1959 Rambler marked a period when American Motors was carving out a distinct place in the market with practical compact cars, upscale full-size sedans, and one of the era’s early muscle-minded intermediates. The year’s lineup stretched from the economical American to the larger Ambassador and the performance-oriented Rebel, so tire fitment was not one-size-fits-all across the make. Five bias-ply sizes appear across four model families, with some overlap between the American and Rambler while the Ambassador and Rebel each use their own 14-inch sizes. Before choosing a tire for a 1959 Rambler, the first step is confirming the exact model, since that determines both the correct size and the wheel diameter.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1959 Rambler
Five tire sizes are used across the 1959 Rambler range, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. Since all of them are bias-ply sizes but they do not all use the same rim diameter, the real decision starts with identifying the correct model and wheel diameter first, then narrowing down sidewall style and brand character within that size. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Ambassador|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
800-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents nominal section width and the 14 indicates a 14-inch wheel. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Because it is specific to the 1959 Rambler Ambassador rather than universal across the make, it is the right starting point for buyers restoring or maintaining the larger Rambler line on its original 14-inch wheels.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): American|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with a nominal section-width code up front and a 15-inch rim diameter at the end. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Avon in blackwall and wide whitewall form, and speed ratings vary by product: Avon offers an H-rated version with a 130 mph ceiling while the BFGoodrich offerings use the traditional bias-ply numeric size marking without a separate speed letter. Since 590-15 is specific to the 1959 Rambler American, it suits buyers keeping the compact Rambler’s smaller, more original-style fitment.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): American, 1959 Rambler|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size that uses the traditional section-width code and fits a 15-inch wheel. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Because 640-15 serves both the 1959 Rambler American and the 1959 Rambler, it is the shared 15-inch choice for buyers who want a period-correct bias-ply fitment across those two model lines.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): 1959 Rambler|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal section-width code and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. As a Rambler-specific size rather than a make-wide fitment, 670-15 is the larger 15-inch bias-ply option for buyers preserving the stance and appearance associated with the standard Rambler line.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Rebel|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
750-14 is a numeric bias-ply size whose code reflects nominal section width, with the final number denoting a 14-inch wheel. This size is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall styles. Because it is exclusive to the 1959 Rambler Rebel, 750-14 is the correct fitment path for buyers focused on that model’s distinct place in the Rambler lineup and its period-correct bias-ply appearance.
Four Rambler model families are covered for 1959, and they do not all use the same tire size. The American and Rambler share one 15-inch option, but the Ambassador and Rebel each follow their own 14-inch fitment path, so identifying the exact model matters before narrowing the tire choice. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1959 Rambler Ambassador
The 1959 Rambler Ambassador represented AMC’s more upscale, full-size offering, aimed at buyers who wanted Rambler practicality in a larger package. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, setting it apart from the company’s smaller 15-inch American and Rambler models that year.
The 1959 Rambler American was the compact, value-focused member of the range and one of the cars that helped establish Rambler’s reputation for economy and smart packaging. It uses 15-inch fitments, with one smaller and one larger bias-ply size depending on the exact setup.
The 1959 Rambler sat between the compact American and the larger Ambassador, carrying the mainstream Rambler identity that defined the brand through the late 1950s. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and it uses larger bias-ply sizing than the American for a more substantial fitment.
The 1959 Rambler Rebel is remembered for bringing V8 performance into a relatively conservative midsize package, making it one of the more interesting American cars of its year. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and its fitment is unique within the 1959 Rambler lineup.
Thirty-two products are available across five tire sizes for 1959 Rambler vehicles. 800-14 comes in 4 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles; 590-15 has 3 from BFGoodrich and Avon; 640-15 has 4 from BFGoodrich and Firestone; 670-15 has 4 from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire; 750-14 has 4 from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline options.
These answers cover how tire sizing changes across the 1959 Rambler lineup, what the numeric bias-ply size codes mean, how sidewall styling differs by model and size, and what to check when maintaining a collector car that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1959 Rambler vehicles?
1959 Rambler vehicles use five bias-ply sizes across four model families: 800-14 for the Ambassador, 590-15 and 640-15 for the American, 640-15 and 670-15 for the Rambler, and 750-14 for the Rebel. The 14-inch sizes are 800-14 and 750-14, while the 15-inch sizes are 590-15, 640-15, and 670-15. Rim width ranges appear on several products, including 5.00 to 6.00 inches for 800-14, 4.00 to 4.50 for 590-15, 4.00 to 5.00 depending on 640-15 brand, 4.50 to 6.00 for 670-15, and 5.00 to 5.50 for 750-14.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct choice on a 1959 Rambler. Buyers should first identify whether the car is an Ambassador, American, Rambler, or Rebel, then confirm whether the wheel is a 14-inch or 15-inch original-style rim. Once the model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the remaining decision usually comes down to sidewall appearance and brand preference within the correct size.
What does 800-14 mean on a 1959 Rambler tire?
On a 1959 Rambler, 800-14 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 800 is the nominal section-width code used in period sizing, and the 14 indicates the tire fits a 14-inch wheel. In the 1959 Rambler range, that size belongs to the Ambassador and is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
Numeric sizing like 800-14 looks simple, but it reflects an older tire convention rather than a modern metric one. A buyer comparing an Ambassador to another 1959 Rambler model should not assume the same wheel diameter or overall fitment applies across the lineup. Confirming the model first prevents mixing up the Ambassador’s 14-inch fitment with the 15-inch sizes used elsewhere in the make.
Do all 1959 Rambler models use the same tire size?
No, 1959 Rambler models do not all use the same tire size. The Ambassador uses 800-14, the Rebel uses 750-14, the American uses 590-15 or 640-15, and the Rambler uses 640-15 or 670-15. Only one size, 640-15, overlaps between two model families, and even that applies only to the American and Rambler.
That variation matters because it changes more than sidewall appearance. It also changes wheel diameter, available brands, and the range of sidewall styles you can choose from. If a buyer is unsure whether the car is an American, Rambler, or Ambassador, the safest path is to verify the model badge, body series, and actual wheel diameter before choosing a tire size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Rambler tires?
1959 Rambler tires are available in several period-correct sidewall treatments depending on size. Blackwall appears in 800-14, 590-15, 670-15, and 640-15. Narrow whitewall appears in 800-14, 640-15, and 750-14, while wide whitewall is offered in every size family shown here. Redline appears in 750-14 for the Rebel.
For a 1959 American family car or Ambassador sedan, whitewall style often shapes the look as much as the wheel cover does, and wider whitewalls generally suit a late-1950s restoration theme. Blackwalls tend to fit a plainer or more understated presentation, while the Rebel’s redline option speaks to its more performance-oriented image. Matching the sidewall style to the car’s trim level, restoration goal, and market presentation helps the finished car look intentional rather than generic.
What brands make tires for 1959 Rambler vehicles?
1959 Rambler tire coverage includes BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, Avon, Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic. Brand availability depends on size: 800-14 comes from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire; 590-15 from BFGoodrich and Avon; 640-15 from BFGoodrich and Firestone; 670-15 from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire; and 750-14 from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic.
That spread gives buyers some flexibility even within a strictly period-style bias-ply fitment. A shopper working on a compact American may see a narrower brand mix than someone fitting a 670-15 Rambler or 750-14 Rebel, where more sidewall and brand choices exist. The most practical way to narrow it down is to decide on the correct size first, then compare brand styling, load rating, and sidewall appearance within that size family.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 640-15 tires for the 1959 Rambler?
For a 1959 Rambler using 640-15, BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer bias-ply options, but the details differ. BFGoodrich appears in a wide whitewall version with a 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim width range and a 1,190-pound load rating at 32 psi. Firestone offers wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions with a 4.50 to 5.00-inch rim width range, and the narrow whitewall example carries a 970-pound load rating at 32 psi while the wide whitewall examples carry 1,190 pounds at 32 psi.
That makes the choice less about brand name alone and more about wheel width and visual style. A buyer with an original-style narrow wheel may lean toward the BFGoodrich fitment range, while one using a slightly wider 15-inch wheel may find the Firestone range more appropriate. Sidewall appearance also changes the car’s character, so wheel dimensions and styling should be considered together rather than separately.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1959 Rambler tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1959 Rambler tires vary by size and sometimes by brand within the same size. 800-14 uses 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims, 590-15 uses 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, 640-15 spans 4.00 to 4.50 inches in BFGoodrich form and 4.50 to 5.00 inches in Firestone form, 670-15 spans 4.50 to 5.00 inches in Firestone and US Royal form and 5.00 to 6.00 inches in Coker Classic form, and 750-14 uses 5.00 to 5.50-inch rims.
That range is why wheel width should be verified before ordering, especially on a car that may have had wheels swapped over the decades. Even when two products share the same nominal tire size, the accepted rim width can differ by brand or series. Measuring the actual wheel or confirming the original wheel specification for the model helps avoid choosing a tire that is correct in size code but wrong for the rim.
Do 1959 Rambler tires require inner tubes?
The 1959 Rambler products shown here do not carry TT or TL markings in the size field, so the practical tube decision should be made by the wheel type and the exact tire’s sidewall marking rather than by assuming one rule for every product. These are all bias-ply collector-car sizes, and many original steel wheels from the period may still call for tube use depending on wheel design and condition.
A buyer should inspect whether the wheel is an original riveted or otherwise non-modern rim, whether the bead seats are clean, and whether the tire itself is marked for tube-type or tubeless service. Tube use also brings the valve stem and flap question into the setup process. If the car is restored for regular road use, confirming tube requirements before mounting is far easier than correcting the setup afterward.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1959 Rambler when the tires are fitted?
A 1959 Rambler should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, generators, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires clean and dry, maintain proper inflation, and either move the car periodically or support it in a way that reduces long-term stress on one contact patch. Since every size used on a 1959 Rambler here is bias-ply, flat-spotting during long static storage is a real concern.
Collector cars often spend more time parked than driven, so storage habits can shape tire life as much as road mileage. If the car sits for months at a time, occasional rolling helps prevent severe temporary flat spots and keeps the sidewalls from carrying the same load in one position. A breathable indoor cover, stable temperatures, and separation from damp concrete all help preserve both the tire casing and the finished appearance.
How long do tires on a 1959 Rambler typically last?
Tires on a 1959 Rambler should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A good collector-car rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach roughly five to seven years of age and to give serious replacement consideration around the ten-year mark, even if tread depth still looks strong. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
Bias-ply tires on hobby cars can look healthy while still aging internally, especially if the car is driven only occasionally. Heat cycling, storage conditions, inflation history, and exposure to sunlight matter as much as miles driven. A 1959 Rambler that sees parades, weekend drives, or local shows may never wear out a tread, but age still changes the rubber and should guide replacement decisions.
How often should tires on a 1959 Rambler be inspected?
Tires on a 1959 Rambler should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation signs, uneven wear, and pressure loss. Since these are period-style bias-ply sizes, it also helps to watch for changes in steering feel or vibration that can signal a developing issue before it becomes visible.
A longer trip deserves an added check of the spare, jack equipment, and valve stems. On older collector cars, a neglected stem or aged spare can create as much trouble as the road tires themselves. Frequent visual checks take only a few minutes, and they are one of the simplest ways to protect both the car and the people riding in it.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1959 Rambler Ambassador?
A 1959 Rambler Ambassador would have been fitted with bias-ply tires when new, not modern radial construction. Within the fitments covered here, the Ambassador uses 800-14 on a 14-inch wheel, which aligns with the period practice of full-size American cars wearing bias-ply numeric sizes. Sidewall treatment could vary by trim presentation and market preference, so blackwall and whitewall choices both deserve attention during a restoration.
For a historically accurate result, the key points are the correct 800-14 size, bias-ply construction, and a sidewall style that suits the car’s original character. Buyers pursuing concours-level authenticity should compare the car against factory literature, period photos, and marque-club guidance, especially if the Ambassador has unusual trim or export history. The goal is to match the car’s era and presentation, not just fill the wheel opening.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1959 Rambler?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1959 Rambler because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall styling quickly. A 1959 car from this era belongs naturally in a bias-ply presentation, and a modern-looking substitute or the wrong sidewall treatment can change the visual balance of the car even if the wheel still bolts on. Model-specific sizing also matters because the Rambler lineup did not share one universal fitment.
For a local show, small deviations may not matter much, but higher-level marque or concours judging can be more exacting. A Rebel with an inappropriate sidewall style, or an Ambassador wearing a size meant for another Rambler model family, can stand out to experienced eyes. Event standards vary, so checking with the relevant club or judging guide before final assembly is the smartest way to avoid preventable deductions.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal 750-14 tires for the 1959 Rambler?
For a 1959 Rambler Rebel using 750-14, Coker Classic and US Royal differ mainly in sidewall presentation and load detail. The Coker Classic example appears as a 2.25-inch wide whitewall with a 1,580-pound load rating at 32 psi on a 5.00 to 5.50-inch rim. US Royal appears as a narrow whitewall and as a redline, each with a 1,500-pound load rating at 32 psi on the same 5.00 to 5.50-inch rim range.
That means the decision often comes down to restoration theme. A buyer chasing a more upscale late-1950s look may prefer the wider whitewall, while someone emphasizing the Rebel’s sportier image may be drawn to the redline treatment. Because the rim-width requirement stays the same, the visual choice can be made without changing wheel diameter, but the sidewall style should still suit the car’s intended presentation.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1959 Rambler tires safe for highway driving?
1959 Rambler tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their construction and speed limits. All of the fitments here are bias-ply, and the 590-15 range includes an Avon H-rated product with a 130 mph ceiling. The other products use traditional bias-ply numeric markings without separate speed-letter branding in the size description, so they should be treated as period-style collector tires rather than modern high-speed radials.
On a car like a 1959 Rambler, the vehicle’s brakes, steering, suspension condition, and alignment are often just as important to safe road use as the tire itself. Highway travel at ordinary cruising speeds is a different question from sustained high-speed driving, and collector cars reward a conservative approach. Fresh rubber, proper inflation, and a chassis in good order matter more than theoretical top-speed capability.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1959 Rambler tires?
Several 1959 Rambler tire sizes carry load ratings tied to 32 psi. Examples include 800-14 at 1,620 pounds at 32 psi, 590-15 at 1,050 pounds at 32 psi in BFGoodrich form and 1,018 pounds in the Avon example, 640-15 at either 1,190 or 970 pounds at 32 psi depending on product, 670-15 at 1,450 or 1,550 pounds at 32 psi depending on brand, and 750-14 at 1,500 or 1,580 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are load-rating references, not automatic factory inflation prescriptions for every car.
The best approach is to check the original Rambler owner’s literature for the vehicle’s recommended operating pressure and then compare that with the reproduction tire’s own sidewall and manufacturer guidance. Pressure should never be copied from one size to another just because the cars are from the same year. Correct inflation depends on the exact model, size, load carried, and the tire’s own rated conditions.
What should I check before taking a 1959 Rambler on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1959 Rambler, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, and proper inflation. Check that the spare is usable, the valve stems are sound, and the tread is free of embedded debris. Because these are collector-car bias-ply fitments, it is also wise to notice whether the car has developed a pull, vibration, or thump that suggests a casing problem or a long-storage flat spot.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on a 1959 car. Wheel fastener security, brake condition, steering play, shock control, and cooling system health all affect how confidently the car can cover distance. A careful walk-around and short test drive before departure often reveal issues early, when they are still easy to correct rather than disruptive on the road.
