1960 Daimler sat at an interesting point in British motoring, with the marque offering both the formal, chauffeur-minded Majestic saloon and the sporting SP 250 roadster. That split means tire choice for 1960 Daimler is not just a matter of brand preference, because the year spans two distinct models with different wheel diameters and both radial and bias-ply fitments. The Majestic uses 16-inch sizes while the SP 250 uses 15-inch sizes, and each model can be fitted in either an era-correct bias-ply size or a radial alternative. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether you have a Majestic or SP 250, then decide whether originality or modern road manners matters more to your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1960 Daimler
Four tire sizes are used across 1960 Daimler models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the whole range. The real decision starts with identifying whether you have the 16-inch-wheel Majestic or the 15-inch-wheel SP 250, then choosing between bias-ply authenticity and radial road manners within that model. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Majestic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
185R16 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal 185-millimeter section width that fits a 16-inch wheel, and on 1960 Daimler it is specific to the Majestic rather than the full model range. It is available from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein in blackwall form, with tube status and speed rating varying by product: Michelin uses a 92S tube-type marking, while Avon and Vredestein carry 93V ratings with a 149 mph ceiling. This is the radial choice for Majestic owners who want the correct 16-inch fitment with a more modern radial driving character.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Majestic|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
670-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.70 designation indicates nominal section width and the 16 denotes the wheel diameter, and it is a Majestic-specific fitment for 1960 Daimler. Firestone and Avon both offer it as a blackwall, with one conventional 670-16 bias-ply and one 670H16 bias-ply carrying an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling. This is the period-style choice for a Majestic restoration where original look, stance, and bias-ply character matter more than switching to radial construction.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): SP 250|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal 165-millimeter section width for a 15-inch wheel, and on 1960 Daimler it belongs to the SP 250 rather than the Majestic. It is available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. This is the radial option for SP 250 owners who want the car's 15-inch fitment in a size that suits regular driving while still offering period-friendly sidewall choices.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): SP 250|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.90 designation indicates nominal section width and the 15 denotes the wheel diameter, and it is specific to the SP 250 within the 1960 Daimler range. BFGoodrich and Avon offer this size, with blackwall and wide whitewall options, and speed rating varies by product because the Avon 590H15 carries an H rating with a 130 mph ceiling while the standard 590-15 bias-ply versions do not show a speed letter in the size marking. This size best suits an SP 250 owner seeking an authentic early-1960s bias-ply appearance and feel on the original 15-inch wheel diameter.
Two 1960 Daimler models are covered here, and tire size changes with the model rather than staying uniform across the make. In practical terms, that means year and make alone are not enough: the Majestic uses 16-inch tires, while the SP 250 uses 15-inch tires, and each model has both a bias-ply and a radial path. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that match it.
1960 Daimler Majestic
The 1960 Daimler Majestic was a formal British luxury saloon aimed at buyers who wanted refinement and presence rather than overt sportiness. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, with a choice between a traditional bias-ply size for period presentation and a radial size for owners who prefer a later-style driving feel on the road.
The 1960 Daimler SP 250 was Daimler's fiberglass-bodied sports car, known for its compact proportions and distinctly different character from the Majestic. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the fitment splits between a bias-ply size that preserves early sports-car character and a radial alternative that suits more frequent driving.
Twenty-two products are available across four tire sizes for 1960 Daimler vehicles. 185R16 radial tires come from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein in blackwall form; 670-16 bias-ply tires come from Firestone and Avon in blackwall; 165R15 radial tires come from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 590-15 bias-ply tires come from BFGoodrich and Avon in blackwall and wide whitewall.
These answers cover how 1960 Daimler fitments split between Majestic and SP 250, how radial and bias-ply choices affect the buying decision, and what to verify about rim width, sidewall style, and long-term collector-car tire care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1960 Daimler vehicles?
1960 Daimler vehicles use four sizes across two model lines. The Majestic uses either 185R16 radial or 670-16 bias-ply on 16-inch rims, while the SP 250 uses either 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply on 15-inch rims. Rim width ranges are 4.50 to 6.00 inches for 185R16 Michelin, 5.0 to 6.5 inches for 185R16 Vredestein, 4.50 to 5.00 inches for 670-16 Firestone, 4.50 to 6.00 inches for 165R15, and 4.00 to 4.50 inches for 590-15 BFGoodrich.
That means the first checkpoint is model identification, because a Majestic and an SP 250 do not share the same wheel diameter. Once the model is confirmed, the second checkpoint is whether you want bias-ply character for a more era-correct presentation or radial construction for a more modern road feel. Always compare the tire you plan to use against the actual wheel on the car before committing to a size.
What does 670-16 mean on a 1960 Daimler tire?
On a 1960 Daimler, 670-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.70 figure is the nominal section width designation used in the period, and the 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. For 1960 Daimler, that size belongs to the Majestic and mounts on a 16-inch wheel, with Firestone and Avon versions available in blackwall form.
Numeric bias-ply sizing reads very differently from later metric radial sizing, so it helps to treat 670-16 as its own period-correct fitment rather than trying to compare it too literally to a modern size code. If your Majestic is being restored with originality in mind, 670-16 is the bias-ply route to focus on. If your car already runs 16-inch radial tires, compare the wheel and the intended use before changing construction type.
What does 185R16 or 165R15 mean on a 1960 Daimler tire?
On a 1960 Daimler, 185R16 and 165R15 are Euro-metric radial tire sizes. The first number is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the final number is the wheel diameter in inches. 185R16 fits the Majestic on 16-inch wheels, while 165R15 fits the SP 250 on 15-inch wheels.
Those codes matter because they identify not only the width and wheel diameter, but also a different construction era from the older numeric bias-ply sizes used on the same models. A metric radial can be a sensible choice for an owner who drives regularly and wants a later-style road feel, but it still has to match the correct wheel diameter for the specific Daimler model. Start with the model, then confirm the wheel before choosing between radial brands and sidewall styles.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 670-16 or the 185R16 for my 1960 Daimler?
For a 1960 Daimler Majestic, the choice between 670-16 and 185R16 is mainly a choice between bias-ply and radial construction. The 670-16 is the period-style bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch wheel, while 185R16 is the radial alternative on the same wheel diameter. Within 185R16, speed markings also vary by product, with Michelin carrying a 92S marking and Avon and Vredestein using 93V markings.
If the car is being restored for an early-1960s look and feel, the bias-ply path usually aligns more closely with that goal. If the car will see more regular road use and you prefer a radial driving character, 185R16 is the stronger direction to explore. Either way, keep the discussion centered on the Majestic's 16-inch wheel and confirm the exact wheel width before moving from one construction type to the other.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Daimler tires?
1960 Daimler sidewall choices depend heavily on model and size. Majestic sizes 185R16 and 670-16 are available as blackwalls, while SP 250 sizes offer more variety: 165R15 comes in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, and 590-15 comes in blackwall or wide whitewall. That gives the SP 250 owner more room to tune the car's visual presentation without changing wheel diameter.
For a 1960 British saloon such as the Majestic, blackwall tires tend to suit the car's formal, understated character. On the SP 250, a blackwall often looks most sporting, while a whitewall can push the car toward a more period-accessorized American-market appearance. The right choice comes down to how you want the finished car to read visually and whether originality standards for your event favor a particular sidewall treatment.
What brands make tires for 1960 Daimler vehicles?
1960 Daimler tires are available from Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, Firestone, Coker Classic, American Classic, and BFGoodrich. Majestic sizes split between Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein for 185R16 radial and Firestone or Avon for 670-16 bias-ply. SP 250 sizes use Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich for 165R15 radial, plus BFGoodrich and Avon for 590-15 bias-ply.
That brand spread gives you a meaningful choice between historically familiar names, different sidewall treatments, and different construction types. The right way to narrow it down is to identify the model first, then focus on the exact size that belongs on that car, then compare sidewall look, rim-width compatibility, and any speed-marking differences within that size. Brand comes after fitment, not before.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1960 Daimler tires require?
Rim width depends on the tire size and model. For 1960 Daimler Majestic, 185R16 radial products span 4.50 to 6.00 inches in one case and 5.0 to 6.5 inches in another, while 670-16 bias-ply uses a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim range where published. For 1960 Daimler SP 250, 165R15 radial tires use a 4.50 to 6.00 inch range and 590-15 bias-ply uses a 4.00 to 4.50 inch range where published.
Those ranges show why wheel measurement matters before you settle on a product, especially if the car has replacement wheels or mixed components from an older restoration. A tire may be the correct diameter and general size for the car but still be better suited to a narrower or wider rim within that family. Measure the actual wheel and compare it to the specific product you plan to run.
Do 1960 Daimler tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements vary by size and sometimes by product for 1960 Daimler. Michelin's 185R16 carries a tube-type marking, while the Avon and Vredestein 185R16 products do not use the same marking in the size description. The 165R15 radial products shown for the SP 250 do not carry tube-type or tubeless markers in the size wording, and the bias-ply offerings for 670-16 and 590-15 also vary in how much tube information is built into the description.
The practical approach is to check the exact sidewall marking of the tire you plan to use and then confirm whether your wheel design is appropriate for that setup. Older wheels, wire-wheel arrangements, and restoration-era wheel repairs can all affect the decision. Treat tube choice as part of the wheel-and-tire system, not as a generic rule for every 1960 Daimler tire.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1960 Daimler when the tires are fitted?
A 1960 Daimler should be stored clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls. Keep the tires inflated, avoid parking for long periods on wet concrete or oily surfaces, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 670-16 and 590-15 are generally more prone to flat-spotting during static storage than radial alternatives.
If the car will sit through a long off-season, tire cradles or properly placed stands can help reduce stress on the casing while preserving the suspension. That matters especially on a collector car that may only come out for fair-weather use. Good storage habits do not just protect tread life; they also preserve appearance, reduce vibration on the next outing, and help the car feel right when it goes back on the road.
How long do tires on a 1960 Daimler typically last?
On a 1960 Daimler, age matters more than mileage because collector cars often spend long periods parked and may accumulate miles very slowly. A good rule is to start evaluating tires closely once they reach the five-to-seven-year range and to treat around ten years from the date code as a serious replacement point, even if the tread still looks usable. That principle applies to both radial and bias-ply tires.
The most important check is the overall condition of the casing rather than how much tread remains. Sidewall cracking, hardness, vibration, pressure loss, and signs of internal aging matter more on an older hobby car than wear bars ever will. Reading the DOT date code and keeping a simple maintenance log makes it much easier to judge when your 1960 Daimler tires are aging out of safe service.
How often should tires on a 1960 Daimler be inspected?
Tires on a 1960 Daimler should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing at sustained speed. Look for sidewall cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire has lost pressure since the last time the car was used. If your setup uses tubes, valve stems and any tube-related pressure loss deserve extra attention as part of that routine.
A quick visual walk-around is valuable, but a hands-on pressure check is even better on a low-use collector vehicle. Tires can age quietly in storage and then reveal problems only when the car returns to regular use. Frequent inspection helps catch issues early, protects the wheels and bodywork from a roadside failure, and gives you a better sense of whether alignment or storage habits are affecting the car's tire condition.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1960 Daimler Majestic?
For a 1960 Daimler Majestic, the original-era expectation would have centered on bias-ply construction, with 670-16 representing the period-style size on the car's 16-inch wheel diameter. A 185R16 radial is a later-style alternative that suits the wheel diameter but reflects a different stage in tire development. Original-equipment brand can vary by market and delivery history, so the safest restoration starting point is the correct size family and construction type first.
If your goal is authenticity, begin with whether the car is being judged to factory-delivery standards or restored as a sympathetic road car. Concours-minded owners usually place the greatest weight on the correct size format, construction type, and sidewall appearance, while touring owners may accept a radial for driving reasons. For market-specific confirmation, period road tests, factory literature, and marque-club guidance are the best final checks.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1960 Daimler?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1960 Daimler because judges and marque experts often notice size format, construction type, and sidewall treatment quickly. A Majestic shown for originality generally presents more convincingly on a period-style 670-16 bias-ply than on a radial, while an SP 250 aiming for an early sports-car look will usually look more authentic on 590-15 bias-ply than on a modern-style radial substitute. Sidewall style can also influence how authentic the finished car appears.
That does not mean every event uses the same standard, but it does mean tire choice is part of the car's visual and historical correctness. If the car is being prepared for judged competition, confirm what the specific club or event expects before the tires go on. A road-driven Daimler can still be very well restored with radials, but that is a different objective from strict authenticity.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Avon options for the 1960 Daimler SP 250?
For the 1960 Daimler SP 250 bias-ply fitment, BFGoodrich and Avon take slightly different approaches within the 590-15 family. BFGoodrich offers conventional 590-15 versions in blackwall and wide whitewall with a 4.00 to 4.50 inch rim-width range and a 1,050-pound load figure at 32 psi, while Avon offers a 590H15 81H blackwall with an H speed rating that carries a 130 mph ceiling. All remain bias-ply choices on the SP 250's 15-inch wheel diameter.
That makes the comparison less about basic fit and more about how you want the tire to present and what sidewall and speed-marking details matter to you. A whitewall BFGoodrich changes the look of the car immediately, while the Avon appeals to buyers who want a blackwall bias-ply with a clearly stated speed rating. Confirm the wheel width and the visual goal for the car before choosing between them.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1960 Daimler tires safe for highway driving?
1960 Daimler tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their construction type and speed rating. Among the marked products, 185R16 appears in 92S and 93V versions, the 670-16 bias-ply range includes an H-rated option, and the 590-15 bias-ply range includes an H-rated option as well. Those ratings provide more headroom than most period cars will ever use in normal American road driving.
Tire condition still matters more than the number on the sidewall if the car is old, lightly used, or freshly awakened from storage. On a 1960 Daimler, braking, suspension condition, steering play, and general mechanical health often become the limiting factors before the tire's stated speed capability does. Think of the tire as one part of a complete roadworthiness check rather than the only safety decision.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1960 Daimler tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1960 Daimler should follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the car and the tire maker's limits for the exact product. Load-and-pressure figures vary by size: 185R16 Vredestein is rated at 1,433 pounds at 51 psi, 670-16 Firestone carries 1,130 pounds at 30 psi, 165R15 radial products are around 1,168 to 1,170 pounds at 35 to 36 psi, and 590-15 BFGoodrich is rated at 1,050 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are not interchangeable from one size to another.
Use those numbers as the tire's rated capacity reference, not as a blanket instruction to inflate every 1960 Daimler tire to the maximum figure shown. The correct operating pressure depends on the car, the axle load, and the manufacturer's recommendations for that model. Start with the proper manual or marque guidance for the vehicle, then make sure the pressure you use stays appropriate for the exact tire mounted on the wheel.
What should I check before taking a 1960 Daimler on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1960 Daimler on a longer drive, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign of age-related separation. Verify cold pressure, look closely at valve stems, and check the spare as carefully as the four road tires. If the car uses a tube-type setup, give extra attention to pressure retention and stem condition because a long-stored collector car can reveal problems only once it is back in regular use.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a car of this age, so pair that inspection with a broader check of fluids, brakes, steering, and lighting. A Daimler that feels fine around town can expose a marginal tire or valve issue once heat and distance build. A thorough walk-around before departure is one of the simplest ways to protect both the car and the trip.
