In 1958, Jaguar offered a distinctly British mix of sporting and luxury automobiles, from the sleek XK sports car to the upright Mark saloons and the compact 2.4/3.4/3.8 family sedans. That breadth is exactly why tire selection for 1958 Jaguar vehicles is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. Across three model groups, six tire sizes appear, and each model line carries its own pairing of a period-style bias-ply size and a radial alternative. The practical decision starts with identifying your exact model first, then deciding whether you want the original-era character of bias-ply construction or the more modern road manners that come with a radial.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1958 Jaguar
Six tire sizes are available for 1958 Jaguar vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real choice is twofold: confirm whether your car uses a 15-inch or 16-inch wheel, then decide between a bias-ply size that reflects period fitment and a radial size that follows a more modern driving-oriented approach. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Jaguar model.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 185 millimeters and a 15-inch rim diameter, using the conventional Euro-metric profile associated with this format. This size is offered in Coker Classic and Michelin products with redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall sidewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product with H-rated options to 130 mph and V-rated options to 149 mph; the available products shown here are tubeless. On a 1958 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 or 3.8S, this is the radial choice for owners who want a more contemporary driving feel without stepping outside the correct wheel diameter.
640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number identifies the nominal section width class and the final number is the 15-inch rim diameter. This size appears from BFGoodrich and Firestone in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions, with load-and-pressure pairings including 1190 pounds at 32 psi and 970 pounds at 32 psi depending on the product. On a 1958 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 or 3.8S, this size is specific to those saloon models and best suits owners aiming for original-era appearance and bias-ply character.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
185R16 is a metric radial size with a nominal 185-millimeter section width mounted on a 16-inch wheel, using the conventional Euro-metric profile for sizes written without a stated aspect ratio. Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein offer this size in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product with S-rated examples to 112 mph and V-rated examples to 149 mph; tube status also varies by product, including at least one tube-type listing. On a 1958 Jaguar Mark, this is the radial-only size for that model group and appeals to owners who want 16-inch fitment with a more modern road-going tire construction.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): Mark|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
670-16 is a numeric bias-ply size that uses a nominal width code ahead of the dash and a 16-inch rim diameter after it. Firestone and Avon both offer it in blackwall form, and speed rating varies by product because one version appears as a 670H16 89H with an H rating to 130 mph while another is presented without a stated speed symbol. On a 1958 Jaguar Mark, this size is specific to those saloons and is the closer match for owners pursuing a period-correct bias-ply setup on 16-inch wheels.
175R16 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal section width of 175 millimeters and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size serves the 1958 Jaguar XK and gives that sports-car model its radial option within the proper wheel diameter. Owners typically choose it when they want a 16-inch radial fitment that aligns with the XK rather than the larger-section Mark saloon radial.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): XK|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal section width code of 600 and a 16-inch rim diameter. Available examples include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone products in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with load-and-pressure figures such as 1400 pounds at 32 psi and speed-rated Avon 600H16 products marked H for 130 mph. On a 1958 Jaguar XK, this is the bias-ply size associated with that model and fits buyers who want a more traditional sidewall profile and period presentation.
Three Jaguar model groups are covered for 1958. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; identifying whether you have a 2.4/3.4/3.8 saloon, a Mark saloon, or an XK changes both the size and wheel diameter you should be considering. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Jaguar.
1958 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S
Jaguar's compact saloon family gave buyers the marque's signature twin-cam sophistication in a more accessible four-door package, while the larger-displacement versions added stronger touring character. These models use 15-inch tires, with one period-style bias-ply size and one radial alternative depending on the direction of the restoration or driving plan.
The 1958 Jaguar Mark saloons represented the marque's more formal, traditional luxury side, with taller coachwork and the kind of long-distance character buyers often expect from postwar British sedans. They ride on 16-inch tires, and the available choices split between an era-appropriate bias-ply size and a radial size for owners who prefer a different driving feel.
The XK remained one of Jaguar's defining sports cars in 1958, combining graceful bodywork with the performance image that made the model famous on both road and competition circuits. XK models here use 16-inch tires, with a narrower radial option and a bias-ply size that suits a traditional restoration approach.
Twenty-six products are available across six tire sizes for 1958 Jaguar vehicles, including 185R15 radials from Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall styles; 640-15 bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich and Firestone in wide and narrow whitewall; 185R16 radials from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein in blackwall; 670-16 bias-ply tires from Firestone and Avon in blackwall; and 600-16 bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall. Confirm your model, size, and construction preference first, since tube requirements and speed ratings can vary within some sizes.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model tire differences across 1958 Jaguar saloons and XK sports cars, including the choice between bias-ply and radial construction, sidewall style options, setup details, and the care collector cars need when they are driven infrequently.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1958 Jaguar vehicles?
1958 Jaguar vehicles use six sizes across three model groups. The 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S saloons use either 185R15 radial or 640-15 bias-ply on 15-inch wheels. The Mark models use either 185R16 radial or 670-16 bias-ply on 16-inch wheels. The XK uses either 175R16 radial or 600-16 bias-ply on 16-inch wheels. Rim-width ranges available in current products include 4.5 to 6.5 inches for 185R15, 4.0 to 5.0 inches for 640-15, 4.5 to 6.5 inches for 185R16, 4.5 to 5.0 inches for 670-16, and 4.0 to 4.5 inches for 600-16.
The key takeaway is that 1958 Jaguar fitment is model-specific, not universal across the make. A buyer choosing by year alone can easily end up mixing up the 15-inch saloon sizes with the 16-inch Mark or XK sizes. Start by identifying the exact model, then confirm whether you want the bias-ply size associated with period presentation or the radial size associated with a more updated road-going feel. Checking the actual wheel diameter before ordering is especially important on cars that may have had wheels changed during past restoration work.
What does 640-15 mean on a 1958 Jaguar tire?
On a 1958 Jaguar, 640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 15 identifies a 15-inch wheel diameter, while the 640 portion is the older width-style designation used before modern metric sizing became common. It is the bias-ply size associated here with the 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S saloons, and current examples appear in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions from BFGoodrich and Firestone.
A numeric size like 640-15 should be read as an older construction-era fitment, not as a direct modern metric equivalent printed in a different style. That matters because a 1958 Jaguar owner comparing 640-15 with 185R15 is looking at more than just a code change; the tire construction, sidewall profile, and driving character differ as well. If your goal is authenticity in stance and appearance, the numeric bias-ply size is usually the one to investigate first for the 15-inch saloons.
Do all 1958 Jaguar models use the same tire size?
No, 1958 Jaguar models do not all use the same tire size. The compact and midsize saloons in the 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S group use 15-inch sizes, the Mark saloons use 16-inch sizes, and the XK sports car also uses 16-inch sizes but with its own radial-and-bias pairing. Each model group has one radial option and one bias-ply option, but the sizes are tied to that specific model group rather than being interchangeable across the full Jaguar range.
That difference has practical consequences if you are buying for a car with unclear paperwork or a long history of ownership changes. A seller may simply describe a car as a 1958 Jaguar, but that still leaves several very different fitment paths. Before choosing a tire, verify the exact model designation and inspect the wheel diameter already on the car. If the car is being restored, compare that wheel to factory-era expectations and to the size family used by the correct model group.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 185R15 or the 640-15 for my 1958 Jaguar?
For a 1958 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 or 3.8S, the decision between 185R15 and 640-15 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. The 185R15 radial is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline variations, with H- and V-rated products available. The 640-15 is the older numeric bias-ply size, offered in whitewall-focused styles that better reflect mid-century presentation.
Owners restoring a saloon to a more original visual character usually lean toward the 640-15, while owners planning regular road use often prefer the radial 185R15 route. Neither choice should be made by code alone, though. Confirm that your wheel width falls within the range supported by the specific tire you are considering, because the radial and bias-ply offerings in these sizes do not all share the same rim-width recommendations.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Jaguar tires?
1958 Jaguar tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 185R15 radial for the 2.4/3.4/3.8/3.8S saloons appears in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall forms. The 640-15 bias-ply appears in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. The 185R16 and 670-16 sizes for Mark models are shown in blackwall, while the XK's 600-16 appears in blackwall and wide whitewall. Across the full year and make, blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline are all represented.
Sidewall style matters because it changes the visual character of a 1958 Jaguar almost as much as the wheel itself. For many British cars of the period, blackwall is often the most conservative and authentic-looking choice, while whitewalls can suit certain restored luxury-saloon presentations and period U.S.-market tastes. Redlines are available within the 185R15 radial offerings, but they create a distinctly different look from a traditional blackwall Jaguar. Match the sidewall not just to the size, but to the intended restoration theme.
What brands make tires for 1958 Jaguar vehicles?
Several brands cover 1958 Jaguar fitments. Coker Classic and Michelin appear in 185R15, BFGoodrich and Firestone in 640-15, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein in 185R16, Firestone and Avon in 670-16, and BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in 600-16. The spread includes both heritage-style American bias-ply offerings and European-oriented radial choices that suit the era and character of Jaguar's saloons and sports cars.
Brand choice should follow the size and construction your model requires rather than the other way around. A Mark owner shopping 185R16 will be looking at a different brand mix than an XK owner shopping 600-16, and the available sidewall styles differ by size as well. Once you narrow the correct fitment, compare the remaining brand options by sidewall appearance, speed rating where listed, and the rim-width range accepted by the exact tire you want to run.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1958 Jaguar tires require?
Rim-width requirements for 1958 Jaguar tires depend on the size and the exact product. In current offerings, 185R15 appears with ranges from 4.5 to 6 inches and 5.0 to 6.5 inches. The 640-15 bias-ply appears from 4.0 to 4.5 inches and 4.5 to 5.0 inches depending on brand. The 185R16 radial appears with 4.5 to 6.0 inches and 5.0 to 6.5 inches in listed products. The 670-16 bias-ply appears with 4.5 to 5.0 inches, and the 600-16 bias-ply appears with 4.0 to 4.5 inches in listed products.
Those ranges show why it is important to match the tire to the wheel you actually have, not simply to the car model. Two tires in the same nominal size can carry different approved rim-width windows from different manufacturers. If your Jaguar has replacement wheels, measure them before final selection. If it still has original wheels, it is still wise to verify width during restoration, since decades of ownership changes can leave a car wearing wheels from another Jaguar model or from a different period altogether.
Do 1958 Jaguar tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1958 Jaguar tires vary by size and by product. The 185R15 radial products shown here are tubeless. The 185R16 radial category includes at least one tube-type product, while other products in that same size are presented differently, so tube status varies by product and should be checked on the specific tire. The bias-ply sizes listed here are not consistently marked with tube designations in every case, so the actual sidewall marking and wheel type should guide the final decision.
Tube choice is not just about the tire itself; it also depends on the wheel design and condition. Many collector-car owners use tubes with older wheels even when a tubeless-capable tire exists, but that decision should be made carefully and with attention to the exact tire manufacturer's guidance. Before mounting a 1958 Jaguar tire, confirm whether the tire is marked TT or TL, inspect the wheel for rust, pitting, or riveted construction, and replace stems or tubes as part of the complete installation rather than as an afterthought.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1958 Jaguar when the tires are fitted?
A 1958 Jaguar should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls. Keep the tires properly inflated during storage and move the car periodically so the same section of tire is not bearing weight for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to flat-spotting during long static periods, while all collector tires can suffer from cracking if they sit in a hot or ozone-rich environment.
If the car will be stored for an extended season, many owners either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces long-term load on the tires without leaving the suspension hanging unnaturally. Clean, dry concrete is better than damp ground, and tire dressings are not a substitute for proper storage conditions. A 1958 Jaguar that is driven only occasionally will usually preserve its tires better through climate control and periodic movement than through any cosmetic treatment.
How long do tires on a 1958 Jaguar typically last?
Tires on a 1958 Jaguar are usually aged out before they are worn out, because collector cars often accumulate miles slowly. A good rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they are five to seven years old and to treat roughly ten years from the date code as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread remains. That applies to both radial and bias-ply construction, since time, heat cycles, and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.
The DOT-style age code and the tire's physical condition should carry more weight than odometer readings on a vintage Jaguar. A garage-kept tire may still harden with age, and a lightly used tire can develop internal deterioration long before the tread looks exhausted. If you have purchased a 1958 Jaguar with older-looking tires, check the date code and inspect for sidewall cracking, separation, or persistent air loss before relying on them for routine driving or touring use.
How often should tires on a 1958 Jaguar be inspected?
Tires on a 1958 Jaguar should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, low pressure, and anything embedded in the tread. If your chosen setup uses tube-type construction or tubes within older wheels, inspect valve stems and watch for slow leaks as part of the routine. Collector tires can appear fine at a glance yet still show age-related issues once examined closely.
Short local drives often hide problems that become serious at highway speed or after an hour of heat buildup. A quick pressure check and visual walkaround take only a few minutes but can prevent damage to a rare wheel, fender, or body panel if a tire fails. When preparing a 1958 Jaguar for tours or shows, include the spare in the inspection cycle as well, since an aged spare may be unusable even though it has never touched the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1958 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S?
For a 1958 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 or 3.8S, bias-ply construction is the era-correct starting point, and the size associated here with that role is 640-15. The companion 185R15 radial is a later-style construction choice within the same wheel diameter rather than the period-default assumption for a late-1950s saloon. Sidewall style could vary by market and presentation, so the most authentic appearance for a particular car may depend on whether it was delivered for domestic British use or another market.
Restoration-minded owners should treat 640-15 as the size to investigate first when aiming for a true period feel on these saloons. If concours rules matter, confirm the expected sidewall treatment with a Jaguar marque club or event judge, because judging standards can be specific about whitewall width and construction type. A radial may be entirely reasonable for road use, but originality-focused events often care about the difference between a modern radial look and a proper late-1950s bias-ply presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1958 Jaguar?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1958 Jaguar because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction, and sidewall style immediately. A Mark saloon wearing an XK size, a saloon wearing the wrong wheel diameter, or a car restored for originality but fitted with a visibly modern radial can all stand out in the wrong way. Sidewall appearance matters too, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline create very different period impressions.
What counts as correct depends on the event. Some shows reward overall historical appearance, while others are stricter about production-era accuracy and market-specific delivery details. For that reason, a 1958 Jaguar owner should decide early whether the car is being judged as an authentic restoration, a sympathetic driver, or a personalized period-style car. Once that goal is clear, tire selection becomes much easier because you can choose the right construction and sidewall treatment without second-guessing the restoration brief.
What is the difference between Michelin XVS and Coker Classic Radial for the 1958 Jaguar 185R15 size?
Within the 1958 Jaguar 185R15 size, Michelin XVS and Coker Classic Radial differ in sidewall presentation, speed rating, and listed wheel fitment. Michelin XVS appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall, with H-rated versions to 130 mph and a V-rated version to 149 mph, plus rim-width listings from 4.5 to 6 inches and 5.0 to 6.5 inches depending on the version. The Coker Classic Radial appears here as a redline tire with a listed load of 1355 pounds at 35 psi and a rim-width range of 5.0 to 6.5 inches.
That means the choice is not simply brand preference. A Jaguar owner selecting between them may be choosing among different visual themes, speed symbols, and wheel-width compatibility within the same nominal size. The Michelin options suit buyers who want a more understated European-style blackwall or narrow whitewall presentation, while the Coker Classic redline creates a more distinctive look. Check the tire's exact sidewall marking and your wheel width before deciding, especially if originality is part of the brief.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1958 Jaguar tires safe for highway driving?
1958 Jaguar tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their stated limits. The available sizes include speed-rated radial and bias-ply examples, with S-rated tires marked to 112 mph, H-rated tires to 130 mph, and V-rated tires to 149 mph in the listed range. Those figures are well above typical U.S. highway speeds, but roadworthiness on a 1958 Jaguar also depends heavily on the car's brakes, suspension, steering condition, and alignment.
The more important question for most owners is not whether the tire's speed symbol clears highway travel, but whether the whole car is prepared for sustained speed after decades of age and intermittent use. Freshly restored or well-maintained Jaguars can tour confidently, but old shocks, tired bushings, or poorly adjusted steering can make even a new tire feel unsettled. Before longer highway use, match the tire choice to your driving style and make sure the rest of the chassis is equally ready.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1958 Jaguar tires?
Inflation pressure for 1958 Jaguar tires should be set with reference to the car's original recommendations and the tire manufacturer's rating for the exact size and product. Among the available examples here, 185R15 includes a product rated at 1355 pounds at 35 psi; 640-15 includes products rated at 1190 pounds at 32 psi and 970 pounds at 32 psi; 670-16 includes 1130 pounds at 30 psi; 600-16 includes 1400 pounds at 32 psi; and some 185R16 products list 1433 pounds with one example marked at 51 psi.
Those figures should not be treated as blanket inflation instructions for every Jaguar or even every tire in the same size. The car's factory pressure recommendation accounts for vehicle weight distribution and handling balance, while the tire's rating identifies the product's load capability at a stated pressure. Use the original handbook or marque literature for the vehicle baseline, then confirm the specific tire's limits and guidance so you do not transfer a pressure figure from one construction type or size to another.
What should I check before taking a 1958 Jaguar on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1958 Jaguar, inspect all five tires for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check the valve stems, and if your setup uses tube-type tires or tubes, pay close attention to any history of slow leakage or stem movement. Make sure the spare is serviceable and that the jack and tools fit the wheel arrangement currently on the car. A long drive puts sustained heat into the tires, which can reveal problems that short trips never expose.
Tires are only one part of the preparation, but they are the only part in constant contact with the road. Pair that inspection with a quick look at wheel fasteners, brakes, fluid levels, steering play, and suspension condition before setting off. A 1958 Jaguar in proper mechanical order can be a very capable touring car, yet age-related issues tend to stack up when a seldom-driven vehicle is suddenly asked to cover distance. Advance inspection is much easier than roadside troubleshooting.
