten tire life on a vehicle that is driven only occasionally. Rolling the car periodically, keeping the tires properly inflated, and inspecting the whitewalls for condition as well as appearance will help preserve both roadworthiness and the car’s presentation.
