1960 Bentley Tire Fitment Guide

All 1960 Bentley models covered here use the same tire size: 820-15. That size applies to the 1960 Bentley S-Type, S2, and S3, and it mounts on a 15-inch rim. Available products for 820-15 are built for a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range, which gives you a useful check when comparing your existing wheels to the tire you intend to run.

Because there is no model-by-model size split for 1960 Bentley, the buyer’s main task is confirming that the car still has its correct 15-inch wheels and has not been changed to another diameter over the years. Once that is settled, the choice becomes one of sidewall appearance and restoration intent rather than one of alternate fitment sizes.

On a 1960 Bentley, 820-15 is a traditional numeric bias-ply tire size. The 8.20 portion identifies the tire’s nominal section width, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric radial size, and it follows the older bias-ply sizing convention commonly seen on luxury cars of this era.

That matters because a modern buyer may expect a metric width, aspect ratio, and radial construction code, none of which appear in this older format. If your goal is an authentic 1960 Bentley presentation, staying with the proper numeric bias-ply size preserves the correct visual profile and sidewall character for the period.

Yes. The 1960 Bentley S-Type, S2, and S3 all use 820-15 tires. There is no separate year-wide size break between those three models, so Bentley owners do not need to sort through multiple factory tire sizes before narrowing down a product.

That consistency simplifies fitment research, but it does not make every tire choice identical in appearance. Whitewall width and sidewall color can change the final look of the car dramatically, especially on a formal British saloon, so it is worth choosing a style that matches the way your particular 1960 Bentley is restored and presented.

1960 Bentley tires in 820-15 are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. BFGoodrich offers both blackwall and a 1.00 inch whitewall in this size, Firestone is available as a blackwall, and US Royal offers a 3.50 inch whitewall. Those choices all share the same basic 820-15 fitment but create very different visual effects on the car.

For a restrained, formal Bentley presentation, many restorers lean toward blackwall or a relatively modest whitewall rather than a broad American-style treatment. A wider whitewall can still suit certain personal tastes and period custom preferences, but owners pursuing a strictly authentic British luxury appearance often verify that choice against period photos and marque-club guidance first.

Three brands cover 1960 Bentley in the 820-15 size: BFGoodrich, Firestone, and US Royal. All three are bias-ply offerings in the correct numeric format for the era, and together they span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations. That gives Bentley owners multiple brand paths without leaving the proper period sizing system.

The practical difference usually comes down to sidewall style, visual preference, and how closely you want the finished car to reflect a certain period look. If your 1960 Bentley is being restored for show, compare the brand and sidewall combination to period imagery; if it is a touring or occasional-use collector car, focus on the appearance you want while staying within the correct 820-15 bias-ply format.

For the 1960 Bentley, BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer 820-15 bias-ply tires with the same 15-inch rim diameter, the same 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range, and the same 1920-pound maximum load at 32 psi. The visible difference is that BFGoodrich is available in both blackwall and 1.00 inch whitewall form, while Firestone appears here as a blackwall. Weight also differs slightly, with BFGoodrich versions at 28 or 30 pounds and the Firestone at 33 pounds.

That means the choice is less about fundamental fitment and more about appearance and brand preference. If you want a blackwall, both brands fit the same basic requirement; if you want a narrow whitewall in this size, BFGoodrich opens that path. For a formal saloon like a 1960 Bentley, those visual distinctions often matter more than small construction-weight differences.

The 820-15 tire used on 1960 Bentley models fits a 15-inch rim and carries a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range. That applies across the available 820-15 products here, including BFGoodrich, Firestone, and US Royal options. Rim diameter and rim width both matter, but they serve different purposes: diameter determines whether the tire will mount, while width affects how properly it supports the tire.

Before choosing a tire, verify the wheel on your 1960 Bentley rather than assuming it remains original after decades of ownership changes. A car that still wears its correct factory-style wheels will usually fall within the expected range, but checking the actual wheel helps avoid avoidable mounting or appearance issues.

The 820-15 products for 1960 Bentley do not carry a tube-type or tubeless marking in the size description here, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination you plan to run. On collector cars of this period, tube use often depends as much on the wheel design and condition as on the tire itself. That is especially relevant on older luxury saloons that may still wear original-style wheels.

The safest approach is to inspect the wheel and confirm the specific tire’s sidewall marking before mounting. If your wheels are original, restored, or of uncertain sealing condition, a Bentley specialist or experienced vintage tire installer can help determine whether a tube is appropriate for your particular setup.

A 1960 Bentley should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls prematurely. Keep the tires at proper inflation and move the car periodically so one contact patch does not carry the same load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting when they sit.

If the car will remain parked for an extended season, some owners use tire cradles or stands to reduce static stress, but the car still needs to be supported correctly and safely. Good storage habits preserve both the ride quality and the appearance of a 1960 Bentley’s tires, which matters as much on a formal collector car as outright tread wear.

On a 1960 Bentley, tire age usually matters more than mileage because many collector cars are driven sparingly. A useful rule is to evaluate tires carefully once they reach five to seven years of age and to treat the ten-year point as a strong replacement consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code, along with visible sidewall and tread condition, gives the clearest picture of age.

A low-mile Bentley can still be riding on old rubber that looks presentable from a distance but has hardened or cracked with time. If the car sees regular touring, annual age checks are wise; if it is mainly a show car, do not let light use create a false sense of security about the tire’s condition.

Tires on a 1960 Bentley should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, embedded debris, and signs that the tire is losing pressure. On a heavy luxury saloon, even a subtle issue can affect ride quality and steering feel long before it becomes obvious at a glance.

A longer touring drive deserves a more complete check that includes the spare, valve stems, and the overall condition of the wheel and bead area. Catching a problem in the garage is far easier than dealing with it roadside, especially on a collector Bentley where preserving original trim and bodywork is part of the ownership experience.

A 1960 Bentley S-Type would have been fitted in period with a bias-ply tire in the proper numeric size format, and for the year covered here that size is 820-15. That aligns with the construction and sizing conventions expected on formal British luxury saloons at the start of the 1960s. Original-equipment brand could vary by market and delivery history, so the most reliable confirmation often comes from period literature and marque specialists.

For restoration purposes, the key points are the correct size format, correct bias-ply construction, and a sidewall treatment that suits how the car was originally presented. If your 1960 Bentley S-Type is being judged seriously, compare surviving factory photos, road tests, and club resources before settling on blackwall versus whitewall.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1960 Bentley because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size format, construction type, and sidewall presentation very quickly. An 820-15 bias-ply tire fits the period; a modern-looking alternative can change the car’s stance and visual character even before anyone studies the details. On a prestige marque, those details tend to stand out more than they would on an ordinary driver.

What counts as correct can vary by event standard, market of delivery, and the exact story of the car, so serious show preparation benefits from checking club guidance and period references. Even when the fitment is mechanically acceptable, an incorrect whitewall width or a visibly modern sidewall treatment can undermine an otherwise careful restoration.

For a 1960 Bentley, BFGoodrich and US Royal both offer 820-15 bias-ply tires with the same 1920-pound maximum load at 32 psi and the same 15-inch rim diameter with a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range. The major difference is sidewall presentation: BFGoodrich is available as a blackwall or 1.00 inch whitewall, while US Royal appears as a 3.50 inch wide whitewall. Weight differs slightly as well, with BFGoodrich at 28 or 30 pounds and US Royal at 29 pounds.

For authenticity-minded Bentley owners, that makes the choice largely visual rather than dimensional. A blackwall or restrained narrow whitewall usually preserves a more understated British luxury look, while the wider whitewall creates a stronger stylistic statement that may suit a particular restoration theme but should be weighed against period-correct presentation.

1960 Bentley tires in 820-15 are bias-ply products, and no speed rating appears in the size descriptions here. That means highway use should be approached with the expectations appropriate to a period-style collector tire rather than those of a modern high-speed touring radial. On a car of this age, the condition of the tires, wheels, suspension, steering, and brakes often matters more than any theoretical top-speed question.

A well-maintained 1960 Bentley driven within sensible limits can be a satisfying road car, but safety begins with realistic speeds, proper inflation, and a thorough mechanical inspection. If you plan regular long-distance touring, make sure the entire car is prepared for that use rather than focusing on the tire alone.

For 1960 Bentley 820-15 tires, available products carry a maximum load of 1920 pounds at 32 psi. That figure is the tire’s rated load-and-pressure point, not automatically the exact operating pressure your Bentley should run in everyday service. Factory recommendations for front and rear pressures should still come from the Bentley owner’s literature or a trusted marque reference.

Use the carmaker’s recommended pressure as your starting point, then confirm that your chosen tire’s load capacity and maximum pressure align with the intended application. Do not transfer a pressure assumption from a different vehicle or a different tire size, because even period-looking tires can vary in their construction details and load relationship.

Before a longer drive in a 1960 Bentley, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, tread separation, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is in equally serviceable condition. Check valve stems, wheel condition, and whether the car has shown any recent vibration or pull that could point to a tire or wheel issue. On a large, older saloon, small warning signs are worth taking seriously before a trip.

Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a collector Bentley, so it also makes sense to review brakes, steering, cooling, and fluid levels before heading out. A careful inspection helps protect both the occupants and the car itself, which is especially important when the vehicle’s age and rarity make roadside problems more disruptive than they would be in a modern daily driver.