In the British luxury and upper-middle market, 1957 Daimler offered a distinctly formal alternative to more common saloons, with everything from the compact Conquest to the limousine-grade DK400 and the stately One-O-Four. That variety matters because 1957 Daimler tire fitment is not shared across the range: four models use seven different sizes, split between period-style bias-ply options and later radial alternatives on some models. The real choice depends on whether your car is a Century, Conquest, DK400, or One-O-Four, and then whether you want era-correct construction or a radial with more modern road manners. Confirming the exact model and wheel diameter first will point you to the right size family.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1957 Daimler
Seven tire sizes appear across the 1957 Daimler range, and they vary by model rather than being shared across every car. Some models have a choice between a bias-ply size and a radial size on the same rim diameter, while others use a single model-specific fitment, so the first step is confirming both your Daimler model and whether it rides on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Century|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a radial size with a 185-millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter; with no stated aspect ratio, it follows the usual Euro-metric 80-series convention. Available choices include Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall versions, with tubeless products and speed ratings that vary by product from H (130 mph) to V (149 mph). This Century-specific size suits owners who want a radial tire with a more modern feel while still staying within a period-appropriate overall format.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Century|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number is the nominal section width designation and the final number is the 15-inch rim diameter. Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire offer this size in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures reaching as high as 1550 pounds at 32 psi on some products. This Century-specific size is the traditional choice for an owner who wants the period look and bias-ply character associated with a 1950s luxury saloon.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Conquest|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15-in rim
175R15 is a radial size with a 175-millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, using the usual Euro-metric convention when no aspect ratio is printed. Radial products are listed in this fitment family for the Conquest, and the practical distinction is that it is a model-specific radial alternative rather than a universal 1957 Daimler size. This size makes sense for a Conquest owner looking for a radial fitment path instead of the original-era bias-ply approach.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): Conquest|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size whose code identifies the section-width class and a 15-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers it in both wide whitewall and blackwall styles, with listed load capacity of 1150 pounds at 32 psi. This Conquest-specific size is the more traditional fitment for owners restoring the car with the steering feel and stance expected from a 1950s bias-ply tire.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): DK400|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the code indicating the section-width class and a 16-inch rim diameter. Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich offer it in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with listed load capacities ranging up to 1850 pounds at 48 psi on some products. This size is specific to the DK400 and fits the formal, heavy-duty character expected of Daimler's limousine-class model.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): One-O-Four|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
185R16 is a radial size with a 185-millimeter section width and a 16-inch rim diameter, following the usual Euro-metric convention when no aspect ratio is shown. Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein offer blackwall versions in this size, and tube fitment and speed rating vary by product, with S-rated examples at 112 mph and V-rated examples at 149 mph. This One-O-Four-specific size suits owners who want a radial setup on the car's 16-inch wheels without moving to a different fitment family.
Year(s): 1957|Fit(s): One-O-Four|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number denoting the nominal section-width class and the last number identifying the 16-inch rim. BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield offer it in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with listed load capacity up to 1580 pounds at 32 psi. This One-O-Four-specific size is the more authentic path for a traditional restoration that aims to preserve the look and driving character of the period.
Four 1957 Daimler models are covered here: Century, Conquest, DK400, and One-O-Four. Tire size varies by model, and some models also split between a radial and a bias-ply option, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire sizes and products that apply to that specific Daimler.
1957 Daimler Century
The Daimler Century was a refined British saloon with a more sporting edge than the larger formal Daimlers, blending traditional Daimler presentation with stronger road performance for its class. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the fitment path divides between a radial 185R15 and a bias-ply 670-15 depending on the type of setup you want to run.
The Daimler Conquest served as the make's smaller and more accessible saloon, giving buyers Daimler character in a tidier package than the senior cars. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, with a radial 175R15 option and a traditional 600-15 bias-ply option tied specifically to the Conquest.
The DK400 was Daimler's chauffeur-grade limousine and ceremonial chassis, known for its imposing proportions and highly formal presence. It uses a 16-inch wheel fitment and takes the 750-16 bias-ply size, matching the substantial character expected of Daimler's top-tier luxury model.
The One-O-Four was one of Daimler's established larger saloons, carrying the upright styling and dignified road presence buyers expected from the marque in the 1950s. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and owners can choose between a radial 185R16 and a bias-ply 650-16 depending on how original or how road-oriented they want the car to feel.
Forty-six products are available across seven tire sizes for 1957 Daimler vehicles. Choices range from 185R15 radial offerings by Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall form to 670-15, 600-15, 750-16, and 650-16 bias-ply selections in blackwall and wide whitewall, plus 185R16 radial blackwalls from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein; confirm size and construction first, since tube status and speed rating can vary within some radial sizes.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model fitment differences across the 1957 Daimler range, including how the Century, Conquest, DK400, and One-O-Four split between bias-ply and radial sizes, what sidewall styles are available, and what to check before putting a collector car back on the road.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1957 Daimler vehicles?
1957 Daimler vehicles use seven sizes across four models. The Century takes 185R15 radial or 670-15 bias-ply on 15-inch rims, the Conquest takes 175R15 radial or 600-15 bias-ply on 15-inch rims, the DK400 uses 750-16 bias-ply on 16-inch rims, and the One-O-Four takes 185R16 radial or 650-16 bias-ply on 16-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance is listed, 185R15 products run from 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 670-15 from 4.5 to 6.0 inches, 600-15 from 4.0 to 5.0 inches, 750-16 from 5.0 to 6.0 inches, 185R16 from 4.5 to 6.5 inches, and 650-16 from 4.5 to 5.0 inches.
That spread means a 1957 Daimler owner has to identify the exact model before choosing a tire, and then confirm whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply setup or converted to a radial option where one exists. The 15-inch and 16-inch groups do not interchange, and even within the same rim diameter the tire families are tied to specific models. Checking the wheel diameter on the car and comparing it to the tire size already fitted is the cleanest starting point before moving into product selection.
What does 670-15 mean on a 1957 Daimler tire?
On a 1957 Daimler, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 670 portion is the traditional section-width designation used in mid-century American and European bias-ply sizing, while the 15 identifies a 15-inch wheel diameter. On this year and make, 670-15 applies to the Daimler Century rather than to the full model range.
That matters because 670-15 is not just a measurement code; it also signals an older tire construction style and the visual character that comes with it. If your Century is being restored toward factory-era appearance, this is the more traditional format to consider. Before choosing among blackwall or wide whitewall versions, compare your existing wheel width to the rim-width range shown for the specific product you are considering rather than assuming every 670-15 is built the same way.
What does 185R15 or 185R16 mean on a 1957 Daimler tire?
On a 1957 Daimler, 185R15 and 185R16 are Euro-metric radial sizes. The 185 identifies a 185-millimeter section width, the R indicates radial construction, and the final number gives the wheel diameter in inches: 15 for the Century and 16 for the One-O-Four. Where no aspect ratio is printed, that format is generally treated as the classic 80-series metric convention.
Those sizes are useful for Daimler owners who want a radial tire while staying close to a period-looking fitment family. They are still model-specific, so a Century's 185R15 should not be treated as interchangeable with a One-O-Four's 185R16 just because both begin with 185R. When comparing products, pay attention to sidewall style, speed symbol, and whether the tire is marked TT or TL, since those details can change from one radial offering to another.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 185R15 or the 670-15 for my 1957 Daimler?
For a 1957 Daimler Century, the choice between 185R15 and 670-15 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. The 185R15 family is offered as a radial in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall versions, while 670-15 stays in the traditional bias-ply category with blackwall and wide whitewall choices. Both belong specifically to the Century rather than to every 1957 Daimler.
An owner focused on preserving the period driving feel and presentation will usually lean toward 670-15, especially in a restoration context. An owner planning more regular road use may prefer the radial path offered by 185R15, provided the wheel width and overall setup are compatible with the chosen product. The clean way to decide is to start with the role of the car—show field, touring, or occasional use—and then match the tire's construction and sidewall style to that purpose.
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Daimler tires?
1957 Daimler tires are available in several sidewall treatments, but the selection depends on size. The 185R15 radial used on the Century appears in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall form; 670-15, 600-15, 750-16, and 650-16 bias-ply sizes are offered in blackwall and wide whitewall versions; and 185R16 radial products for the One-O-Four are listed in blackwall only. That gives the year and make a broad visual range even though no single sidewall style spans every size.
For a late-1950s British Daimler, blackwall is usually the safest visual baseline, while whitewall choices can suit cars restored to a more formal luxury presentation or to a market-specific style preference. Redline is a much more specialized appearance and will appeal to a narrower buyer. If show authenticity matters, treat the sidewall style as part of the restoration decision rather than a cosmetic afterthought, and compare it against period photos, club advice, and the model's intended presentation.
What brands make tires for 1957 Daimler vehicles?
Several brands cover 1957 Daimler fitments, and the mix changes by size. Michelin and Coker Classic appear in 185R15, BFGoodrich covers 600-15, Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire appear in 670-15, Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich appear in 750-16, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein cover 185R16, and BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield appear in 650-16. That spread gives both restoration-oriented and road-oriented owners multiple paths within the Daimler range.
Brand choice on a 1957 Daimler should be secondary to getting the right model-specific size and the construction type you actually want to run. Once those two pieces are settled, the brand can help narrow the sidewall look, load rating, or speed symbol that fits your priorities. Comparing the exact product series within the correct size is more useful than trying to pick a single brand across the whole 1957 Daimler lineup, because the Century, Conquest, DK400, and One-O-Four do not share one common tire family.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1957 Daimler tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by 1957 Daimler tire size. Available ranges include 4.5 to 6.5 inches for 185R15, 4.5 to 6.0 inches for 670-15, 4.0 to 5.0 inches for 600-15, 5.0 to 6.0 inches for 750-16, 4.5 to 6.5 inches for 185R16, and 4.5 to 5.0 inches for 650-16. Those ranges are tied to the individual tire products offered in each size, not to the Daimler name as a whole.
That means wheel width should be checked before you settle on a radial or bias-ply option, especially when one model offers both types on the same rim diameter. A Century owner, for example, may find that one 15-inch radial and one 15-inch bias-ply list different preferred wheel widths even though both fit the same model. Measuring the wheel itself or confirming the wheel specification through a marque specialist helps avoid forcing a tire onto a rim that falls outside the manufacturer's stated range.
Do 1957 Daimler tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1957 Daimler tires depend on the exact size and product. The Michelin 185R16 for the One-O-Four is marked TT, meaning tube type, while the Michelin 185R15 products for the Century are marked TL, meaning tubeless. Other sizes in the range are bias-ply offerings without a consistent TT or TL marking across every product shown, so tube practice should be confirmed on the specific tire and wheel combination you plan to use.
The wheel matters just as much as the tire, because an older rim's design and condition can determine whether a tubeless tire should actually be run with a tube. On a collector Daimler, that question is worth settling before mounting day rather than after a slow leak appears. Check the sidewall marking on the exact product, inspect the wheel's bead seat and valve area, and treat any mixed evidence as a reason to consult a vintage tire specialist familiar with postwar British wheels.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1957 Daimler when the tires are fitted?
A 1957 Daimler should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, move the car periodically if possible, and avoid letting it sit for long periods on damp concrete or in standing moisture. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat spotting during storage, while any older-style collector tire can suffer sidewall checking if left in harsh conditions.
If the car will be parked for an extended season, many owners either roll it a short distance every few weeks or support the vehicle in a way that reduces sustained loading on one contact patch. That is particularly useful for a Daimler with taller sidewalls and low annual mileage. Storage care does not just preserve appearance; it also reduces the chance that the first drive of the season begins with vibration, cracking, or pressure loss that could have been prevented.
How long do tires on a 1957 Daimler typically last?
Tires on a 1957 Daimler should be evaluated by age as much as by mileage, because collector cars often wear out their tires chemically before they wear them out mechanically. A practical rule is to inspect them carefully once they reach five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the reference for age, not the restoration date of the car.
That approach matters because a low-mile Daimler can still have hardening rubber, internal degradation, or sidewall cracking even if the tread looks nearly new. Touring plans, storage conditions, inflation history, and whether the car sits for long periods all affect service life. If a tire's age is approaching the upper end of the range, replacing it before a long event or sustained highway use is usually wiser than trying to stretch one more season from a tire that has simply grown old.
How often should tires on a 1957 Daimler be inspected?
Tires on a 1957 Daimler should be checked before every drive and given a more thorough inspection before any longer outing. Look for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, objects in the tread, and any change in how well the tire holds pressure. If your setup uses tube-type tires or tubes within older wheels, include the valve stems and surrounding areas in that inspection.
Frequent inspection is especially important on collector cars because they can sit quietly for weeks and still develop age-related problems that are not obvious from across the garage. A Daimler that feels fine on a short neighborhood drive can still reveal a marginal sidewall or slow leak once speeds rise and heat builds. Spending a few minutes with a gauge and a close visual check before each outing is one of the simplest ways to reduce avoidable roadside trouble.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1957 Daimler Century?
A 1957 Daimler Century would originally have been associated with bias-ply construction as the standard period-correct tire type, and within the Century fitments here that role is represented by 670-15. The 185R15 option is a radial alternative for the same model and reflects a later construction approach rather than the baseline postwar norm. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so the important first point is construction type and size family rather than a specific sidewall name.
For restoration work, that means a Century owner usually starts with 670-15 if the goal is visual and technical authenticity. From there, the choice becomes blackwall or wide whitewall depending on how the car was presented in its market and in the period you are trying to represent. If the car has a known history, period photographs, factory literature, or marque-club guidance are the best ways to confirm whether your individual Century should wear a plain blackwall or a more formal whitewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1957 Daimler?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1957 Daimler is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, and sidewall style all influence whether the car looks and presents as it would have in period, and judges or knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice mismatches such as a modern-looking radial on a car restored for factory-correct presentation. The issue is not only diameter and width, but also whether the sidewall treatment suits the car's year, class, and market context.
That does not mean every shown Daimler must wear the same tire, because standards vary between concours judging, touring events, and marque-club displays. It does mean you should decide early whether the car is being restored to original specification, to a period touring standard, or simply to an owner's preferred road-use setup. Event-specific rules can differ, so checking with the sponsoring club or judging body before final tire selection is much easier than trying to correct the look after the car is finished.
What is the difference between Michelin X Radial and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1957 Daimler?
For the 1957 Daimler One-O-Four in 185R16, Michelin X Radial and Vredestein Sprint Classic differ in both construction details and service markings even though they share the same nominal size family. The Michelin is listed as 185R16 92S TT, making it a tube-type radial with an S speed rating up to 112 mph and a rim-width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches. The Vredestein is listed as 185VR16 93V, with a V speed rating up to 149 mph, a 1433-pound load figure at 51 psi, and a rim-width range of 5.0 to 6.5 inches.
Those differences matter most when the car's wheel setup and intended use are already defined. A One-O-Four owner concerned with a more traditional vintage radial character may focus on the Michelin's tube-type layout, while another owner may prefer the Vredestein's higher speed symbol and slightly different wheel-width window. Neither should be treated as interchangeable without checking the actual wheel on the car, because the tube requirement, speed symbol, and wheel-width range create practical differences beyond the 185R16 label alone.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1957 Daimler tires safe for highway driving?
1957 Daimler tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, properly inflated, in sound condition, and used within their construction and speed-rating limits. The radial offerings listed for this year include S-rated products up to 112 mph, H-rated products up to 130 mph, and V-rated products up to 149 mph, while the bias-ply sizes shown here do not carry modern speed symbols in the same way. On a 1950s Daimler, the car's braking, suspension, steering, and general mechanical condition are often the more important limits at ordinary highway speeds.
Safety on the road is less about chasing the highest rating and more about matching the tire to the car's actual use. A well-sorted touring Daimler on fresh radial tires may feel different from one on bias-ply tires, but either setup still demands respect for the vehicle's age and design. Before regular highway use, confirm tire age, inspect the sidewalls, set pressure correctly, and make sure the rest of the chassis is prepared for the kind of sustained driving you have in mind.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1957 Daimler tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1957 Daimler should begin with the car's original factory recommendation for the specific model and then be checked against the tire maker's own rated pressure information for the exact product. Several listed products include pressure-and-load pairings, such as 1355 pounds at 35 psi for one 185R15 radial, 1450 to 1550 pounds at 32 psi among 670-15 tires, 1150 pounds at 32 psi for 600-15, up to 1850 pounds at 48 psi for some 750-16 products, 1433 pounds at 51 psi for one 185R16 radial, and 1580 pounds at 32 psi for 650-16 products.
Those figures are product ratings, not a blanket instruction to inflate every tire to the maximum printed pressure. The right operating pressure depends on the model, tire size, wheel, and the car's intended loading. A DK400 on 750-16 and a Conquest on 600-15 should never be treated as though they want the same pressure just because both are 1957 Daimlers. Use the factory handbook as the starting point, then confirm that your chosen reproduction or radial tire is being run within its own stated limits.
What should I check before taking a 1957 Daimler on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1957 Daimler, inspect all five tires if the car carries a usable spare. Check for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are sound; if the car uses tube-type tires or tubes with older wheels, pay extra attention to stem condition and any signs of slow leakage. Also verify that the spare matches the wheel diameter and is not simply an old tire being carried for appearance.
A longer trip is also the moment to treat the tires as one part of a broader mechanical review. Wheel bearings, brakes, steering joints, suspension bushings, and the cooling system all matter on a 1950s Daimler that may spend much of its life in low-speed local use. If the car has recently come out of storage, give it a short shakedown run first rather than heading straight onto a long route, since heat and speed often reveal issues that a garage inspection alone will miss.
