1957 Allard came from one of Britain’s most individual postwar performance marques, known for blending lightweight sports-car thinking with larger-displacement power and hand-built character. By this stage, Allard models appealed to enthusiasts who wanted something rarer and more specialized than a mass-produced British or American car. Tire selection across 1957 Allard models is not a one-size-fits-all matter: the Palm Beach uses two 15-inch bias-ply sizes, while the Sport moves to a larger 16-inch bias-ply fitment of its own. Before choosing a tire for a 1957 Allard, the first step is confirming whether you have a Palm Beach or a Sport, then matching the correct rim diameter and size accordingly.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1957 Allard
Three tire sizes are available for 1957 Allard models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main decision starts with identifying your model and confirming whether it uses a 15-inch or 16-inch wheel, since all three listed sizes are bias-ply but they do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct Allard application.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Palm Beach|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number indicates the nominal section width and the final number indicates a 15-inch rim. On the 1957 Allard Palm Beach, this size is offered by BFGoodrich and Avon in blackwall and wide whitewall form, with load figures reaching 1,050 pounds at 32 psi on some products and an H speed rating on the Avon 590H15 81H, equal to 130 mph. Because it is specific to Palm Beach models rather than universal across the 1957 Allard line, it should be chosen only after confirming that model and wheel diameter. It suits owners who want a period-style bias-ply fitment with a choice between understated blackwall and more prominent whitewall appearance.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Palm Beach|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
600-15 is also a numeric bias-ply size, with the code indicating a nominal section width and fitment to a 15-inch rim. BFGoodrich offers it in both blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with listed load capacity up to 1,150 pounds at 32 psi and rim-width ranges that vary by product. This size is specific to the 1957 Allard Palm Beach and is not used across the full Allard range for the year. Buyers typically choose it when they want the broader of the Palm Beach’s two period-correct bias-ply options while staying with the proper 15-inch wheel fitment.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Sport|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size whose code denotes a nominal section width and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1957 Allard Sport, it is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with listed load figures up to 1,580 pounds at 32 psi on several products. This size is specific to the Sport and separates that model from the Palm Beach’s 15-inch fitments. It is the right route for owners preserving the Sport’s era-correct bias-ply character while choosing the sidewall look that best matches the car’s restoration style.
Two 1957 Allard models are covered here. Tire size does vary by model, which means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly: the Palm Beach uses 15-inch fitments, while the Sport uses a 16-inch fitment. Select your model below to narrow the correct size and see model-specific tire options.
1957 Allard Palm Beach
The 1957 Allard Palm Beach was positioned as a stylish British road car with a lighter, more elegant personality than the company’s harder-edged performance machines. Its tires mount on 15-inch rims, and the choice stays within two bias-ply sizes that fit the Palm Beach alone. For owners restoring a refined postwar British sports tourer, the decision often comes down to the Palm Beach’s specific 15-inch size and preferred sidewall presentation.
The 1957 Allard Sport reflects the marque’s more competition-minded side, with the lean, purposeful character enthusiasts associate with low-volume British specialty cars of the period. Its tire fitment mounts on 16-inch rims and uses a single bias-ply size unique to the Sport within the 1957 Allard range. That makes model identification especially important before moving on to product selection.
Twenty-four products are available across three tire sizes for 1957 Allard vehicles: 590-15 includes 3 BFGoodrich and Avon bias-ply choices in blackwall and wide whitewall, 600-15 includes 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 650-16 includes 19 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Confirm your model, tire size, and preferred sidewall look before selecting.
These FAQs sort out which tire sizes belong to the 1957 Allard Palm Beach and Sport, how numeric bias-ply sizing works, what sidewall and brand choices exist within each size, and what to check for storage, setup, and road use on a collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1957 Allard vehicles?
1957 Allard vehicles use three tire sizes across two models. The Palm Beach uses 590-15 and 600-15, both mounting on 15-inch rims. The Sport uses 650-16, which mounts on a 16-inch rim. Where rim-width guidance is listed, 590-15 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, 600-15 fits either 4.00 to 4.50-inch or 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims depending on the product, and 650-16 fits 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims on products where that range is specified.
That means the first fitment question on a 1957 Allard is not brand or sidewall style, but model identification. A Palm Beach owner can compare two 15-inch bias-ply sizes, while a Sport owner needs the 16-inch fitment unique to that model. Before ordering, confirm the size already on the car, check the wheel diameter directly, and compare the wheel width to the range shown for the specific tire you are considering.
What does 590-15 mean on a 1957 Allard tire?
On a 1957 Allard, 590-15 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The first number, 590, identifies the tire’s nominal section width in the older numeric system, and the 15 indicates that it mounts on a 15-inch rim. It is not a modern metric radial size, and it does not describe width, aspect ratio, and construction in the same way a later P-metric code would.
That older sizing format matters because a 1957 Allard Palm Beach should be matched to period-correct numeric bias-ply sizing rather than translated casually into a modern code. If your car is a Palm Beach and currently wears 590-15, stay with that size unless you have a clear reason to move to the alternate Palm Beach fitment. The wheel diameter still has to be confirmed first, since a numeric code only works when paired with the correct rim.
Do all 1957 Allard models use the same tire size?
No. The 1957 Allard Palm Beach uses 590-15 or 600-15, while the 1957 Allard Sport uses 650-16. All three are bias-ply sizes, but the Palm Beach and Sport do not share a common rim diameter. Palm Beach fitments are 15-inch, and the Sport fitment is 16-inch.
That split is important because year and make alone can point you in the wrong direction. A Palm Beach owner choosing among 15-inch tires has a different fitment path from a Sport owner with 16-inch wheels. If your Allard has had wheels changed over the years, verify the actual wheel diameter and compare it with the model’s intended size before selecting a tire simply because it appears close in width or overall look.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Allard tires?
1957 Allard tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. The 590-15 Palm Beach fitment offers blackwall and wide whitewall versions, and the 600-15 Palm Beach fitment does as well. The 650-16 Sport fitment also appears in both blackwall and wide whitewall forms across the available brands. All of these remain bias-ply tires, so the visual choice is about sidewall appearance rather than switching to a different construction.
For a 1957 Allard, sidewall style is usually a restoration and presentation decision. Blackwalls tend to suit a more restrained sporting look, while wide whitewalls create a stronger period statement on certain restorations. The right choice depends on how your specific car was delivered, how it is being judged if shown, and the look you want from the finished vehicle. If authenticity matters, compare your selection to period photos and consult an Allard specialist familiar with your model.
What brands make tires for 1957 Allard vehicles?
1957 Allard tires are available from several brands, with the selection varying by size. The 590-15 Palm Beach size includes BFGoodrich and Avon. The 600-15 Palm Beach size is offered by BFGoodrich. The 650-16 Sport size includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield. Every listed option for these 1957 Allard sizes remains within the bias-ply category.
That brand spread gives owners different ways to match the personality of the car without leaving the proper period-style construction. A Palm Beach owner has a narrower brand range because the two 15-inch sizes have fewer offerings, while the Sport’s 650-16 size has the broadest selection. Once the correct size is established, compare brands by sidewall look, listed load capacity where shown, and wheel-width compatibility for the specific tire you are considering.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Avon options for the 1957 Allard 590-15 size?
In 590-15 for the 1957 Allard Palm Beach, BFGoodrich is offered in blackwall and 2.625-inch wide whitewall versions, each with a listed maximum load capacity of 1,050 pounds at 32 psi and a stated 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim-width range. Avon appears as the 590H15 81H Turbospeed Mk4 in blackwall form, with a listed load of 1,018 pounds and an H speed rating, which corresponds to 130 mph. The BFGoodrich tires are slightly heavier in the listed specifications than the Avon option.
That makes the choice less about basic fitment and more about presentation and product character. If you want a wide whitewall in this size, the BFGoodrich line provides that path. If you prefer a blackwall with an explicitly stated H speed rating, the Avon offering stands out. Because the products are not identical in sidewall treatment, published load figure, and stated speed marking, compare the exact sidewall and specification details before deciding which 590-15 best suits your Palm Beach.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1957 Allard tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1957 Allard tires varies by size and sometimes by product within the same size. The 590-15 Palm Beach fitment is listed for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims on BFGoodrich products. The 600-15 Palm Beach fitment appears in one version for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims and another for 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims. The 650-16 Sport fitment is listed at 4.50 to 5.00-inch rim width on products where that specification is shown.
Those ranges mean the wheel should be measured, not assumed. Even when the tire size code is correct, the wheel still needs to fall within the approved width range for that specific tire. On older specialty cars like a 1957 Allard, wheels may have been swapped over the years, so checking both the diameter and the bead-seat width is worthwhile before installation. That is especially important when comparing two products within the same nominal size.
Can the original 1957 Allard wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1957 Allard wheels cannot be treated as interchangeable across all three listed sizes because the model range uses two different rim diameters. The Palm Beach sizes, 590-15 and 600-15, both fit 15-inch wheels. The Sport size, 650-16, fits a 16-inch wheel. A 15-inch Palm Beach wheel will not accept the Sport’s 650-16 tire, and a 16-inch Sport wheel is not the right base for the Palm Beach sizes.
Within the Palm Beach line, both listed sizes share the same 15-inch diameter, so the practical question becomes wheel width and the specific tire’s approved range rather than rim diameter alone. For the Sport, the process is simpler because only one size is listed, but the 16-inch wheel still needs to match the tire’s intended width range. On a hand-built marque like Allard, it is wise to inspect the actual wheels on the car rather than relying on assumption.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1957 Allard when the tires are fitted?
A 1957 Allard should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires can take a temporary flat spot more readily during long static periods, so correct inflation and occasional rolling of the car are helpful. If the car will sit for an extended season, clean dry floors or tire cradles are preferable to damp concrete.
That approach protects both the casing and the sidewalls while preserving ride quality when the car goes back on the road. Some owners choose jack stands or storage ramps for longer layups, but the key is to avoid leaving a lightly loaded collector car motionless on underinflated tires. A stored spare deserves the same attention, because many vintage-car roadside problems start with a spare that aged in the trunk and was forgotten.
How long do tires on a 1957 Allard typically last?
Tires on a 1957 Allard should be judged primarily by age and condition rather than by mileage. Collector cars often accumulate very little tread wear, but the rubber still hardens and the internal structure still ages. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating vintage-car tires closely once they are in 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 usable.
The practical way to manage that is to check the DOT date code if present on the tire and keep a record of installation age. Look for sidewall cracking, loss of flexibility, recurring air loss, or vibration that was not there when the tires were newer. A low-mileage 1957 Allard can still be riding on old tires that look respectable at a glance, so age should carry as much weight as cosmetic appearance.
How often should tires on a 1957 Allard be inspected?
Tires on a 1957 Allard should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Check inflation pressure, tread wear, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and sidewall cracking. Because these are bias-ply vintage-style tires, also pay attention to how the car feels during the first miles after storage, since a flat-spotted tire may smooth out as it warms. The spare tire should be inspected on the same schedule, not only when needed.
Frequent checks matter more on an older collector car because it may sit for long periods and then be asked to run at road speed with little warning. If the car shows repeated pressure loss, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, and overall sealing surfaces as well as the tire itself. Catching a crack, cut, or damaged stem in the garage is far better than finding it during a roadside tire change in a 1957 Allard.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1957 Allard Palm Beach?
A 1957 Allard Palm Beach would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the listed Palm Beach sizes here are 590-15 and 600-15, both bias-ply on 15-inch rims. That matches the construction type expected for a British specialty car of the period. Original-equipment brand can vary by market, distributor, and delivery history, so the most reliable restoration path is to focus first on the correct size, construction, and sidewall look rather than chasing a brand name without supporting evidence.
For a restoration-minded owner, the real question is whether the car should wear the narrower or wider of the two Palm Beach sizes and whether blackwall or wide whitewall better matches the car’s original presentation. Factory literature, period photos, and marque-club knowledge are the best next references when the goal is highly accurate authenticity. If the car is being judged, verify the expected sidewall treatment for your exact market and body style before final selection.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1957 Allard?
Correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1957 Allard because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation very quickly. A Palm Beach on the wrong 16-inch Sport size, or a Sport on a Palm Beach 15-inch fitment, would be an obvious mismatch. Even within the correct model, blackwall versus wide whitewall can change the period look substantially, especially on a hand-built car where visual balance is part of the appeal.
For many events, the right answer is not just a tire that fits the wheel, but a tire that fits the car’s restoration story. Owners pursuing concours-level authenticity should compare size and sidewall appearance with period references and check event-specific standards with the relevant marque club. If the car is built more for driving than strict judging, you still gain credibility by keeping the proper model-specific size and an era-appropriate overall appearance.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone options for the 1957 Allard 650-16 size?
In 650-16 for the 1957 Allard Sport, BFGoodrich appears in a 3.75-inch wide whitewall version with a listed maximum load of 1,580 pounds at 32 psi and a 4.50 to 5.00-inch rim-width range. Firestone offers a blackwall 650-16 with the same listed 1,580 pounds at 32 psi and the same 4.50 to 5.00-inch rim-width range. The listed weights differ slightly, with the BFGoodrich whitewall at 24 pounds and the Firestone blackwall at 23 pounds.
That means the contrast is mostly in appearance and brand character rather than in basic wheel compatibility. If your Sport restoration calls for a strong whitewall visual statement, the BFGoodrich option fits that theme. If you want a more restrained blackwall look while staying in the same basic bias-ply size and load specification range, the Firestone route may make more sense. Compare the exact sidewall treatment and published dimensions before deciding which best matches the car.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1957 Allard tires safe for highway driving?
1957 Allard tires can be appropriate for highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their published limitations. One 590-15 Palm Beach option, the Avon 590H15 81H, carries an H rating, which corresponds to 130 mph. The other listed 1957 Allard products here are bias-ply tires without a speed letter shown in the size line, so the safest approach is to treat each tire by its own stated marking and intended use rather than assuming all products in the range share the same speed capability.
On a 1957 Allard, tire safety is only part of the picture because braking, steering, suspension condition, and wheel integrity matter just as much on an older specialty car. For ordinary road use, many vintage cars reach their practical mechanical comfort limit before a properly matched tire reaches its published ceiling. Confirm the exact tire marking, run the proper inflation for the application, and make sure the rest of the car is equally roadworthy before planning sustained highway driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1957 Allard tires?
Inflation pressure on 1957 Allard tires should start with the factory recommendation for the car and then be checked against the tire’s own published load-and-pressure rating. Several listed products show maximum load at 32 psi: 590-15 at 1,050 pounds, 600-15 at 1,150 pounds, and 650-16 at 1,580 pounds on certain products. Those figures are maximum-rated load references, not a blanket instruction to run every 1957 Allard tire at 32 psi in every situation.
The practical rule is to avoid borrowing a pressure number from one size and applying it to another. Palm Beach and Sport tires differ in size, wheel diameter, and in some cases the published specification of the individual product. Use the owner’s literature or marque guidance for the car’s starting pressure, then confirm the tire maker’s rating for the exact tire selected. Recheck pressures cold, especially after storage, seasonal changes, or wheel and tire service.
What should I check before taking a 1957 Allard on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1957 Allard, inspect each tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs of previous impact damage. Check cold pressures, confirm the valve stems are sound, and make sure the spare is inflated and usable. If the car has been sitting, pay close attention during the first miles for vibration or pull that could point to flat spotting, wheel issues, or a tire beginning to fail under load.
A tire check should be part of a broader pre-trip review on any 1957 Allard. Wheel fasteners, steering play, brake feel, fluid levels, and charging system condition all deserve attention before the car is asked to cover distance. Older specialty cars reward preparation, and the tire portion of that preparation is straightforward: inspect carefully, confirm the correct model-specific size, and do not head out on aged or visibly compromised rubber simply because the tread still looks deep.
