Postwar Bristol established itself as a low-volume British maker of refined, sporting grand tourers, blending aerodynamic bodywork with engineering influenced by prewar BMW practice. For 1949, the marque's lineup was compact but distinctive, and tire selection matters because the 1949 Bristol range does not use one universal size across both models. The 401 and 402 each call for a different 16-inch bias-ply size, so the choice is less about swapping constructions and more about matching the correct size to the correct model. Before narrowing down sidewall style or brand, confirm whether your car is a 401 or 402 and verify the actual wheel and tire markings already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1949 Bristol
Two tire sizes are used across 1949 Bristol vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Both are 16-inch bias-ply sizes, so the real decision is confirming which Bristol model you have and matching that size to the wheel before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Understanding that distinction first makes it much easier to choose the right tire for your car.
Year(s): 1949|Fit(s): 401|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16-in rim
5.75-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.75 refers to the nominal section width and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1949 Bristol 401 rather than the full 1949 Bristol range. A buyer choosing this size should stay focused on period-correct bias-ply fitment and confirm the exact wheel and existing tire markings on the car before selecting a product.
Year(s): 1949|Fit(s): 402|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
550-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 550 indicates the nominal section width in period numeric sizing and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This 1949 Bristol 402-specific size is available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone with blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and load figures appear on some products up to 992 pounds or 840 pounds at 32 psi. It suits owners aiming to keep the 402 in an era-appropriate bias-ply configuration while choosing the sidewall appearance that best matches the car's presentation.
Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels, so cross-year wheel compatibility still depends on confirming the appropriate rim width for the specific tire you choose.
1949 Bristol Models
Two Bristol models are covered for 1949. They do not share one common tire size, so identifying your model matters before you move on to sidewall style, brand, or other product details. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1949 Bristol 401
The Bristol 401 is the better-known early postwar Bristol coupe, recognized for its streamlined body and grand touring character rather than mass-market production. Its tire fitment uses a 16-inch wheel, and that model-specific sizing should be confirmed against the wheel and current tire markings before choosing a replacement.
The Bristol 402 was a rarer open touring variant that carried the same refined postwar Bristol identity in a more exclusive body style. Its tires also mount on 16-inch wheels, but the model uses its own size rather than sharing the 401's fitment, so accurate model identification is important.
Four products are available across two tire sizes for 1949 Bristol vehicles. The 550-16 size includes four bias-ply choices from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; confirm your model and preferred sidewall treatment before selecting.
These FAQs cover how 1949 Bristol tire sizing differs between the 401 and 402, what period-style bias-ply sizing codes mean, how sidewall choices affect appearance, and what to inspect on a lightly driven collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1949 Bristol vehicles?
1949 Bristol vehicles use two different tire sizes depending on model. The Bristol 401 uses 5.75-16, while the Bristol 402 uses 550-16. Both are bias-ply tires mounted on 16-inch rims, and the 550-16 products shown for the 402 are built for rim widths from 3.25 to 4.00 inches where that specification is listed.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a final tire choice on a 1949 Bristol. Start by confirming whether your car is a 401 or 402, then compare the size printed on the current tire or listed in marque literature with the actual wheel on the car. Once the model and size are confirmed, you can narrow the choice by brand and sidewall appearance.
What does 5.75-16 mean on a 1949 Bristol tire?
On a 1949 Bristol, 5.75-16 is a period numeric bias-ply size. The first number identifies the nominal section width, and the second number identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric radial code, and it does not describe the tire the same way a later P-metric or Euro-metric size would.
For a Bristol 401 owner, that matters because the tire should be chosen as a vintage-style 16-inch bias-ply fitment rather than by trying to translate it loosely into a modern radial size. Preserving the correct numeric designation helps keep the car's stance and visual character in period. If the car has been altered over the years, compare the wheel and current mounted tire before making a final decision.
What does 550-16 mean on a 1949 Bristol tire?
On a 1949 Bristol, 550-16 is also a numeric bias-ply size, with 550 representing the nominal section width in period sizing convention and 16 representing the wheel diameter in inches. This size applies to the Bristol 402 in the fitments shown here. Available 550-16 products are all bias-ply rather than radial alternatives.
A 1949 Bristol 402 owner should read 550-16 as an era-correct vintage size, then choose among the available blackwall and wide whitewall versions according to the car's intended look. Because several brands offer the size, the decision often comes down to visual presentation and the exact product specifications. Matching the 16-inch wheel is only the first step; sidewall style and rim-width suitability still deserve a final check.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1949 Bristol tires?
1949 Bristol tire sidewall choices appear in the 550-16 size used on the Bristol 402. That size is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall form, depending on brand and series. The listed blackwall options come from Excelsior and Avon, while wide whitewall versions are offered by BFGoodrich and Firestone.
For a restoration-minded owner, sidewall style changes the car's appearance more than the basic fitment does. Blackwalls usually give a restrained European sporting look, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal or period-custom presentation. The best choice depends on how you want the 402 to read visually and whether you are aiming for strict marque authenticity or a broader late-1940s period style.
What brands make tires for 1949 Bristol vehicles?
The 550-16 fitment shown for 1949 Bristol vehicles is available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. All of those offerings are bias-ply tires built for 16-inch wheels. Avon is especially familiar to buyers of British and European collector cars, while the American brands bring recognizable period styling options, particularly in whitewall form.
Brand choice on a 1949 Bristol is less about changing the basic fitment and more about selecting the presentation and specification that suit your car. Some owners prefer a blackwall look consistent with a restrained sporting Bristol, while others want the visual impact of a wide whitewall. Compare the exact sidewall style, stated load information, and rim-width suitability before deciding.
What is the difference between Avon Tourist and Firestone Classic Bias Ply for a 1949 Bristol?
For a 1949 Bristol in 550-16, the Avon Tourist Crossply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply differ in appearance and listed specifications. The Avon Tourist is a blackwall tire carrying an 80L size marking and a stated maximum load capacity of 992 pounds. The Firestone version is a 2.50-inch wide whitewall with a listed maximum load of 840 pounds at 32 psi and a stated rim-width range of 3.25 to 4.00 inches.
That makes the comparison fairly straightforward for a Bristol 402 owner. If the goal is a cleaner blackwall presentation, the Avon leans that direction, while the Firestone emphasizes period whitewall styling. Either way, the better choice depends on the look you want on the car and whether the wheel falls within the product's stated rim-width range.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1949 Bristol tires require?
Rim-width guidance is shown for the 1949 Bristol 550-16 fitment used on the Bristol 402. In the products where that specification appears, the tire is intended for rims measuring 3.25 to 4.00 inches wide. The 5.75-16 fitment for the Bristol 401 remains a 16-inch tire, but the specific width range is not stated here.
The practical takeaway is to verify the actual wheel before choosing a tire, especially if the car has changed hands several times or has been restored previously. A matching rim diameter does not automatically settle width suitability. Measuring the wheel and comparing it to the chosen tire's stated range is a smart final check before committing to a specific product.
Can the original 1949 Bristol wheels be used with both tire sizes?
Both tire sizes used on 1949 Bristol vehicles mount on 16-inch wheels, so they share the same basic rim diameter. That said, the two sizes are tied to different models rather than being interchangeable choices across the range. The Bristol 401 uses 5.75-16, while the Bristol 402 uses 550-16.
A 16-inch wheel is only part of the fitment picture. Before assuming one set of original Bristol wheels can accept either size, confirm the model, measure the wheel width, and compare it with the tire's stated rim-width guidance where available. That is especially important on a hand-built, low-volume marque where wheel changes over the decades are not unusual.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1949 Bristol when the tires are fitted?
A 1949 Bristol should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall cracking. Because both listed Bristol fitments are bias-ply tires, they are more prone to temporary flat-spotting after long static storage than many later radials. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated during lay-up helps preserve their shape and structure.
If the car will sit for extended periods, move it occasionally so one section of the tread is not carrying the load all season. Some owners also use stands or reduce vehicle weight on the tires during longer storage intervals, provided the suspension is supported correctly. When the Bristol returns to service, drive gently at first to let any flat spotting work out before normal road use.
How long do tires on a 1949 Bristol typically last?
Tires on a 1949 Bristol should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because collector cars often see limited annual use. A good rule is to begin close evaluation once tires reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the tread still looks serviceable. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age on newer reproduction products.
That approach is especially important on a postwar Bristol that may spend much of its life in storage or occasional fair-weather driving. Rubber hardens with time, and a lightly used tire can still become a poor road companion. If the car's history is uncertain, age-checking the tires is one of the simplest and most valuable safety steps you can take.
How often should tires on a 1949 Bristol be inspected?
Tires on a 1949 Bristol deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough inspection before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, tread separation, and signs that the tire is losing pressure over time. A collector car that sits between drives can develop issues that are not obvious until the next outing.
Before a longer trip, also inspect the spare, valve stems, and the wheel itself for corrosion or damage. Since these Bristol fitments are vintage-style bias-ply sizes, a small problem can become much more noticeable once the car is at road speed for an extended period. Regular checks are simple insurance against interrupting a drive in a rare and difficult-to-replace car.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1949 Bristol 401?
A 1949 Bristol 401 would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the 401 fitment shown here is 5.75-16. That matches the construction type expected for a late-1940s British grand touring car. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and period supply, so the most reliable restoration approach is to confirm the size and construction first, then verify finer authenticity details through Bristol marque references.
For most restorers, the important starting point is keeping the 401 on the correct numeric bias-ply size and 16-inch wheel format. That preserves the proper visual character and avoids introducing a later tire style that changes the car's period look. If the car is being prepared for judged competition, a Bristol club or period factory literature is the best place to confirm market-specific details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1949 Bristol?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1949 Bristol because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car is wearing the right size family, the correct bias-ply construction for the period, and a sidewall style that suits the car's market and presentation. A modern-looking tire or the wrong numeric size can stand out quickly on a low-volume, high-visibility collector car like an early Bristol.
For a show-focused owner, tire choice is part of the car's overall authenticity, not just a maintenance item. The right size supports the proper stance, while the right construction and sidewall treatment help the car look settled in its era. Event standards can vary, so check with the relevant Bristol or concours authority if the car will be judged to a strict originality standard.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone whitewall tires for a 1949 Bristol?
For a 1949 Bristol in 550-16, the whitewall choices shown are BFGoodrich and Firestone, and both are bias-ply tires built for a 16-inch wheel. The BFGoodrich version carries a 2.25-inch whitewall, while the Firestone version carries a 2.50-inch whitewall. Firestone also lists a maximum load of 840 pounds at 32 psi and a rim-width range of 3.25 to 4.00 inches.
In restoration terms, the visible difference is the whitewall width, which can subtly change the personality of a Bristol 402 from restrained to more formal. The right pick depends on how you want the finished car to present and how closely you are matching a period photo or club guidance. Comparing the exact whitewall width is just as important as comparing the basic size.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1949 Bristol tires safe for highway driving?
1949 Bristol tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within the limits of their construction and vehicle. The available fitments here are bias-ply tires, and one 550-16 Avon product carries an L speed symbol, which corresponds to 75 mph. On a postwar Bristol, the car's braking, suspension, steering feel, and overall condition matter just as much as the tire itself once speeds increase.
Safe road use comes down to realistic expectations and careful preparation rather than chasing modern-car behavior from a vintage setup. A well-sorted Bristol used at sensible speeds can be very enjoyable, but any aged, cracked, or poorly matched tire should be addressed before longer road work. If the car has not been driven regularly, inspect the entire chassis and braking system along with the tires.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1949 Bristol tires?
Inflation pressure for 1949 Bristol tires should follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the car and the tire maker's rating for the exact product. In the 550-16 range, one Firestone tire lists a maximum load of 840 pounds at 32 psi, which is a product rating rather than a blanket operating pressure for every 1949 Bristol tire. Another 550-16 option lists a maximum load capacity of 992 pounds without a matching pressure shown here.
The key is not to transfer one tire's pressure figure to another tire or from one Bristol model to the other. Start with the Bristol's original pressure guidance if you have it, then compare that against the chosen tire's own markings and specifications. If your car has unusual weight distribution, touring equipment, or restoration changes, a marque specialist can help refine the setup.
What should I check before taking a 1949 Bristol on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1949 Bristol, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, uneven wear, and pressure loss. Check the spare as well, since a rare car can be difficult to sort roadside without a usable backup. The wheel itself, the valve stems, and the bead area should also be looked over carefully before departure.
That tire check should be part of a wider pre-drive routine that includes brakes, fluid levels, steering components, lights, and the cooling system. A 1949 Bristol is a rewarding touring car when properly prepared, but any long-stored collector vehicle benefits from a cautious once-over before asking it to cover distance. Spending ten minutes in the garage is often what preserves the day on the road.
