The 1966 AC Ace comes from a distinctly British sports-car tradition, with light weight, compact proportions, and a direct, mechanical driving feel that makes tire choice part of the car’s character. By this point, the Ace had long been appreciated by enthusiasts who value nimble response and period presentation as much as outright performance. The 1966 AC Ace uses a 550-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, so the central decision is less about multiple fitments and more about selecting the right version of that vintage size. Blackwall and wide whitewall options are available across several classic tire lines, making it possible to balance restoration style, wheel compatibility, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 AC Ace
The 1966 AC Ace uses one primary tire size: 550-16. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and the same size is shared across the covered Base and 2.6 configurations. That means the main choice is not between multiple primary sizes, but between tire brands, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire’s period-style construction matches the way the car will be driven and presented.
A 550-16 tire uses a vintage numeric bias-ply sizing format in which the 5.50 designation refers to nominal section width and the 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1966 AC Ace, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the car’s period sports-car character and keeps the sizing language consistent with the era. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with series such as Excelsior Bias Ply, Tourist Crossply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply. This size is the starting point when preserving the Ace’s vintage look and proper wheel-diameter relationship.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1966 AC Ace sub-models. The Base and 2.6 share the same primary tire size, so sub-model selection matters mainly as a confirmation step before choosing among the available bias-ply tire styles and brands.
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1966 AC Ace Base & 2.6
The 1966 AC Ace Base & 2.6 uses the tire sizes shown below. Confirm the wheel diameter and intended use before choosing a product.
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 1966 AC Ace Tires for Sale
Available 550-16 choices span Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, all in bias-ply construction. The product grid lets you compare blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with differences in tire series and wheel-width specifications where they are stated.
These 1966 AC Ace tire FAQs focus on the 550-16 fitment, 16-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply construction, product-selection differences, restoration-oriented appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a collector sports car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 AC Ace?
The 1966 AC Ace uses a 550-16 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 16-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered Base and 2.6 versions of the car.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheel setup and then choose within the available 550-16 options. Since the size itself does not vary here, the real decision is whether the car should wear a blackwall or wide whitewall and which bias-ply tire line best suits a restoration-oriented look or regular collector-car driving.
What size rim does a 1966 AC Ace use?
The 1966 AC Ace uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire size. That rim diameter is part of the primary fitment and is important because the 16 in the tire size refers to the wheel diameter, not the overall height of the tire.
Wheel width matters too, especially on a vintage sports car that may have seen changes over the years. Some 550-16 products include stated rim-width ranges, so it is worth measuring the wheels currently on the car before making a final choice. That quick check helps avoid selecting a tire that is correct in diameter but mismatched to the actual wheel.
Do all 1966 AC Ace sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1966 AC Ace sub-models share the same 550-16 bias-ply tire size. Both the Base and 2.6 use this fitment, so there is no split between different primary sizes within the model coverage here.
That consistency simplifies the shopping process, but it does not remove the need to verify the car’s actual wheel setup. A long-owned or restored Ace may have replacement wheels or other changes that affect tire choice. Once the wheel diameter and width are confirmed, attention can shift to appearance, brand preference, and the character of the available bias-ply tire lines.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-16 tire for a 1966 AC Ace?
Start with the fundamentals: the 1966 AC Ace uses a 550-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. From there, compare the tire’s stated construction, sidewall style, and any wheel-width guidance that appears with the product, especially if the car has been restored or modified over time.
Appearance also matters on a car like this. Blackwall and wide whitewall versions create a noticeably different presentation, and the available products span several classic tire series. A buyer focused on period-style road use may prioritize a traditional look, while another owner may simply want the right vintage size with wheel compatibility confirmed before installation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 AC Ace tires?
The available 550-16 tires for a 1966 AC Ace include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. That gives the car two clearly different visual directions while staying within the same vintage bias-ply size and 16-inch rim fitment.
Choosing between them is mostly an appearance decision unless a particular restoration goal is guiding the car. A blackwall usually keeps the presentation restrained and sporting, while a wide whitewall gives the Ace a more formal vintage look. Since both styles exist in the same primary size, the better choice depends on how the car is being restored, displayed, or driven.
What brands offer tires for the 1966 AC Ace?
The 1966 AC Ace has 550-16 tire options from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. These are all bias-ply offerings, and they appear across series such as Excelsior Bias Ply, Tourist Crossply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.
Brand choice should be considered alongside sidewall treatment, tire-series appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. Some products also include details such as stated rim-width range, weight, or maximum load specification, which can help narrow the field. On a low-production vintage sports car, matching the correct size and intended visual style usually matters more than chasing variety for its own sake.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 AC Ace?
A period-style starting point for a 1966 AC Ace is the correct 550-16 bias-ply size on the proper 16-inch rim. That preserves the vintage sizing format and construction style associated with the car’s era while allowing a choice among several classic tire lines.
From there, the decision usually comes down to visual presentation and how closely the finished car is meant to reflect a particular historical look. Blackwall and wide whitewall options are both available in this size. If exact originality matters beyond a general period-style approach, marque-club guidance, historic photos, or restoration documentation can help narrow the final appearance choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1966 AC Ace restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1966 AC Ace restoration because the tire’s size, construction, and sidewall treatment all have a strong visual effect on a compact vintage sports car. The proper 550-16 bias-ply size keeps the wheel-to-tire relationship in the right historical range.
Fitment also affects how convincing the finished car looks when viewed from the side or at ride height. A tire that departs from the intended size or wheel setup can change the car’s stance even before the car moves. Confirming wheel diameter, wheel width, and the intended appearance before purchase helps keep the restoration cohesive and avoids last-minute compromises.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 AC Ace?
Yes. Even though the primary tire size for a 1966 AC Ace is 550-16, modifications can affect whether a particular tire choice remains appropriate. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, altered ride height, or body repairs can all influence clearance and overall fitment.
A car that still uses the original-style wheel dimensions is easier to match within the available bias-ply options. Once the setup has changed, the buyer should measure the actual wheel diameter and width and check steering, fender, and suspension clearance before finalizing a tire. That matters especially on a narrow-bodied vintage sports car where space can be limited.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 AC Ace on new tires?
Before driving a 1966 AC Ace on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm proper mounting and inflation for the chosen 550-16 bias-ply tires. It is also wise to check valve stems, wheel balance, and whether the tires seat evenly on the rims.
The car itself deserves attention too. Look over steering and suspension components, verify that nothing rubs at full lock, and make sure the tires clear the bodywork through normal movement. On a collector car that may spend long periods parked, a short local shakedown drive followed by a second inspection can reveal air loss, rubbing, or settling issues early.
How should 550-16 tires on a collector 1966 AC Ace be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 550-16 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or signs of slow air loss, especially if the 1966 AC Ace is driven only occasionally or spends long stretches parked indoors.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the Ace away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect the tires before each outing and after longer runs, since low annual use can hide age-related issues that would be obvious on a daily-driven vehicle.
