1964 Bentley S2 Tires

The primary tire size for the 1964 Bentley S2 is 820-15. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and the covered S2 Base sub-model uses that same fitment. For most owners, the size question is straightforward because the decision is not between multiple primary sizes.

What matters next is choosing the right version of 820-15 for the car’s intended use and appearance. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available, and some owners also compare radial equivalents. Before changing away from the primary bias-ply setup, check the actual wheel width on the car and confirm that clearance remains appropriate at the front and rear.

The 1964 Bentley S2 uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 820-15 tire size. That rim diameter is the key dimension that ties the tire size to the wheel, whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply tire or a radial equivalent considered as an alternative.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has been altered over the years or if a radial equivalent is being considered. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is a smart step before purchase, since many collector cars have seen replacement wheels, refinished rims, or other changes during restoration or long-term ownership.

820-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 8.20 portion refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1964 Bentley S2, that size format reflects the period sizing system used before modern metric radial sizes became common.

Understanding the code helps when comparing traditional replacement tires with radial alternatives such as 235R15 or P235/75R15. Those newer formats describe size differently, so they should not be treated as automatically interchangeable just because the wheel diameter matches. The best approach is to start with the original 820-15 fitment, then compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and body clearance before making any change.

For the 1964 Bentley S2, 820-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That means the original fitment approach centers on a traditional bias-ply construction rather than a modern radial. Buyers looking to stay close to the car’s period character usually begin with that construction and then choose among blackwall or whitewall variations.

Construction choice affects more than appearance. A bias-ply tire preserves the original sizing style and visual presentation, while a radial alternative changes the construction even if the wheel diameter stays the same. Anyone considering a conversion should verify wheel width, inspect suspension and steering condition, and make sure the selected tire works with the car’s actual wheels rather than assuming any 15-inch option will behave the same.

Radial equivalents for 820-15 include 235R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P255/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 820R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These choices give a 1964 Bentley S2 owner several ways to compare modern radial sizing against the original bias-ply fitment.

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic swap. The associated rim-width range is 6-8 inches, which makes wheel measurement especially important before conversion. It is also wise to compare overall tire dimensions and check steering, fender, and suspension clearance so the chosen radial works with the car’s actual setup and intended road use.

A bias-look radial option is available for the 1964 Bentley S2 in size 820R15. That size is a radial equivalent to the original 820-15 and is intended for owners who want a more traditional visual presentation while moving away from bias-ply construction.

That makes 820R15 appealing for cars where appearance matters as much as road manners, but it still needs the same careful fitment checks as any other radial conversion. Confirm the wheel width, compare the tire’s dimensions with the existing setup, and inspect front and rear clearance. It is also worth considering how closely the sidewall look and overall stance match the restoration goal for the car.

Start with the correct 820-15 size and the car’s 15-inch wheel, then decide whether the priority is a traditional bias-ply driving setup or a different path through radial equivalents. Within 820-15 itself, the biggest differences are sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, rim-width specification, and load figures where they are stated.

A Bentley S2 often looks dramatically different depending on whether it wears blackwalls, a narrow whitewall, or a broad whitewall treatment. That makes appearance part of the buying decision, not just fitment. It also helps to inspect the actual wheels on the car and compare their width with the tire’s rim-width range so the final choice suits both the vehicle and the intended style.

The 1964 Bentley S2 has 820-15 tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners room to tailor the car’s presentation, from a more understated touring look to a stronger period-style luxury appearance with more visible whitewall on the side of the tire.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the overall restoration and trim presentation in mind rather than treated as a simple cosmetic extra. A formal sedan like the S2 can change character noticeably with different whitewall widths. If originality is important, compare the tire’s look with marque-specific photos or restoration references, then confirm the selected tire still matches the wheel and fitment requirements.

Available 820-15 tires for the 1964 Bentley S2 come from BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, and Avon. Those brands appear across classic bias-ply offerings with different sidewall styles and series, giving owners several ways to balance visual preference, construction style, and product specifications within the correct size.

Brand choice is best treated as one part of a larger selection process rather than the only deciding factor. Compare the sidewall look, series character, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load information where it is stated. That approach keeps the decision focused on the Bentley’s actual needs and the finished appearance, instead of assuming that any tire in the right nominal size will feel or present exactly the same.

For a period-style 1964 Bentley S2, the starting point is the original 820-15 bias-ply fitment. That preserves the vintage sizing format and supports the formal, substantial visual stance expected of a luxury British sedan from this era. From there, the main appearance choices are blackwall, narrow whitewall, or one of several wide whitewall treatments.

The best choice depends on how the car is being restored and presented. A restrained car may suit a blackwall or narrower whitewall, while a more formal presentation may benefit from a broader whitewall look. When exact originality matters, compare the tire’s appearance against period photos, marque-club guidance, or restoration records rather than assuming every whitewall width is equally appropriate.

Tire construction changes both the visual character and the overall impression of a restored 1964 Bentley S2. Staying with the primary 820-15 bias-ply setup keeps the car in its original size language and traditional tire profile, which often matters on a formal collector sedan where sidewall shape and stance are part of the finished presentation.

A radial alternative can still be a useful option, especially in a bias-look radial format, but it should be chosen carefully if restoration appearance is a major goal. Sidewall design, tire proportions, and wheel compatibility all influence the final look. Matching the tire to the Bentley’s trim, ride height, and intended presentation usually gives a better result than choosing only by modern construction preference.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1964 Bentley S2. Even though the primary size is 820-15 on a 15-inch rim, aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can alter the space available for the tire and how it sits in the wheel opening.

That is especially important when a radial equivalent is being considered, since the car may no longer be running its original wheel setup. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, then check steering clearance, fender clearance, and any signs of rubbing at full lock or under compression. A collector car that looks stock from the outside can still have important fitment differences underneath.

Before driving a 1964 Bentley S2 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify that the tire size and wheel diameter match, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to check valve stems, balance, tread condition, and the surrounding suspension and steering components.

A short, careful road test is a smart next step because it can reveal vibration, pull, clearance issues, or contact at full steering lock. Collector cars that have sat for long periods deserve extra attention, since old shocks, bushings, or alignment issues can show up quickly once fresh tires are installed. Catching those details early helps protect both the tire and the car.

820-15 tires on a collector 1964 Bentley S2 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, uneven tread wear, or unexplained air loss. On a low-mileage collector car, age and storage conditions can matter just as much as miles driven.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition during storage. It also pays to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive rather than assuming they remain road-ready from one season to the next. That habit is especially important on a heavy luxury car, where tire condition has a clear effect on ride quality and confidence on the road.