1962 Humber came from a long British tradition of building refined, comfortable saloons with an emphasis on road manners and understated prestige. In that year, the Hawk and Super Snipe represented two distinct points in the Humber range, and tire choice follows that split rather than applying evenly across the whole make. Four tire sizes appear across the two models, with each car offering a period bias-ply size alongside a radial alternative on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. For most buyers, the first step is confirming whether they have a Hawk or Super Snipe, then deciding whether originality or more modern radial road behavior matters more for how the car will be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Humber
Four tire sizes are used across 1962 Humber vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real choice is usually between a bias-ply and a radial for your specific Hawk or Super Snipe, since every size here mounts on a 15-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car and its intended use.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Hawk|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15-in rim
175R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal 175-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter; in this application it is specific to the Humber Hawk rather than universal across 1962 Humber models. This size appears as a radial fitment for the Hawk, with 15-inch wheel compatibility at the center of the choice. Buyers who want the Hawk in its radial size should confirm the exact product style and wheel suitability before moving forward.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Hawk|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number represents nominal section width and the 15 designates a 15-inch rim; on 1962 Humber applications it is specific to the Hawk. It is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings in this size reach 1190 pounds at 32 psi with some products rated at 970 pounds at 32 psi. This is the Hawk's traditional bias-ply choice for owners who want an era-correct look and feel rather than a radial-style driving character.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Super Snipe|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal 185-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter; for 1962 Humber it is specific to the Super Snipe. It is available from Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall styles, and speed ratings vary by product with H-rated versions to 130 mph and V-rated versions to 149 mph. This is the Super Snipe's radial option for owners who want to keep the factory wheel diameter while using a more modern radial construction.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Super Snipe|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
775-15 is a numeric bias-ply size where the first number identifies nominal section width and the 15 identifies a 15-inch rim, and it is specific to the Humber Super Snipe in 1962. It is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline sidewall styles, and products in this size carry load ratings of 1490 pounds at 32 psi. This is the traditional Super Snipe bias-ply size for owners prioritizing period presentation and original-style construction.
Because all four sizes use a 15-inch rim diameter, the main fitment check is matching the correct size to the correct model and confirming the wheel's width range before final selection.
1962 Humber Models
Two Humber models are covered for 1962, and tire size depends on which one you own. The Hawk and Super Snipe each have their own radial and bias-ply pair, so identifying the model matters before choosing a tire. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire options that match it.
1962 Humber Hawk
The 1962 Humber Hawk was Humber's refined mid-range saloon, known for traditional British comfort and formal styling rather than overt sportiness. Its tire choices both mount on 15-inch wheels, with one radial size and one bias-ply size depending on whether the goal is a more modern road-going setup or a more period-authentic presentation.
The 1962 Humber Super Snipe sat higher in the Humber lineup, with a larger, more upscale presence that appealed to buyers who wanted a dignified British saloon. Its tires also fit 15-inch wheels, but the Super Snipe uses its own model-specific radial and bias-ply sizes rather than sharing the Hawk's fitments.
Thirty-one products are available across four tire sizes for 1962 Humber vehicles. The 640-15 comes in 8 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow and wide whitewalls; the 185R15 offers 7 radial choices from Coker Classic and Michelin with redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall styling; the 775-15 includes 16 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone with redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline options. Confirm model, size, and construction first, since speed ratings vary within 185R15 products.
These answers focus on how 1962 Humber tire choice splits between Hawk and Super Snipe, how the radial-versus-bias decision affects the car, and what to check for sidewall style, wheel fit, storage, and road use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Humber vehicles?
1962 Humber vehicles use four sizes across two models. The Humber Hawk uses 175R15 as its radial option and 640-15 as its bias-ply option, while the Humber Super Snipe uses 185R15 as its radial option and 775-15 as its bias-ply option. Every size here mounts on a 15-inch rim, and rim-width guidance is available for 640-15, 185R15, and 775-15 products.
That means year and make alone are not enough for final tire selection on a 1962 Humber. Start by identifying whether the car is a Hawk or a Super Snipe, then decide whether you want the more original bias-ply format or a radial of the correct model-specific size. After that, compare the actual wheel width to the range approved for the tire you are considering.
What does 640-15 mean on a 1962 Humber tire?
On a 1962 Humber, 640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. In this older sizing system, the first number is the nominal section width and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. For 1962 Humber applications, 640-15 belongs to the Hawk rather than the Super Snipe and uses bias-ply construction rather than radial construction.
That makes 640-15 the right format to consider when a Hawk owner wants a traditional early-1960s look and driving feel. It is also the size where sidewall styling becomes part of the decision, since whitewall widths vary. Before choosing one, confirm that the car is in fact a Hawk and that the wheel falls within the rim-width range approved for the specific tire.
What does 185R15 mean on a 1962 Humber tire?
On a 1962 Humber, 185R15 is a metric radial size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. For 1962 Humber fitment, this size is used on the Super Snipe and appears in products with H and V speed ratings depending on the tire.
That makes 185R15 a more modern-format option than the Super Snipe's 775-15 bias-ply size, even though both fit a 15-inch wheel. It is a useful choice for owners who want a radial while keeping the correct wheel diameter. Sidewall style also varies within this size, so a blackwall, whitewall, or redline preference may help narrow the final choice.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 640-15 or the 175R15 for my 1962 Humber?
For a 1962 Humber Hawk, the choice between 640-15 and 175R15 is mainly a choice between bias-ply and radial construction. The 640-15 is the traditional numeric bias-ply size, while 175R15 is the Hawk's radial alternative on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. Both relate to the Hawk, but they represent different tire eras and different driving character.
A Hawk restored for period presentation usually points buyers toward the 640-15, especially when a whitewall appearance matters. A Hawk that will see more regular road use often leads buyers toward the radial option instead. The key is not to mix Hawk and Super Snipe sizes, since the Super Snipe uses different dimensions even though it also rides on 15-inch wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Humber tires?
1962 Humber tires come in several sidewall styles depending on size. The Hawk's 640-15 is available with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styling, while the Super Snipe's 185R15 radial appears in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall versions. The Super Snipe's 775-15 bias-ply size adds redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline choices.
That variety matters because sidewall appearance changes the personality of a Humber as much as the construction type does. A conservative saloon restoration often looks most natural with blackwall or whitewall treatment, while redline and goldline options create a more individualized period look. For an authenticity-minded restoration, compare the sidewall style to period photos, market-specific references, and club guidance before settling on one.
What brands make tires for 1962 Humber vehicles?
1962 Humber tire coverage includes BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, and Michelin. The 640-15 bias-ply size for the Hawk is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone, the 185R15 radial size for the Super Snipe comes from Coker Classic and Michelin, and the 775-15 bias-ply size for the Super Snipe is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone.
Brand choice on a 1962 Humber often comes down to the construction and sidewall treatment you want in the correct model-specific size. Michelin is especially relevant when a buyer wants a premium European-style radial presentation in 185R15, while BFGoodrich and Firestone dominate the bias-ply side for the numeric sizes. Once the model and size are settled, comparing sidewall style and wheel-width compatibility becomes much easier.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Humber tires require?
Rim-width requirements vary by size on 1962 Humber vehicles. The Hawk's 640-15 bias-ply products fit 4.00 to 4.50 inches on some versions and 4.50 to 5.00 inches on others. The Super Snipe's 185R15 radial products fit 4.5 to 6 inches on some Michelin versions and 5.00 to 6.50 inches on other 185R15 tires, while 775-15 products fit either 4.50 to 5.00 inches or 6-inch rims depending on the tire.
That means wheel width needs to be checked against the specific tire, not just the size code. Two products in the same nominal size may overlap but not match exactly in approved wheel range. Measuring the actual wheel before ordering is the safest approach, especially on cars that may have had wheel changes during restoration or long-term ownership.
Do 1962 Humber tires require inner tubes?
Tube use on 1962 Humber tires depends on the size and the individual product. The 185R15 Michelin radial products are marked TL, which means tubeless, while the other sizes here do not carry a tube marking in the tire size line. That makes tubeless status clear for those Michelin 185R15 tires and leaves tube use as a product-by-product wheel and tire compatibility question elsewhere.
Original wheel design matters just as much as the tire marking on a car of this age. Even when a tire is tubeless-capable, an older wheel may still lead an owner or restorer to use a tube depending on wheel condition and design. Before final assembly, match the tire marking to the wheel type and inspect the valve-stem and bead-seat area carefully.
Can the original 1962 Humber wheels be used with both tire sizes for each model?
For both 1962 Humber models, the radial and bias-ply options share a 15-inch rim diameter. That means a Hawk's 175R15 and 640-15 both belong to 15-inch wheels, and a Super Snipe's 185R15 and 775-15 also belong to 15-inch wheels. Rim diameter compatibility is therefore straightforward within each model's size pair.
Wheel width still needs separate confirmation, because approved width ranges differ by tire and are not identical across all products. A 15-inch wheel can be the correct diameter but still fall outside the preferred width for a particular radial or bias-ply choice. Checking the wheel before purchase is especially important when the car has aftermarket wheels or mixed parts from past restorations.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Humber when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Humber should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, and furnaces. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread is not bearing the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 640-15 and 775-15 are especially prone to taking a temporary flat spot during long static storage.
If the Humber will sit for an extended season, many owners either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged load on one contact patch. That is helpful for preserving both ride quality and appearance. A breathable cover, dry floor, and regular pressure check will do more for tire life than simply parking the car and forgetting it.
How long do tires on a 1962 Humber typically last?
Tire life on a 1962 Humber is usually judged more by age than by mileage, because collector cars often cover few miles each year. A good rule is to begin careful evaluation around the five- to seven-year mark and to treat roughly ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if tread remains. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the starting point for that age check.
A lightly driven Humber can still age out its tires long before it wears them out. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, vibration, or recurring air loss can all matter more than tread depth on a car used for occasional drives and shows. If the age is creeping up, an inspection by a knowledgeable vintage tire professional is worth doing before another touring season.
How often should tires on a 1962 Humber be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Humber should be checked before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign that the tire has been running underinflated. If the car uses a tube-type setup, pay attention to valve stems, gradual air loss, and the condition of the spare as well.
Short local drives can hide tire problems that become obvious only after heat builds on a longer outing. A quick pressure and visual inspection takes only a few minutes and often catches issues early. On a vintage Humber, that check is part of the normal routine of keeping an older car dependable rather than an optional extra.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Humber Hawk?
A 1962 Humber Hawk would have been associated with bias-ply construction in period, with 640-15 representing the era-correct traditional format and 175R15 serving as the radial alternative now available for the same model. Early-1960s British saloons sat in the transition period when radial technology was increasingly familiar, but bias-ply construction still defines the original visual and driving character many restorers expect.
For a factory-style restoration, the strongest starting point is usually the Hawk's 640-15 bias-ply size, then the sidewall treatment can be matched to the look you want. For market-specific or trim-specific confirmation, period brochures, Humber marque references, and owners' clubs remain the best tie-breakers. Those sources are especially useful when a car has changed countries, wheels, or restoration direction over time.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Humber?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1962 Humber because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall style immediately. A Hawk or Super Snipe wearing the wrong model-specific size can look visibly off, and a modern radial can also stand out on a car entered for originality-focused judging. Sidewall color and stripe treatment may be just as noticeable as the size itself.
That does not mean every show car must avoid radials, but it does mean the intended judging standard should be clear before the tires are chosen. Club-level touring events may be flexible, while concours-style judging often rewards period-correct dimensions and appearance. Reviewing event rules and speaking with Humber or Rootes-group specialists can prevent expensive do-overs later in a restoration.
What is the difference between Michelin XVS and Coker Classic for the 1962 Humber?
For the 1962 Humber Super Snipe in 185R15, Michelin XVS and Coker Classic differ in sidewall styles, speed ratings, and approved wheel ranges. Coker Classic appears as a redline radial with a 1355-pound load rating at 35 psi and a 5.00 to 6.50-inch rim-width range. Michelin XVS comes in narrow whitewall and blackwall versions, with H-rated 185HR15 options to 130 mph and a V-rated 185VR15 option to 149 mph, on wheel ranges spanning 4.5 to 6 inches or 5.00 to 6.50 inches depending on version.
That makes the decision less about one being universally better and more about which presentation fits the car and how closely the wheel dimensions align with the tire. A buyer drawn to a European-style radial look may lean toward Michelin, while someone wanting a redline visual may focus on Coker Classic. Matching the wheel width and the desired sidewall appearance is the practical next step.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Humber tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Humber tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, properly fitted, and in sound condition. The clearest speed-rating information appears in 185R15 radial products, where Michelin H-rated versions carry a 130 mph ceiling and V-rated versions carry a 149 mph ceiling. The bias-ply sizes do not show speed letters here, so they should be approached with the driving expectations normally associated with vintage bias-ply construction.
On a 1962 Humber, normal highway confidence depends on more than the tire alone. Steering condition, brakes, suspension wear, alignment, and the car's general mechanical health often matter more in real-world touring than outright tire speed capability. A freshly inspected car on age-appropriate tires is a much better candidate for road use than a neglected one wearing any construction type.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Humber tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1962 Humber should begin with the factory recommendation for the car, then be checked against the tire's own load-and-pressure marking. Among the sizes here, 640-15 products show ratings such as 1190 pounds at 32 psi and 970 pounds at 32 psi, 185R15 includes a 1355-pound rating at 35 psi on one version, and 775-15 products show 1490 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are load-rating references, not automatic one-pressure-fits-all instructions.
The safest approach is to use the vehicle handbook or marque guidance for baseline operating pressure and then confirm the tire's rated pressure and application notes. Pressure should not be copied from one Humber size to another just because all of them fit 15-inch wheels. Even within the same size, different products may carry different characteristics that deserve a separate check.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Humber on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 Humber, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check the spare as carefully as the four road tires, and make sure valve stems are sound, especially if the car uses a tube-type setup. If the car has been parked for a long period, pay attention to any vibration from bias-ply flat-spotting during the first miles.
A Humber heading out on a tour also deserves the broader checks vintage cars always need: wheel fastener security, steering feel, brake response, fluid levels, and basic lighting. Tires are only one part of roadworthiness, but they are the part in direct contact with the pavement. Catching a small issue in the garage is far easier than sorting it out on the roadside.
