1959 Rover sat at an interesting crossroads, blending traditional British engineering with a model range that stretched from refined saloons to rugged Land Rover utility vehicles. In one year and make, that means the tire conversation is not a single answer: Rover passenger cars used 15-inch fitments in both bias-ply and radial form, the 88 used 16-inch bias-ply and radial choices, and the 109 carried its own larger 16-inch bias-ply size. The practical choice comes down to identifying the exact model first, then deciding whether originality or more modern road manners matters more where both constructions are available.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1959 Rover
Five tire sizes appear across the 1959 Rover range, and they vary by model rather than being shared across every Rover built that year. The key decision starts with confirming whether you have a 15-inch saloon, a 16-inch 88, or a 109, then choosing between bias-ply and radial construction where both types were used. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct Rover model and intended use.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): 109|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.50 indicating nominal section width and 16 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1959 Rover 109 and is available from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall form. It suits owners who want a traditional bias-ply look and feel on a long-wheelbase Rover that did not share the smaller saloon and 88 fitments.
175R15 is a radial metric-style size, with 175 representing section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 15 marking the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1959 Rover 60, 75, and 75, 90, 105R & 105S rather than universal across the full Rover line. It is the natural choice for owners of those saloons who want a radial construction more in line with regular road use and later-driving expectations.
600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.00 indicating nominal section width and 15 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. This size is available in BFGoodrich form with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings reach 1,150 pounds at 32 psi. It is specific to the 1959 Rover 60, 75, and 75, 90, 105R & 105S, making it the more period-oriented choice for a saloon restoration that stays close to original construction.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): 88|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
175R16 is a radial metric-style size, with 175 representing section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 16 marking the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1959 Rover 88 and gives that short-wheelbase Land Rover a radial alternative to the matching 16-inch bias-ply fitment. It makes sense for owners who want to keep the correct rim diameter while moving toward a more modern-driving radial setup.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): 88|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.00 indicating nominal section width and 16 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. This size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product, including H-rated examples with a 130 mph ceiling. It is specific to the 1959 Rover 88, making it the traditional fitment path for owners who want a vintage bias-ply construction on the correct 16-inch wheel.
Five Rover model groups are covered for 1959, and tire size changes meaningfully across the range. The saloon cars share 15-inch fitments with a choice between bias-ply and radial construction, while the 88 uses its own 16-inch pair of sizes and the 109 stands alone with a larger 750-16 bias-ply fitment. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Rover.
1959 Rover 109
The 1959 Rover 109 was the longer-wheelbase Land Rover, built for heavier utility work and more carrying capacity than the shorter 88. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and this model uses a distinct 750-16 fitment rather than sharing the saloon-car sizes.
The 1959 Rover 60 was part of Rover's conservative, well-finished saloon tradition, aimed at buyers who wanted durability and restrained British luxury. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, with both a bias-ply and a radial option depending on how original or road-oriented you want the car to feel.
The 1959 Rover 75 was a larger saloon with the upright styling and engineering seriousness that defined the make in the postwar years. It uses 15-inch wheel fitments and shares the same two tire paths as the Rover 60, giving owners a choice between traditional bias-ply character and radial construction.
The 1959 Rover 75, 90, 105R & 105S grouping represents Rover's upper-range saloon family, where trim and performance differences mattered more than a change in basic tire fitment. These cars mount their tires on 15-inch wheels and use the same bias-ply or radial sizing choices found elsewhere in the saloon range.
The 1959 Rover 88 was the shorter-wheelbase Land Rover, valued for off-road versatility and compact utility compared with the 109. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, but unlike the 109 it uses either 175R16 radial or 600-16 bias-ply sizing.
Forty-two products are available across five tire sizes for 1959 Rover vehicles. The 750-16 has 10 bias-ply choices from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; 600-15 has 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in blackwall and wide whitewall; 600-16 has 26 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall form. Confirm your model, size, and construction preference before selecting, since speed ratings can vary within a size.
These FAQs sort out the split between Rover saloons and Land Rovers, the bias-ply versus radial decision where both were used, and the details that matter when choosing sidewall style, rim width, and long-term collector-car care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1959 Rover vehicles?
1959 Rover vehicles use five sizes across the full model range: 750-16 for the Rover 109, 175R15 and 600-15 for the Rover 60, Rover 75, and Rover 75, 90, 105R & 105S, and 175R16 plus 600-16 for the Rover 88. The saloon-car sizes mount on 15-inch wheels, while the Land Rover sizes mount on 16-inch wheels. Rim width guidance appears for 750-16 at 5.00 to 6.00 inches, for 600-15 at 4.00 to 5.00 inches depending on the product, and for 600-16 at 4.00 to 4.50 inches on products that publish width ranges.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a 1959 Rover. You need to confirm whether you have a saloon, an 88, or a 109 before narrowing to the right size. Once the model is identified, the next step is choosing between bias-ply and radial construction where both were used, then checking the actual wheel width before committing to a specific tire.
What does 600-15 mean on a 1959 Rover tire?
On a 1959 Rover, 600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.00 portion is the nominal section width in inches, written without the decimal point, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no R in the size, it is a bias-ply construction rather than a radial. On 1959 Rover saloons, this size applies to the 60, 75, and 75, 90, 105R & 105S models.
That matters because a 600-15 has a different construction character from a 175R15 even though both are used on the same family of Rover saloons. Buyers pursuing a more authentic late-1950s appearance usually start with the bias-ply option, while buyers prioritizing easier road manners often look at the radial alternative. The wheel still needs to be checked, especially if the car has had replacement rims fitted during its life.
Do all 1959 Rover models use the same tire size?
No, 1959 Rover models do not all use the same tire size. The Rover 109 uses 750-16 only, the Rover 88 uses either 175R16 or 600-16, and the Rover saloon range uses either 175R15 or 600-15. That split follows the difference between utility Land Rover models and Rover passenger cars, with separate wheel diameters and separate sizing families.
A buyer who starts with only "1959 Rover" can easily end up in the wrong part of the catalog. Identifying the model first keeps you from comparing a 15-inch saloon tire to a 16-inch Land Rover tire that was never intended for the same wheel. If your Rover has been modified, compare the sidewall size on the current tire and the wheel diameter before treating any old fitment as correct.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 175R15 or the 600-15 for my 1959 Rover?
For a 1959 Rover saloon, the choice between 175R15 and 600-15 is mainly a construction choice, not a cross-model fitment question, because both belong to the Rover 60, Rover 75, and Rover 75, 90, 105R & 105S range. The 175R15 is a radial size, while the 600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. Each mounts on a 15-inch wheel, but they reflect two different periods of tire design and two different ownership priorities.
A restorer chasing an authentic late-1950s look will usually lean toward the 600-15 bias-ply approach, especially when sidewall style is part of the visual goal. A driver who expects more regular road use may prefer the radial path of 175R15. The right answer depends on how the car will be used, how original you want it to appear, and whether the wheels on the car still match the intended tire width range.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Rover tires?
1959 Rover tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. The 750-16 offers blackwall and wide whitewall versions, the 600-15 is also available in blackwall and wide whitewall, and the 600-16 appears in both blackwall and wide whitewall form as well. That gives owners flexibility across both saloon and Land Rover applications, although the visual effect is very different from one style to the next.
For a 1959 Rover saloon, whitewall tires can reinforce a distinctly period luxury look, while blackwalls often suit a more restrained European presentation. On Land Rover models, blackwalls are generally the more natural visual choice for utility-oriented character. Show standards can vary by market and event, so anyone building a car for formal judging should compare sidewall style against period photos, factory literature, and marque-club guidance before settling on appearance alone.
What brands make tires for 1959 Rover vehicles?
1959 Rover vehicles are covered by several established vintage-tire brands. The 750-16 is available from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich; the 600-15 is available from BFGoodrich; and the 600-16 is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. Those brands span traditional American collector-tire names and British-oriented offerings that often appeal to owners of period European vehicles.
Brand choice matters most after size and construction have already been narrowed down. Once you know whether your Rover needs a saloon fitment, an 88 fitment, or a 109 fitment, you can compare sidewall style, published load figures, and rim-width guidance within that size. For many owners, the deciding factor is not the brand alone but how closely a specific tire matches the car's intended presentation and driving pattern.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1959 Rover tires require?
Rim width guidance varies by size on 1959 Rover tires. The 750-16 fits 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims, the 600-15 spans 4.00 to 5.00 inch rims depending on the specific tire, and the 600-16 fits 4.00 to 4.50 inch rims on products that publish a width range. The radial 175R15 and 175R16 fitments do not carry rim-width figures here, so the wheel itself still needs to be checked carefully before final selection.
That spread is important because a tire can be the correct nominal size yet still be poorly matched to the wheel if the rim is too narrow or too wide. Cars and trucks that have been restored over decades sometimes pick up replacement wheels from another model or market. Measure the actual wheel, confirm the diameter, and compare it to the tire's approved rim-width range before mounting anything on a 1959 Rover.
Can the original 1959 Rover wheels be used with both tire sizes where 1959 Rover models had two choices?
In the 1959 Rover saloon range, both 175R15 and 600-15 are 15-inch sizes, so they share the same basic wheel diameter. In the 1959 Rover 88, both 175R16 and 600-16 are 16-inch sizes, so those also share the same wheel diameter. The Rover 109 is different because it uses only 750-16 and does not have a second same-model size choice.
Shared diameter does not automatically mean every wheel is equally suitable for every tire. Width, bead-seat condition, and age of the wheel still matter, especially on collector vehicles that may have seen hard use or previous repairs. Treat original wheels as a starting point rather than an automatic approval, and verify the rim against the intended tire's published width guidance whenever that information is available.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1959 Rover when the tires are fitted?
A 1959 Rover stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid long exposure to standing moisture, and move the vehicle periodically so one contact patch is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage, while radials generally tolerate sitting a bit better.
If the Rover will be parked for an extended season, many collectors either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on the tires without leaving the suspension fully hanging. Clean, dry floors are kinder than damp gravel or bare earth. Good storage habits protect both appearance and road feel, which matters just as much on an unrestored Land Rover as on a carefully finished Rover saloon.
How long do tires on a 1959 Rover typically last?
On a 1959 Rover, tire life is usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out, so it is wise to begin evaluating them closely at about five to seven years and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement consideration even if tread depth still looks good. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best starting point for establishing tire age.
A lightly driven Rover can still have old rubber that is no longer trustworthy for touring. Sidewall cracking, hardening, repeated air loss, vibration, and visible casing distortion matter more than odometer miles. If the car was acquired with older tires already fitted, establish their age first before planning any meaningful road use, especially if you intend to run at sustained speed or carry passengers on longer trips.
How often should tires on a 1959 Rover be inspected?
Tires on a 1959 Rover should be inspected before every drive, and again before any longer outing or event. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. If the Rover uses a tube-type setup, the valve stem and tube condition deserve the same attention as the outer casing because slow leaks often show up there first.
Short local drives can hide problems that become obvious only once the car is warm and running at sustained speed. A quick walkaround catches many issues before they turn into roadside trouble. Make the spare part of the routine as well, since a neglected spare on an older Rover is often the oldest tire on the vehicle and the least likely one to be ready when it is finally needed.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1959 Rover 60?
For a 1959 Rover 60, the period-correct starting point is bias-ply construction in the original sizing family used on the saloon range, with 600-15 representing that traditional format. Radial alternatives such as 175R15 are also associated with the same model group, but a late-1950s Rover would have been rooted in the era when bias-ply fitments were still standard or expected in many markets. Original-equipment brand should not be assumed without period factory literature or market-specific references.
That distinction matters most during restoration planning. If the goal is a faithful presentation, begin by matching the correct size family, construction type, and sidewall appearance before worrying about brand preference. Rover sold into different markets, and export or dealer practices could influence what a car wore when new, so marque clubs and factory publications remain the best source for trim- and market-specific authenticity checks.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1959 Rover?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1959 Rover, especially in concours or preservation-oriented judging. Size, construction type, wheel diameter, and sidewall style all shape whether the car looks right for its year and model. A saloon wearing a visibly modern radial when the class expects period presentation, or a Land Rover with a sidewall treatment that clashes with its utility character, can stand out for the wrong reasons even if the tire physically fits.
The right level of correctness depends on the event. Some shows reward tasteful touring updates, while others care closely about whether the tire reflects how the car would have appeared when new. Before finalizing a tire for a judged 1959 Rover, compare it against event rules, period photos, and advice from Rover specialists so the tire supports the restoration rather than becoming an avoidable deduction.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 750-16 tires for the 1959 Rover?
Within the 750-16 size for the 1959 Rover 109, BFGoodrich and Firestone share the same 16-inch rim diameter and both publish a 5.00 to 6.00 inch rim-width range on the examples that include that specification. Their wide whitewall versions differ in whitewall width, with BFGoodrich at 4.125 inches and Firestone at 4.50 inches, and their published load figures also differ: BFGoodrich reaches 1,850 pounds at 48 psi, while Firestone reaches 1,660 pounds at 40 psi on the examples carrying load data.
Those differences influence both look and setup. A restorer may care more about the visual proportion of the whitewall, while a utility-minded owner may compare load and pressure figures more closely. Neither comparison changes the need to keep the tire within the correct 750-16 fitment for the 109, but it does help narrow which version better suits the way that particular Rover will be presented and used.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1959 Rover tires safe for highway driving?
1959 Rover tires can be suitable for highway use when the size, condition, inflation, and speed capability all match the job. One published example in the 600-16 size carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling, while many bias-ply collector tires do not display a modern speed letter at all. Even so, the practical road limit for a 1959 Rover is usually shaped as much by its brakes, steering, suspension, and age-related mechanical condition as by the tire itself.
Highway safety starts with realism about the vehicle as a whole. A properly fitted fresh tire is only one part of a safe touring plan on an older Rover. Before extended road use, verify pressure, inspect the casing carefully, and match your cruising speed to the vehicle's era, construction type, and overall condition rather than assuming a modern traffic pace is automatically appropriate.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1959 Rover tires?
Inflation pressure on 1959 Rover tires depends on the exact size and tire. Published examples include 750-16 at 1,660 pounds at 40 psi or 1,850 pounds at 48 psi depending on the product, 600-15 at 1,150 pounds at 32 psi, and 600-16 at 1,400 pounds at 32 psi or 1,433 pounds on one H-rated example. Those figures are tire ratings, not a universal factory recommendation for every 1959 Rover model.
Use the Rover owner's manual or factory literature as the starting point for vehicle pressure recommendations, then compare that against the tire maker's load-and-pressure limits for the exact tire you are considering. Do not carry a pressure number from one size to another just because the wheel diameter matches. Load carried, vehicle type, and tire construction all affect the correct final setting.
What should I check before taking a 1959 Rover on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 1959 Rover, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, uneven wear, and stable air pressure. Check the valve stems, and if the Rover uses a tube-type setup, pay extra attention to any slow leak or heat-related pressure loss that could point to tube or flap trouble. The spare should be inspected with the same care, including age and usable pressure, not just visual appearance.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine that suits a vehicle from the 1950s. Wheels, brakes, steering, fluids, and wheel-bearing condition all matter more on an older Rover than they would on a newer daily driver. Tires are often the first visible clue that a dormant vehicle is not yet ready for distance, so catching those issues early helps prevent larger mechanical problems from turning into roadside failures.
