The 1962 Wolseley range reflects the last great era of compact British saloons before front-wheel-drive packaging and modern tire standards changed the landscape. In that year, Wolseley paired the upright, traditional 1500 with the shorter-wheelbase Hornet, and each model followed its own tire path. Across these two models, there are four distinct sizes, split between bias-ply and radial choices, and the key decision is not simply construction but identifying which model you have first because the Hornet and 1500 use different rim diameters. Once that is settled, the next step is choosing whether you want a more period-correct bias-ply look or a radial that better suits regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Wolseley
Four tire sizes are used across 1962 Wolseley vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether you have a 1500 or a Hornet, since those models use different rim diameters, and then choosing between bias-ply and radial construction within the correct model-specific size family. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
155R14 is a radial metric size for the 1962 Wolseley 1500, with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and a 14-inch rim diameter; in this format, the absent aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. It is available from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form, and one version carries a T speed rating with a 118 mph ceiling while load figures and rim-width guidance appear on some products. This size is specific to the 1500 rather than the full 1962 Wolseley range. It suits owners who want a radial tire for more contemporary road manners while keeping the correct 14-inch fitment for the model.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1500|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size for the 1962 Wolseley 1500, where 5.60 denotes the nominal section width and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. BFGoodrich offers this size in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, with load capacity of 906 pounds at 30 psi and a rim-width range of 3.50 to 4.00 inches. This size is specific to the 1500 rather than universal across all 1962 Wolseley models. It is the better match for owners aiming for a distinctly period-correct look and traditional bias-ply character on a small early-1960s British saloon.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Hornet|Construction: Radial|Rim: 10 in
145R10 is a radial metric size for the 1962 Wolseley Hornet, with a nominal section width of 145 millimeters and a 10-inch rim diameter; by convention, this style of code indicates an 80-series radial when no aspect ratio is printed. It is available in blackwall form from Firestone, Kings, Camac, and Dunlop, and speed information varies by product, with one Dunlop version carrying an S rating for a 112 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Hornet and does not apply to the 1500. It is the natural choice for Hornet owners who want radial construction on the correct 10-inch wheel size for everyday driving and touring use.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Hornet|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 10-in rim
5.20-10 is a numeric bias-ply size for the 1962 Wolseley Hornet, where 5.20 identifies the nominal section width and 10 is the rim diameter in inches. No product range is present here to compare brands, sidewall styles, tube status, or speed-rating differences within this size. This size is specific to the Hornet and reflects the traditional bias-ply fitment associated with compact British small-wheel cars of the period. It will appeal most to owners focused on preserving original-era appearance and feel on the correct 10-inch wheel diameter.
Two 1962 Wolseley models are covered here, and they do not share the same tire sizes. That makes model identification the first step before choosing a tire, because the 1500 uses 14-inch fitments while the Hornet uses 10-inch fitments, with both models offering a radial-versus-bias-ply choice within their own size family. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and products.
1962 Wolseley 1500
The 1962 Wolseley 1500 was a compact British saloon with the make’s familiar upright styling and a more traditional small-car layout than later BMC designs. Its tires mount on 14-inch rims, and the choice stays within that diameter: 155R14 for radial use or 560-14 for a more period-authentic bias-ply presentation.
The 1962 Wolseley Hornet shared its character with the Mini-derived small saloons of the period, blending compact dimensions with Wolseley trim and identity. Its tires mount on 10-inch rims, with 145R10 representing the radial route and 5.20-10 carrying the classic bias-ply approach for owners preserving the small-wheel original feel.
Nine products are available across four tire sizes for 1962 Wolseley vehicles. The 155R14 radial comes from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form, 560-14 bias-ply choices come from BFGoodrich in blackwall and whitewall styles, and 145R10 radial options come from Firestone, Kings, Camac, and Dunlop in blackwall form. Confirm your model and size first, since the Hornet and 1500 use different rim diameters and speed details can vary between products within a size.
These answers cover the model-by-model size split for 1962 Wolseley cars, the radial-versus-bias decision within each model family, available sidewall and brand choices, and the storage and road-use checks that matter on a low-mileage British collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Wolseley vehicles?
1962 Wolseley vehicles use four sizes across two models. The Wolseley 1500 takes either 155R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims, while the Wolseley Hornet takes either 145R10 radial or 5.20-10 bias-ply tires on 10-inch rims. Rim-width guidance appears for some products, including 4.00 to 5.50 inches for 155R14 and 3.50 to 4.00 inches for 560-14.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Confirm whether you have a 1500 or a Hornet before you move on to construction style, because the two models use different wheel diameters and their tires do not interchange. Once the model is confirmed, you can decide between a radial for more modern driving behavior or a bias-ply for a more original-style look and feel.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1962 Wolseley tire?
On a 1962 Wolseley, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. For the Wolseley 1500, this size is the bias-ply fitment on a 14-inch rim, and current examples in this size include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
That code matters because it points you toward an older tire-construction standard rather than a modern metric radial. If your 1500 is being restored for period appearance, 560-14 keeps you in the right visual and construction family. It is also important to match the wheel correctly, since some 560-14 products call for a 3.50- to 4.00-inch rim-width range rather than the wider range used by the radial alternative.
What does 145R10 mean on a 1962 Wolseley tire?
On a 1962 Wolseley, 145R10 is a metric radial size used on the Hornet. The 145 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 10 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is printed, this style is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial, which is typical of many early metric radial markings.
For a Hornet owner, that code is the quickest way to separate the radial option from the older 5.20-10 bias-ply alternative. It also tells you immediately that the tire belongs on the smaller 10-inch wheel used by the Hornet rather than the 14-inch wheel used by the 1500. If you want your car to feel more at home in regular road use, this is the modern-format size family to focus on.
Do all 1962 Wolseley models use the same tire size?
No. The 1962 Wolseley 1500 uses 14-inch tire sizes, specifically 155R14 and 560-14, while the 1962 Wolseley Hornet uses 10-inch tire sizes, specifically 145R10 and 5.20-10. Each model has both a radial and a bias-ply path, but the actual wheel diameter changes with the model.
That difference is more important than any brand preference or sidewall style choice at the start of your search. If you identify the car only as a 1962 Wolseley, you could easily land on a tire that is correct for the make and year but wrong for the model. Confirm the model badge and wheel diameter first, then compare the available constructions within that model’s correct size family.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 155R14 or the 560-14 for my 1962 Wolseley?
For a 1962 Wolseley 1500, the choice between 155R14 and 560-14 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction on the same 14-inch wheel diameter. The 155R14 is a metric radial available in blackwall form from Michelin and Firestone, while the 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply available from BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
If your priority is original-era appearance and driving character, the bias-ply 560-14 stays closer to what buyers expected in the period. If you plan to drive the car more regularly and want a tire built in radial form, 155R14 is the more modern-feeling route. Either way, confirm your wheel width before ordering, since the radial and bias-ply options use different approved rim-width ranges where that guidance appears.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Wolseley tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size and model. The 1962 Wolseley 1500 has blackwall choices in 155R14 radial form, and its 560-14 bias-ply alternatives are available as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall. The 1962 Wolseley Hornet’s available 145R10 radial products are blackwall tires.
For an early-1960s British saloon, blackwall is usually the most natural visual fit, especially on smaller-displacement compact cars. Whitewall treatment can still be useful for a particular restoration theme or owner preference, but it changes the car’s presentation more noticeably than the construction change alone. If authenticity is important, compare your intended show standard or period photos before choosing among the 1500’s sidewall options.
What brands make tires for 1962 Wolseley vehicles?
Several brands cover 1962 Wolseley fitments. The 155R14 radial for the 1500 is available from Michelin and Firestone, the 560-14 bias-ply for the 1500 comes from BFGoodrich, and the 145R10 radial for the Hornet is available from Firestone, Kings, Camac, and Dunlop. That gives the year-and-make coverage a mix of well-known heritage names and compact-car radial specialists.
Brand choice should come after you confirm the correct size family for your model. A 1500 owner can compare radial versus bias-ply first, then compare brands within the chosen size, while a Hornet owner will usually be deciding among 145R10 radial offerings unless a 5.20-10 bias-ply restoration path is the goal. Sidewall style and speed marking can also influence the final decision within a given size.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Wolseley tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for some 1962 Wolseley sizes. The 155R14 radial used on the Wolseley 1500 fits a 4.00- to 5.50-inch rim-width range, while the 560-14 bias-ply alternative for the same model fits a 3.50- to 4.00-inch rim-width range. Those two 14-inch sizes share rim diameter, but they do not share the same width recommendations.
That is why wheel measurement matters before you change construction types on a 1500. A wheel that suits the radial may fall outside the published range for the bias-ply option, or vice versa. Measure the actual wheel, not just the tire currently mounted on it, and treat the manufacturer’s rim-width range as the deciding reference when you are moving between different tire constructions.
Do 1962 Wolseley tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements are not identical across all 1962 Wolseley choices. The 155R14 Michelin radial is marked TL, which identifies it as tubeless, while the other available 155R14 product does not carry a tube marking in the size description. The 560-14 and 145R10 products shown here also do not all carry explicit TT or TL markings in their size descriptions, so tube use can vary by product and wheel condition.
The practical step is to match the tire not only to the size but also to the wheel you are using. Older original wheels, especially on collector cars, may still call for tube use depending on wheel design, sealing condition, and the individual tire manufacturer’s guidance. Check the sidewall marking on the exact tire and verify compatibility with your wheel before mounting, rather than assuming every tire in a size is the same.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Wolseley when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Wolseley should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires at proper inflation, move the car periodically if possible, and avoid long-term parking on damp surfaces. Bias-ply tires such as 560-14 or 5.20-10 are generally more prone to temporary flat-spotting during static storage than radial alternatives.
Those habits matter because collector cars often age tires out before they wear them out. If the car will sit for months at a time, rolling it occasionally or supporting it appropriately can help reduce stress on the carcass. Storage is also a good time to inspect sidewalls for fine cracking and to verify that the spare, if carried, is being protected from the same heat and ozone exposure as the road tires.
How long do tires on a 1962 Wolseley typically last?
Tires on a 1962 Wolseley should be judged more by age than mileage. A good rule is to begin careful evaluation at about five to seven years of service and to consider replacement at around ten years, even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the tire is the quickest way to verify age on a modern reproduction or radial tire.
That approach fits collector-car use, where low annual mileage can make old tires look deceptively healthy. Sidewall hardening, internal aging, and cracking can all appear long before the tread is worn out. If a Wolseley is driven only occasionally, age-based replacement is far more meaningful than waiting for visible wear bars or a mileage target that the car may never reach.
How often should tires on a 1962 Wolseley be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Wolseley should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. If your setup uses tubes, pay closer attention to valve stems and any slow air loss that may point to tube or rim-sealing issues.
Routine inspection is especially important on a lightly used British collector car because problems can develop during storage, not just on the road. A quick visual check before local drives is good practice, but a longer trip calls for more: confirm inflation, inspect the spare, and make sure each tire still feels stable and round once the car is moving. Catching age or storage damage early is far easier than dealing with it roadside.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Wolseley 1500?
For a 1962 Wolseley 1500, bias-ply construction would have been the normal period fitment type, represented here by 560-14. The radial alternative, 155R14, is a later-style construction choice within the same 14-inch family rather than the default early-1960s expectation for a compact British saloon. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and supply arrangement, so the most dependable confirmation for a factory-authentic restoration comes from marque references and period literature.
That distinction matters most if the car is being restored for judging or for a strongly original presentation. A radial can still be the right choice for many owners, but a strict authenticity standard usually starts with the period-correct construction type, then moves to sidewall style and overall appearance. If your 1500 has a market-specific history, consult a Wolseley club or marque specialist before finalizing the tire choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Wolseley?
Correct tire fitment can matter a great deal when showing a 1962 Wolseley. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size, construction type, and sidewall presentation match the era and the character of the car. On a 1500, for example, a bias-ply 560-14 presents differently from a 155R14 radial, and whitewall treatment changes the look again.
What counts as acceptable depends on the event and the standard being applied. A touring-oriented local show may be more relaxed, while marque-focused judging can be much stricter about construction and visual details. If the goal is points-level authenticity, confirm the expected tire size and sidewall style for your exact model and market before selecting a tire, and use club guidance to settle any close calls.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Wolseley Hornet?
For a 1962 Wolseley Hornet, the period-correct construction type would ordinarily be bias-ply, represented here by 5.20-10 on a 10-inch wheel. The 145R10 radial is the later-style radial alternative for the same small-wheel Hornet fitment family. As with many British cars of the period, market and dealer practice could influence what a buyer actually received, so exact originality questions are best checked against marque-specific sources.
If the Hornet is being restored around its early-1960s character, the bias-ply route keeps the car visually and mechanically in the period it came from. If the car is used more often on modern roads, some owners still prefer the radial path while accepting that it shifts the feel away from strict factory-era practice. The right answer depends on whether authenticity or regular use sits higher on your priority list.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Wolseley tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Wolseley tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and operated within their construction and speed-rating limits. Among the available examples, one 155R14 radial carries a T speed rating with a 118 mph ceiling, and one 145R10 radial carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. Bias-ply options are not defined here by a modern speed letter, so they should be driven with the caution appropriate to older construction and an early-1960s vehicle.
In real-world use, the car’s own brakes, steering, suspension, and general condition usually matter as much as the tire rating. A healthy Wolseley driven at sensible cruising speeds can be entirely enjoyable on modern roads, but long high-speed runs demand a thorough mechanical check first. For regular highway use, many owners prefer staying within the correct radial size family for their specific model rather than treating every original-style tire the same.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Wolseley tires?
Inflation pressure for 1962 Wolseley tires should follow the vehicle maker’s recommendation for the car and the tire maker’s limits for the exact tire. Load-and-pressure figures appear on some sizes: 560-14 products carry 906 pounds at 30 psi, one 155R14 radial carries 990 pounds at 44 psi, and one 145R10 radial carries 694 pounds at 30 psi. Those figures are part of the tire’s rating and should not be transferred from one size to another.
The safest approach is to start with the factory pressure guidance for your specific model, then confirm that your chosen tire’s published maximums are being respected. A Hornet and a 1500 should not be assumed to want the same inflation simply because they share a make and year. If you are moving from an original-style bias-ply to a radial, it is especially wise to verify the recommended working pressure for that exact product before driving any distance.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Wolseley on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 Wolseley, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check valve stems, and if your wheel-and-tire combination uses tubes, pay extra attention to any sign of leakage or heat-related deterioration around the stem area. Make sure the tire age is still acceptable and that each wheel is correctly secured.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip routine on a car of this age. A sensible long-drive check also includes brakes, steering, cooling, charging, and fluid levels, because a sound tire cannot compensate for weak period mechanicals. Once the basics are covered, keep your road speed and following distance appropriate to the car’s era and condition rather than assuming modern-car margins from a 1962 British saloon.
