The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 sits at an important point in Jaguar sedan history, blending the long, low elegance of the original XJ with the quiet speed and road manners that made the model such a respected grand touring four-door. Tire choice on this car centers on two 15-inch radial fitments, 205/70R15 and ER70-15, rather than a bias-ply decision. That opens the door to choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and period-style radial presentations across several well-known series. For a restoration-minded owner or a driver-focused buyer, the main goal is matching the right radial format to the car's wheels, appearance, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Jaguar XJ6
The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 uses two primary radial tire sizes, and both fitments share the same 15-inch rim diameter. The key decision is not wheel diameter, but which radial sizing format suits the car and its current wheel setup. Since both covered sub-models use the same sizes, the focus shifts to selecting between a modern metric radial and a vintage alphanumeric radial, then narrowing the choice by sidewall style, series, and overall presentation.
205/70R15 is a metric radial size in which 205 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1972 Jaguar XJ6, it gives you a modern radial sizing format while staying on the correct 15-inch rim. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs from brands such as Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar. This size is the practical choice for owners balancing road use, traditional appearance, and broad product selection.
ER70-15 is an alphanumeric radial size, where the letter-based size class and 70-series profile reflect a vintage performance-era sizing convention and the 15 identifies wheel diameter. For the 1972 Jaguar XJ6, it keeps the fitment in a period-style radial format rather than a later metric designation. The available ER70-15-related option is a Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet blackwall with a bias-look radial presentation. This size makes sense for owners who want a more era-appropriate visual character while remaining with radial construction on a 15-inch wheel.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1972 Jaguar XJ6 sub-models because both use the same two radial size choices. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire you choose matches the car's wheel style, visual goal, and current setup.
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1972 Jaguar XJ6 L Sedan
The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 L Sedan uses the same two 15-inch radial fitments found across this application, giving you a choice between modern metric and vintage alphanumeric sizing. That means tire selection is mostly about appearance, series preference, and confirming that the wheel and vehicle setup support the specific tire you choose.
The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 L Sedan w/alloy wheels also uses the same pair of 15-inch radial tire sizes, so there is no size split from the standard sedan within this coverage. Selection comes down to whether you want a cleaner blackwall look, a whitewall treatment, or a more period-style radial presentation.
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 1972 Jaguar XJ6 Tires for Sale
Available 1972 Jaguar XJ6 tires center on 205/70R15 and include choices from Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and period-style radial options across several distinct tire series.
These FAQs focus on 1972 Jaguar XJ6 tire sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, radial size formats, sidewall choices, restoration-minded selection, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 Jaguar XJ6?
The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 uses two primary radial tire sizes: 205/70R15 and ER70-15. Both sizes are 15-inch fitments, but they represent different sizing systems. The 205/70R15 is a metric radial format, while ER70-15 is a vintage alphanumeric radial format that suits buyers looking for a more period-style presentation.
Choosing between them starts with confirming the wheels currently on the car and the look you want. Since both covered sub-models share these fitments, the main decision is whether a modern metric radial or a vintage-format radial better suits your Jaguar's appearance, tire-series preference, and road-use plans.
What size rim does a 1972 Jaguar XJ6 use?
The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 205/70R15 and ER70-15. That shared rim diameter simplifies the first part of the fitment decision because there is no split between different wheel diameters within the covered applications.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, though. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel width and any changes made over the years, especially on a collector car. A 15-inch wheel can still vary in width and design, which affects how a particular radial tire should be evaluated.
Do all 1972 Jaguar XJ6 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. Both the 1972 Jaguar XJ6 L Sedan and the 1972 Jaguar XJ6 L Sedan w/alloy wheels use the same two radial tire sizes: 205/70R15 and ER70-15. That means there is no tire-size split between the covered sub-models, even though wheel appearance may differ.
Because the fitment is shared, most buyers can focus on tire style rather than sub-model-specific sizing. The more useful checks are the wheel dimensions actually on the car, the sidewall look you want, and whether a modern metric radial or a vintage alphanumeric radial better matches the Jaguar's intended appearance and use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/70R15 tire for a 1972 Jaguar XJ6?
Start with the fact that 205/70R15 is a primary radial size for the 1972 Jaguar XJ6 and has the broadest product variety in this application. Choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, along with several tire series from brands such as Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar.
After confirming the correct size, compare the tire's visual character, radial construction details, and wheel-width suitability for your specific wheels. A touring-oriented whitewall choice creates a different presentation than a blackwall performance-style radial, so the right tire depends on whether the car is being driven regularly, shown, or restored with a more traditional look in mind.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Jaguar XJ6 tires?
Available sidewall styles for 1972 Jaguar XJ6 tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear within the 205/70R15 fitment, giving the car a noticeably different visual character depending on whether you want a restrained sporting look or a more formal luxury-sedan presentation.
Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall finish, wheel style, and restoration direction in mind. A blackwall keeps the look cleaner and more understated, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a more traditional appearance. The sidewall treatment does not change the need to confirm the proper tire size and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 Jaguar XJ6?
The 1972 Jaguar XJ6 has available tires from Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, Coker Classic, Dunlop, Tornel, and Travelstar. Most of that variety appears in the 205/70R15 size, where buyers can compare different radial series, sidewall styles, and intended visual character without moving away from the core fitment.
Brand choice is best treated as one part of a larger comparison rather than the whole decision. It helps to look at the exact size format, sidewall design, tire series, and wheel-width suitability before deciding. That approach is especially useful on an older Jaguar where appearance, driving habits, and wheel setup can matter as much as the name on the sidewall.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Jaguar XJ6?
A period-style 1972 Jaguar XJ6 can be approached in two different ways within the available fitments. ER70-15 keeps the car in a vintage alphanumeric radial format, while 205/70R15 opens access to both blackwall and whitewall radial options. Either route can support a traditional presentation, depending on how authentic or how road-oriented the finished car needs to be.
The best choice depends on whether your priority is visual era-correctness, regular driving, or a blend of both. An owner pursuing exact originality should also compare the tire choice against marque references, photographs, and restoration documentation for the specific car, since a period-style fitment is not automatically the same thing as a factory-delivered appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Jaguar XJ6?
On a restored 1972 Jaguar XJ6, tire construction affects appearance mainly through sizing format and sidewall presentation rather than through a bias-ply-versus-radial split, because the primary fitments here are radial. A metric 205/70R15 looks more modern in its markings, while an ER70-15 carries the visual language of a vintage alphanumeric radial.
Sidewall treatment shapes the final impression just as much as the construction labeling. Blackwalls create a cleaner sporting look, while narrow or wide whitewalls shift the car toward a more formal restoration style. Looking at the car's trim, wheel finish, and intended era presentation usually helps narrow the right direction faster than size alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Jaguar XJ6?
Yes. A 1972 Jaguar XJ6 may use the correct 15-inch tire size on paper and still need additional checking if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body alterations. Even when staying with 205/70R15 or ER70-15, wheel width, offset, and available clearance can influence how comfortably the tire works on the car.
That is why it helps to inspect the actual wheel setup rather than relying only on the model year. Lowering, replacement springs, or non-original wheels can change steering and fender clearance. On a long-kept collector sedan, verifying those details before mounting new tires can prevent appearance issues and unwanted interference once the car is back on the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Jaguar XJ6 on new tires?
Before driving a 1972 Jaguar XJ6 on new tires, check wheel condition, lug hardware, inflation pressure, and basic clearance at the fenders and steering components. It also makes sense to inspect the suspension and alignment condition, because worn parts can affect how a fresh set of radial tires behaves even when the size itself is correct.
A collector car that has spent time parked deserves extra attention before regular road use. Look for fluid leaks that could reach the tires, confirm there is no rubbing at full steering lock, and make sure the spare and jack situation are still practical. A short, careful test drive is a sensible final check before longer trips.
How should 205/70R15 tires on a collector 1972 Jaguar XJ6 be maintained?
205/70R15 tires on a collector 1972 Jaguar XJ6 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread depth. On a car that is driven infrequently, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss can matter more than simple mileage wear.
Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the Jaguar away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both appearance and serviceability. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every longer outing, since a car that looks fine in the garage may reveal problems only when it returns to road use.
