1962 Daimler sat in a distinctly British luxury-and-sporting niche, spanning formal saloons and limousines alongside the fiberglass-bodied SP 250 sports car. That range matters because tire choice across 1962 Daimler models is not one-size-fits-all: four model lines use six different sizes, with both bias-ply and radial options appearing in the same year. Some saloon applications stay on 16-inch fitments, while the SP 250 uses 15-inch tires and offers a clear construction choice between an era-style bias-ply and a more modern-feeling radial. Before choosing a tire for 1962 Daimler, confirm the exact model first, then narrow the decision by rim diameter and construction preference.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Daimler
Six tire sizes appear across 1962 Daimler vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The key decision starts with identifying the correct model and rim diameter, then deciding whether a bias-ply or radial construction suits the way the car will be used. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 3.8 Litre|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.50 designating nominal section width and the 16 indicating a 16-inch wheel. It is available in BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield versions, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. This size is specific to the 1962 Daimler 3.8 Litre, and it suits owners who want a traditional period-style bias-ply fitment for a formal early-1960s Daimler saloon.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 3.8 Litre, Majestic|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
670-16 is another numeric bias-ply size, using a 6.70 nominal section width on a 16-inch rim. Firestone and Avon both offer this size in blackwall form, and speed rating varies by product: the Avon Turbospeed carries an H rating with a 130 mph ceiling, while the Firestone version does not show a speed letter in the size marking. This size is shared by the 1962 Daimler 3.8 Litre and Majestic, and it appeals to owners keeping those larger saloons in an era-correct bias-ply configuration.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 4.5 Litre|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
700-16 is a numeric bias-ply size with a 7.00 nominal section width designed for a 16-inch wheel. It is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall options, and speed rating varies by product because the Avon Traction Mileage carries an L rating with a 75 mph ceiling while other versions do not show a speed letter in the size marking. This size is specific to the 1962 Daimler 4.5 Litre and is the right direction for owners preserving the stately look and road manners associated with a large coachbuilt Daimler.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Majestic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
185R16 is a euro-metric radial size, with 185 indicating section width in millimeters, radial construction identified by the R, and a 16-inch wheel diameter; without a stated aspect ratio, this format conventionally refers to an 80-series radial. Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein all offer it in blackwall form, and speed rating varies by product: Michelin carries an S rating to 112 mph, while Avon and Vredestein carry V ratings to 149 mph; tube status also varies by product because Michelin is marked TT while the others are not. This size is specific to the 1962 Daimler Majestic and is the choice for owners who want a radial fitment with more modern road behavior while staying within a period-appropriate overall format.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): SP 250|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
165R15 is a euro-metric radial size, with a 165-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter; in this form it conventionally represents an 80-series radial. This size is available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. It is specific to the 1962 Daimler SP 250 and suits drivers who want a radial tire for more contemporary road feel on Daimler's compact sports car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): SP 250|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, using a 5.90 nominal section width on a 15-inch wheel. BFGoodrich and Avon offer it in blackwall form, while BFGoodrich also offers a wide whitewall version, and speed rating varies by product because the Avon Turbospeed carries an H rating with a 130 mph ceiling while the BFGoodrich versions do not show a speed letter in the size marking. This size is specific to the 1962 Daimler SP 250 and is the natural choice for owners aiming for a more traditional early-1960s sports-car appearance and bias-ply feel.
Four Daimler model lines are covered for 1962, and tire size changes with the model rather than carrying evenly across the range. That means year and make alone are not enough here: a 3.8 Litre, 4.5 Litre, Majestic, and SP 250 can require different sizes, different rim diameters, or a different construction type altogether. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire choices that apply to that specific 1962 Daimler.
1962 Daimler 3.8 Litre
The 3.8 Litre sat in Daimler's traditional luxury-saloon space, offering formal British styling and road manners aimed at refined touring rather than overt sport. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and buyers will typically be choosing between two period-style bias-ply sizes depending on the exact fitment they want to follow.
The 4.5 Litre represented Daimler's more formal, chauffeur-oriented character, with the kind of presence buyers often associate with upper-tier British coachbuilt motoring. Its fitment uses a 16-inch wheel and centers on one larger bias-ply size suited to that substantial saloon-and-limousine character.
The Majestic was Daimler's well-known postwar luxury saloon, balancing conservative elegance with a more modern driving experience than the marque's biggest formal cars. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and this model is unusual within the 1962 Daimler range because it can point either toward a classic bias-ply size or a radial size in the same wheel diameter.
The SP 250 was Daimler's distinctive sports car, notable for its fiberglass body and lively personality compared with the company's formal saloons. It rides on 15-inch wheels, and its fitment splits cleanly between a traditional bias-ply sports-car size and a radial alternative for owners who prioritize more modern touring behavior.
Fifty-one products are available across six tire sizes for 1962 Daimler vehicles. 650-16 offers 19 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield in blackwall and wide whitewall; 670-16 has 2 bias-ply blackwalls from Firestone and Avon; 700-16 has 10 bias-ply options from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall; 185R16 has 3 radial blackwalls from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein; 165R15 has 14 radials from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 590-15 has 3 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Avon in blackwall and wide whitewall. Confirm size and construction first, since tube requirements and speed ratings can vary within a size.
These answers focus on the things 1962 Daimler owners usually need to sort out first: model-specific size differences, the bias-ply versus radial decision on Majestic and SP 250 applications, sidewall and brand choices, and the care vintage tires need on collector-driven cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Daimler vehicles?
1962 Daimler vehicles use six sizes across four model lines. The 3.8 Litre uses 650-16 and 670-16, the 4.5 Litre uses 700-16, the Majestic uses 670-16 and 185R16, and the SP 250 uses 165R15 and 590-15. The 650-16, 670-16, 700-16, and 185R16 all mount on 16-inch wheels, while the 165R15 and 590-15 mount on 15-inch wheels. Rim width guidance appears on several products: 650-16 commonly fits 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims, 670-16 appears on 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims, 700-16 on 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims, 185R16 on 4.50 to 6.50-inch rims depending on product, 165R15 on 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, and 590-15 on 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.
The practical takeaway is that a 1962 Daimler owner needs the exact model before choosing a tire, because the year spans both 15-inch and 16-inch applications and includes both bias-ply and radial constructions. Once the model is confirmed, compare the wheel on the car against the tire's rim diameter and recommended rim width range rather than assuming every 1962 Daimler shares the same wheel package.
What does 650-16 mean on a 1962 Daimler tire?
On a 1962 Daimler, 650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 portion refers to nominal section width in inches, and the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, that size is used on the 3.8 Litre and appears only in bias-ply form. Products in 650-16 commonly pair that size with 16-inch rims in the 4.50 to 5.00-inch width range.
That matters because 650-16 reads very differently from a later radial size such as 165R15 or 185R16. A buyer deciding between 650-16 and another 16-inch Daimler fitment should think in terms of original-style numeric sizing and traditional bias-ply character, not in terms of modern metric radial dimensions. If the car is a 3.8 Litre, this size points you toward a period-style saloon fitment.
What does 185R16 mean on a 1962 Daimler tire?
On a 1962 Daimler, 185R16 is a euro-metric radial size used on the Majestic. The 185 indicates section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 16 indicates a 16-inch wheel diameter. Because no aspect ratio is written into the size, this format conventionally represents an 80-series radial. Depending on brand, 185R16 products for the Majestic fit rims from 4.50 inches wide up to 6.50 inches wide.
A buyer comparing 185R16 with 670-16 should notice that both can be 16-inch applications for the Majestic, but they reflect different sizing systems and different construction eras. The metric radial route gives the Majestic a more modern tire format, while the numeric bias-ply route keeps the car closer to its earlier tire character. Checking the actual wheel width on the car helps narrow the right product within the size.
Do all 1962 Daimler models use the same tire size?
No. 1962 Daimler fitment varies considerably by model. The 3.8 Litre uses 650-16 or 670-16, the 4.5 Litre uses 700-16, the Majestic uses either 670-16 or 185R16, and the SP 250 uses either 590-15 or 165R15. That means the year includes both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel diameters, plus both bias-ply and radial constructions.
That variation changes how you should research tires for a 1962 Daimler. If you only know the year and make, you can end up comparing the wrong wheel diameter or the wrong construction type. Identifying whether the car is a saloon, a larger formal Daimler, or an SP 250 sports car is the first step; after that, the correct size range becomes much easier to sort out.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 670-16 or the 185R16 for my 1962 Daimler?
For a 1962 Daimler Majestic, the choice between 670-16 and 185R16 is primarily a construction and use-character decision. The 670-16 is a numeric bias-ply size shared with the 3.8 Litre, while the 185R16 is a radial size specific to the Majestic. Both mount on 16-inch wheels, but they reflect different tire eras and different driving character. The radial 185R16 is available from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while the 670-16 bias-ply option is available from Firestone and Avon.
Owners focused on period presentation usually gravitate toward the bias-ply route, especially if the car is being restored to a more original visual standard. Owners planning regular road use often prefer the radial option because it follows a more modern tire construction. The key is to confirm what wheel is on the car and decide whether restoration authenticity or contemporary road manners matters more for your Majestic.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Daimler tires?
1962 Daimler tires span several sidewall styles depending on size. The 650-16 and 700-16 appear in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, 670-16 stays in blackwall, 185R16 is blackwall, 165R15 comes in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, and 590-15 appears in blackwall and wide whitewall. That means sidewall appearance changes both by model and by whether the car uses a saloon-oriented 16-inch size or an SP 250 15-inch size.
For a 1962 Daimler restoration, sidewall choice can shape the car's overall look almost as much as wheel finish. Formal saloons and limousines can look at home with a whitewall treatment, while many sporting or European-market presentations lean toward blackwall. If show authenticity matters, compare the tire's sidewall style to period photos of your exact model and market before settling on a visual direction.
What brands make tires for 1962 Daimler vehicles?
1962 Daimler sizes are covered by a broad mix of brands. 650-16 is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield; 670-16 from Firestone and Avon; 700-16 from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone; 185R16 from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein; 165R15 from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich; and 590-15 from BFGoodrich and Avon. That spread gives Daimler owners access to both well-known American reproduction names and long-established European radial and bias-ply makers.
Brand choice usually matters most after the size and construction are settled. Once you know whether your 1962 Daimler needs a 15-inch or 16-inch fitment, and whether you want a bias-ply or radial tire where both exist, the remaining decisions often come down to sidewall appearance, speed rating where applicable, and the brand character that best matches the car's intended presentation.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Daimler tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1962 Daimler tires depends on the size. 650-16 commonly fits 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims, 670-16 appears on 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims where that range is stated, 700-16 commonly fits 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims, 185R16 spans 4.50 to 6.50 inches depending on brand, 165R15 commonly fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, and 590-15 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. All of those figures are size-specific rather than universal across the 1962 Daimler range.
That matters most when a car has had wheels changed over the years or when a buyer is moving between two valid sizes on the same model. A Majestic owner considering 670-16 versus 185R16, for example, should confirm wheel width before deciding. Measuring the actual wheel is more reliable than assuming a sixty-year-old Daimler still carries its original rim set.
Do 1962 Daimler tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1962 Daimler tires vary by size and sometimes by product. The clearest example is 185R16, where the Michelin X is marked TT, indicating tube type, while the Avon and Vredestein versions are not marked that way in the size. Other sizes in this year and make do not consistently show tube-type or tubeless markings in the size description, so the requirement can differ within the same nominal fitment depending on the exact tire selected.
The right approach is to treat tube fitment as a product-by-product question rather than a blanket rule for every 1962 Daimler tire. Before mounting, compare the tire's sidewall marking and the wheel's design, especially if the car uses original rims. That prevents a common vintage-tire mistake: assuming all tires in one size use the same tube setup.
Can the original 1962 Daimler wheels be used with both tire sizes on the same model?
Sometimes, but only within models that share the same rim diameter across their approved sizes. The Majestic uses both 670-16 and 185R16, and both mount on 16-inch wheels. The SP 250 uses both 590-15 and 165R15, and both mount on 15-inch wheels. That means the diameter side of the wheel equation aligns within each model's size pair.
Wheel diameter alone is not the whole story, though, because rim width range still needs to suit the specific tire selected. The SP 250 is a good example: 590-15 commonly fits narrower rims than 165R15. If your 1962 Daimler still has its original wheels, confirm the wheel width before changing from one approved size or construction type to the other.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Daimler when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Daimler stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires clean, keep the car off damp ground, and move it periodically if it will sit for long stretches. Because 1962 Daimler fitments include both bias-ply and radial constructions, storage behavior can differ slightly; bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more readily during static storage than radials.
For longer layups, many collectors either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one patch of tread. That is especially helpful on a larger Daimler saloon or limousine with substantial curb weight. Thoughtful storage preserves ride quality, reduces cosmetic cracking, and helps vintage-size tires stay more stable between drives.
How long do tires on a 1962 Daimler typically last?
On a collector-driven 1962 Daimler, tire age usually matters more than tread wear. A good rule is to start evaluating the tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point even if tread depth still looks acceptable. The DOT date code on the tire is the quickest way to confirm age, and visible cracking, hardening, or repeated pressure loss can shorten that timeline.
Many vintage Daimlers cover relatively few miles, so an old-looking set with plenty of tread can still be overdue for replacement. That is true whether the car wears 16-inch bias-ply tires or a radial size such as 165R15 or 185R16. Age-based inspection is the safer mindset for low-use collector cars than judging tire life by mileage alone.
How often should tires on a 1962 Daimler be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Daimler should be inspected before every drive and given a more deliberate check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, unusual wear, bulges, cuts, and any sign that the tire is no longer holding pressure consistently. If the setup uses a tube-type product, valve stems and the general condition of the wheel hardware deserve extra attention as well.
Routine inspection matters because a collector Daimler can spend weeks or months parked between drives, and tire condition can change during that downtime. A quick walkaround is enough for local use, but a longer tour deserves a closer check that includes the spare. Catching age damage early is far easier than dealing with it on the roadside.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Daimler 3.8 Litre?
For a 1962 Daimler 3.8 Litre, the historically correct starting point is a bias-ply tire in one of the sizes associated with that model: 650-16 or 670-16. Bias-ply construction was still the standard fitment type for many luxury British saloons of the period, even as radial technology was gaining ground elsewhere. A specific original brand should not be assumed without period sales literature, surviving factory paperwork, or marque-club confirmation for the exact market and body specification.
That means a restoration-focused owner usually begins by choosing the correct size family and a sidewall style that matches the car's intended presentation rather than by chasing a brand name first. If your 3.8 Litre is being judged, consult a Daimler or British saloon specialist to confirm whether 650-16 or 670-16 is the stronger historical match for your exact car before finalizing the tire choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Daimler?
Yes, correct tire fitment can matter significantly when a 1962 Daimler is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, sidewall style, and overall visual character all affect whether the car looks period-correct. A radial on a car expected to wear bias-ply rubber, or a whitewall treatment that does not match the car's presentation, can stand out quickly to experienced judges even when the wheel diameter itself is correct.
The level of scrutiny depends on the event. A touring-class or driver-level show may be more forgiving than a concours-style class focused on originality. If your 1962 Daimler is headed for marque judging, compare the intended tire against period photos and event standards, then use a Daimler club or restoration authority to confirm what that specific class expects.
What is the difference between the Michelin X and Avon Turbosteel in 185R16 for the 1962 Daimler?
For a 1962 Daimler Majestic using 185R16, the Michelin X and Avon Turbosteel differ in a few measurable ways. The Michelin X is marked 185R16 92S TT, giving it an S speed rating with a 112 mph ceiling and a tube-type marking. The Avon Turbosteel is marked 185VR16 93V, giving it a V speed rating with a 149 mph ceiling, and it is not marked TT in the size. Both are blackwall radial choices on a 16-inch rim.
That comparison matters most to owners who want to stay within the same nominal size but choose a tire with the character and setup details that best fit their car. One owner may prioritize the Michelin X's classic early-radial identity, while another may prefer the higher speed-rated Avon format. Wheel type and intended use should guide the final decision as much as the brand name.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Daimler tires safe for highway driving?
A properly matched, properly maintained 1962 Daimler tire can be suitable for highway use, but the answer depends on the exact size and product. Some sizes carry explicit speed ratings: 670-16 and 590-15 have Avon options marked H for 130 mph, 185R16 includes an S-rated Michelin at 112 mph and V-rated Avon and Vredestein choices at 149 mph, and 700-16 includes an Avon option marked L for 75 mph. Other products in these sizes do not show a speed letter in the size marking and should be treated according to their manufacturer guidance.
In real-world use, a 1962 Daimler's braking system, steering, suspension condition, and overall age often matter as much as the tire's speed symbol. A healthy car on fresh, correctly inflated tires is the safer combination than a tired car on an impressive-looking speed rating. Match the tire to the model, keep expectations era-appropriate, and inspect everything before regular highway use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Daimler tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1962 Daimler depends on the exact size and tire selected. Examples include 650-16 at 1580 pounds at 32 psi, 670-16 at 1130 pounds at 30 psi on one Firestone version, 700-16 at 1800 pounds at 36 psi on one Firestone version and 1900 pounds at 36 psi on one BFGoodrich version, 165R15 around 1168 pounds at 35 psi on several products, and 590-15 at 1050 pounds at 32 psi on BFGoodrich versions. Those figures are tire ratings, not universal vehicle settings.
The best practice is to start with the factory guidance for the car, then compare it with the tire maker's rated pressure for the exact product. Do not transfer a pressure from one size to another just because the wheel diameter matches. A Majestic on 185R16, for example, should be treated differently from the same model on 670-16 until the exact tire and application are confirmed.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Daimler on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 1962 Daimler, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, and stable air pressure, then check the spare as carefully as the four road tires. Pay close attention to valve stems, and if the car uses a tube-type tire, be especially alert to any sign of pressure loss or wheel-related issues. Confirm that the tire size and construction on the car actually match the model, since this year includes both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments as well as both bias-ply and radial tires.
A longer drive is also the right time to think beyond the tires. Vintage Daimlers benefit from a full pre-trip check that includes brakes, steering, cooling, and suspension, because the tire can only do its job if the rest of the chassis is sound. Starting with fresh air pressure and a careful visual inspection gives the trip a much better foundation.
