In 1959 Jaguar balanced polished British luxury with genuine performance, offering everything from compact and mid-size saloons to the fast, unmistakably sporting XK. Tire selection across 1959 Jaguar models is not one-size-fits-all: three model groups are covered here, each with its own pair of period-relevant sizes, and each pair reflects a choice between bias-ply tradition and radial construction. The practical decision usually starts with identifying your exact model family and confirming whether it rides on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, then deciding whether your priority is era-correct appearance and feel or more modern radial road manners.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1959 Jaguar
Six tire sizes are used across 1959 Jaguar models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real first step is confirming which model family you have, because wheel diameter changes between the saloon and XK applications; once that is settled, the choice within each model group is largely a bias-ply-versus-radial decision. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1959|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 traditional Euro-metric convention that typically implies an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S models, with Coker Classic and Michelin offerings in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall form; products are tubeless, and speed ratings vary by product from H (130 mph) to V (149 mph). It suits owners who want a radial construction in the correct overall family for these 15-inch Jaguar saloons. Sidewall style and speed-rating choice matter here as much as size because the available products span both touring and more performance-oriented character.
640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.40 denotes the nominal section width and 15 is the rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S models, with BFGoodrich and Firestone choices in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form. It is the natural direction for a saloon restoration that aims to preserve the look and driving character associated with late-1950s fitment. Rim-width recommendations differ between products, so the exact wheel should be checked before settling on a particular brand or whitewall treatment.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
185R16 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 185 millimeters and a 16-inch rim diameter, following the classic Euro-metric convention. This size is specific to the 1959 Jaguar Mark models, with blackwall radial offerings from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein; tube status varies by product, and speed ratings vary from S (112 mph) to V (149 mph). It is the radial option for buyers who want a more contemporary construction on a 16-inch Mark application. Where road use and product specification matter, the variation in tube marking and speed rating is worth confirming product by product.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Mark|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
670-16 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 6.70-inch section width mounted on a 16-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1959 Jaguar Mark models and is available in blackwall form from Firestone and Avon; products in this size also differ in speed marking, with one H-rated option carrying a 130 mph ceiling. It is the period-style choice for owners keeping a Mark saloon closer to original construction and appearance. Because the available products are not identical in load and speed specification, the intended use of the car should guide the final selection.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): XK|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
175R16 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 175 millimeters and a 16-inch rim diameter, using the older Euro-metric sizing convention. This size is specific to the 1959 Jaguar XK models, but no product listings are present here under that exact size code. It is the radial-path sizing for XK owners working within the 16-inch wheel application used by the model. Confirm the exact wheel and the intended tire specification before moving to a final product choice.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): XK|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.00 denotes the nominal section width and 16 is the rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1959 Jaguar XK and is offered by BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; speed markings vary by product, including an H rating with a 130 mph ceiling. It is the bias-ply route for an XK owner who wants the more traditional visual stance and period driving feel associated with the era. Sidewall style gives this size extra flexibility, especially for buyers balancing sports-car presentation with restoration goals.
Three 1959 Jaguar model groups are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; you need to identify whether you have a 2.4/3.4/3.8-family saloon, a Mark saloon, or an XK before narrowing down the correct size pair. Select a model below to move into model-specific fitment history and the tire options that match it.
1959 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 & 3.8S
Jaguar's compact and mid-size saloons of 1959 combined wood-and-leather British refinement with the brand's increasingly performance-minded image. These models use 15-inch tire fitments, and the choice within that wheel diameter is between a numeric bias-ply size and a metric radial size depending on how original or road-oriented you want the car to feel.
The 1959 Jaguar Mark saloons represent the larger, more formal side of the marque, with a stronger emphasis on room, elegance, and long-distance touring presence. They mount 16-inch tires, with one radial and one bias-ply size family serving the application depending on the car's intended character and presentation.
Jaguar's XK remained one of the defining British sports cars of the period, known for graceful lines and a competition-bred reputation that carried real weight with enthusiasts. The XK uses 16-inch tire fitments, with a narrower metric radial option and a numeric bias-ply option depending on whether the goal is later-style drivability or a more traditional setup.
Twenty-six products are available across six tire sizes for 1959 Jaguar vehicles. Options include 185R15 radials from Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, blackwall, and narrow whitewall; 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 size choice first, since tube markings and speed ratings can vary between products.
These FAQs sort out which sizes belong to each 1959 Jaguar model family, how the radial-versus-bias decision affects the car, and what to check for rim width, tube status, highway use, storage, and restoration accuracy.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1959 Jaguar vehicles?
1959 Jaguar vehicles use six sizes across three model groups. The 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S saloons use 185R15 or 640-15 on 15-inch rims. The Mark models use 185R16 or 670-16 on 16-inch rims, while the XK uses 175R16 or 600-16 on 16-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance is available, 185R15 products cover roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 640-15 covers about 4.0 to 5.0 inches depending on product, 185R16 covers about 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 670-16 includes 4.5 to 5.0 inches where listed, and 600-16 covers about 4.0 to 4.5 inches where listed.
The important takeaway is that 1959 Jaguar fitment starts with the exact model family, not just the year and make. A saloon owner and an XK owner may both be shopping 16-inch tires, but they are not shopping the same size. Once the model is identified, the remaining choice is usually whether to stay with bias-ply construction for an authentic period setup or move to the radial size used for that same model family.
What does 640-15 mean on a 1959 Jaguar tire?
On a 1959 Jaguar tire, 640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.40 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. For 1959 Jaguar applications, that size belongs to the 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S saloons rather than the Mark or XK lines. Available versions include whitewall treatments in addition to classic bias-ply construction.
That code matters because it places the tire squarely in the late-1950s sizing system Jaguar owners often encounter during restoration work. If your car currently wears a modern metric radial, 640-15 is not simply the same wording in a different format; it represents a different construction family and a different driving feel. Matching the tire to the saloon's wheel and your goals for authenticity should come before choosing a brand or sidewall style.
What does 185R16 mean on a 1959 Jaguar tire?
On a 1959 Jaguar tire, 185R16 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 16 is the rim diameter in inches. In 1959 Jaguar fitment, this size belongs to the Mark saloon models. Products in this size appear with blackwall styling and include speed ratings from S to V depending on the tire.
That makes 185R16 easier to understand as a later-style radial sizing approach rather than a traditional bias-ply code. For a Mark owner, it is the right family of size to compare against 670-16, but the decision is not just about letters and numbers. Tube marking, speed rating, and wheel-width compatibility can differ from one 185R16 product to another, so those details should be checked alongside the basic size code.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 185R15 or the 640-15 for my 1959 Jaguar?
For the 1959 Jaguar 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S saloons, both sizes belong to the same model family, but they represent two different construction eras. The 640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, while the 185R15 is a metric radial size. The radial options also span different sidewall treatments and speed ratings, while the bias-ply choices stay rooted in classic whitewall presentation.
Choose 640-15 when the goal is a more original late-1950s appearance and period-type driving character. Choose 185R15 when you want the radial version associated with that saloon fitment and prefer to compare modern reproduction radial choices within that size family. The key is to decide whether the car is being judged, toured, or simply enjoyed in a way that makes construction type more important than appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Jaguar tires?
1959 Jaguar tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 185R15 radial size appears in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall. The 640-15 bias-ply size appears in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall, while 185R16 and 670-16 are offered in blackwall form. For the XK's 600-16 size, blackwall and wide whitewall choices are both available.
Sidewall style matters because it changes the look of a 1959 Jaguar almost as much as the wheel itself. A sporting XK often looks most natural on blackwalls, while a larger saloon may suit whitewall presentation depending on how the car is restored and which market style you are following. If show accuracy matters, verify the expected sidewall treatment for your exact model and restoration theme before settling on a product.
What brands make tires for 1959 Jaguar vehicles?
1959 Jaguar tires are available from Coker Classic, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Vredestein, depending on size. The 185R15 size includes Coker Classic and Michelin, 640-15 includes BFGoodrich and Firestone, 185R16 includes Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, 670-16 includes Firestone and Avon, and 600-16 includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. Brand availability changes significantly from one Jaguar model family to another because the sizes themselves change.
That means a buyer should not start with brand preference alone. Start with the correct Jaguar model and size, then see which brands serve that application in the construction and sidewall style you want. In some sizes, especially the radial 16-inch Mark application, brand choice also brings different speed ratings and setup details, so the better comparison is brand within the correct size rather than brand across the whole 1959 Jaguar range.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1959 Jaguar tires require?
Rim-width recommendations for 1959 Jaguar tires depend on the exact size and sometimes on the specific product within that size. The 185R15 radial options span roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches. The 640-15 bias-ply options range from about 4.0 to 5.0 inches depending on brand. The 185R16 radial offerings cover about 4.5 to 6.5 inches where listed, 670-16 includes 4.5 to 5.0 inches where listed, and 600-16 bias-ply products cover about 4.0 to 4.5 inches where listed.
That range is a strong reminder that the tire size alone is not the whole fitting story. Two products sharing the same sidewall size can still call for slightly different wheel-width ranges. Before choosing a tire for any 1959 Jaguar, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and compare it to the recommendation for that exact product, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions.
Do 1959 Jaguar tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements for 1959 Jaguar tires vary by size and sometimes by product marking. The 185R15 radial products shown here are tubeless, while the 185R16 radial group varies by product because one is marked tube type and others are not marked the same way. The bias-ply sizes listed here are not consistently marked with tube designations in every case, so buyers should confirm the sidewall marking and wheel type before finalizing the setup.
That matters because tube use depends on both the tire and the wheel. A tube-type tire on the proper wheel is a straightforward period setup, but a wheel's design and condition still need to be considered before mixing assumptions from one product to another. When fitting a 1959 Jaguar, treat tube status as a product-specific decision rather than a blanket rule for all 15-inch or all 16-inch tires.
Can the original 1959 Jaguar wheels be used with both tire sizes for each model?
Within each 1959 Jaguar model group, the paired sizes share the same rim diameter. The 2.4, 3.4, 3.8 and 3.8S use either 185R15 or 640-15 on 15-inch wheels. The Mark uses either 185R16 or 670-16 on 16-inch wheels, and the XK uses either 175R16 or 600-16 on 16-inch wheels. Diameter compatibility within each model family is therefore built into the size pairing itself.
Wheel diameter matching does not automatically mean every original wheel is ideal for every product in that size pair. Radials and bias-ply tires can have different recommended wheel-width ranges, and those recommendations also change by brand. If you are keeping original 1959 Jaguar wheels, confirm their actual width and condition before moving from one construction type to the other, especially on a car that has seen prior restoration or wheel replacement.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1959 Jaguar when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1959 Jaguar should be kept in a cool, dry, dark environment away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Tires should be kept properly inflated during storage, and the car should either be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term static loading. Bias-ply tires on a 1959 Jaguar are generally more prone to flat-spotting during long stationary periods than radial tires.
Good storage habits preserve both appearance and drivability. Even when tread wear is minimal, sidewalls can age from heat, ozone, and inactivity, which is especially relevant on collector cars that are driven only occasionally. If your 1959 Jaguar sits for months at a time, a brief inspection and pressure check before returning it to service should be treated as part of storage practice, not as an afterthought.
How long do tires on a 1959 Jaguar typically last?
Tires on a 1959 Jaguar usually age out before they wear out. Collector-car tires should be evaluated regularly once they are about five to seven years old, and many owners begin seriously considering replacement as they approach ten years from the DOT date code, even if the tread still looks usable. That principle applies to both bias-ply and radial tires because time, storage conditions, and use patterns matter more than mileage on many vintage Jaguars.
A low-mileage car is not automatically on safe tires just because the tread appears deep. Rubber hardens, internal materials age, and sidewalls can crack long before a seldom-driven 1959 Jaguar reaches ordinary replacement mileage. If the age of the tires is getting up there, inspect them carefully and weigh replacement as preventive maintenance, especially before sustained touring or higher-speed road use.
How often should tires on a 1959 Jaguar be inspected?
Tires on a 1959 Jaguar should be inspected before every drive and given a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss. On setups that use tube-type products or older wheels, valve-stem condition and air retention deserve extra attention because leaks can develop even when the tread looks sound.
Frequent inspection is especially important on a collector Jaguar because the car may spend long periods parked and then return to use with little warning. A short local drive can hide problems that become more serious once heat builds in the casing at road speed. Consistent inspections catch aging and setup issues early, which is one of the simplest ways to avoid turning a pleasant 1959 Jaguar drive into a preventable roadside problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1959 Jaguar XK?
A 1959 Jaguar XK would have been associated with bias-ply construction as the period-original type, and the size pair used in this application is 600-16 as the bias-ply option alongside 175R16 as the radial-format alternative used in this fitment family. No original-equipment brand should be assumed across every market or restoration history. Jaguar buyers in the period could encounter regional and dealer-level differences, especially on imported cars.
For a restoration, that means construction type is usually the first authenticity question to settle. If the goal is an era-correct XK presentation, 600-16 bias-ply fitment is the natural place to start, then refine the choice by sidewall style and brand character. For concours work, confirm market-specific expectations with a Jaguar marque club or judging authority before committing to a final tire specification.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1959 Jaguar?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1959 Jaguar, especially in marque-focused or originality-based judging. Size, construction type, sidewall style, and overall visual appropriateness all affect whether the car looks right for its year and model. A radial on a car being judged for strict factory-period authenticity, or a sidewall style that clashes with the car's restoration theme, can stand out immediately even to casual observers.
The practical point is that show fitment is about more than simply mounting a tire that fits the wheel. A 1959 Jaguar saloon restored in formal touring style may call for a very different visual treatment than a sporting XK. Before choosing, decide whether the car is being prepared for touring, club display, or competitive judging, then match the tire's construction and sidewall treatment to that purpose.
What is the difference between Avon Turbospeed and Firestone bias-ply tires for a 1959 Jaguar?
For 1959 Jaguar applications, Avon Turbospeed and Firestone bias-ply offerings differ by size coverage, speed marking, and some specification details. In 670-16 and 600-16 applications, Avon Turbospeed examples are shown with H speed ratings, which carry a 130 mph ceiling. Firestone bias-ply examples in 640-15, 670-16, and 600-16 are presented in classic blackwall or whitewall forms, with listed load-and-pressure figures in several of those sizes and published rim-width ranges on several products.
That makes the comparison less about one brand being universally preferable and more about which exact Jaguar application you are fitting and what characteristics matter most. An owner focused on period-style presentation may weigh sidewall treatment heavily, while another may pay close attention to the available speed marking in a given size. Comparing the exact size, wheel recommendation, and sidewall style is the right way to sort these two series.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1959 Jaguar tires safe for highway driving?
1959 Jaguar tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size, construction, age, and condition are all in order. The radial options shown here include speed ratings from S at 112 mph to V at 149 mph depending on size and product, and some bias-ply offerings also carry H ratings with a 130 mph ceiling. Those figures are more than adequate for ordinary U.S. highway travel, but safe real-world use also depends heavily on the car's brakes, suspension, steering, and overall mechanical condition.
The main point is that tire speed rating is only one part of the safety picture on a 1959 Jaguar. A healthy touring setup on fresh, properly fitted tires is far more important than chasing maximum rating numbers on an otherwise unrestored car. Before sustained highway use, verify the tire's age, inflation, and visible condition, then consider how honestly the rest of the Jaguar is prepared for the speeds you expect to drive.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1959 Jaguar tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1959 Jaguar should follow the vehicle's original handbook guidance for the application and the tire manufacturer's published pressure limits for the exact tire you choose. Several sizes here include rated load-and-pressure figures, such as 1355 pounds at 35 psi for one 185R15 radial, 1190 pounds at 32 psi for several 640-15 bias-ply products, 1130 pounds at 30 psi for one 670-16 bias-ply product, and 1400 pounds at 32 psi for several 600-16 bias-ply products.
Those numbers are not a universal setting to be copied from one size to another. They are part of each tire's rated capacity, not a blanket recommendation for every 1959 Jaguar model. Use them as specification reference points, then confirm the pressure appropriate to your exact size, product, and vehicle loading. When changing construction type, it is especially important to avoid assuming that the old pressure number still applies.
What should I check before taking a 1959 Jaguar on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1959 Jaguar, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Check that the spare is usable and aired up, and pay attention to valve stems and air retention, especially if the setup involves tube-type fitment or older wheels. Tire age matters as much as tread depth on a collector car that may spend much of its life parked.
A pre-drive tire check should be part of a broader mechanical once-over that matches the age and character of the car. Even a beautifully restored 1959 Jaguar asks more of the owner than a modern daily driver before a sustained trip. If the tires pass inspection, the next step is making sure the rest of the car is equally ready so the tire choice can perform as intended rather than compensate for unrelated issues.
