1964 Austin covered an unusually broad slice of the British market, from tiny city cars and sporting small-bore machines to family saloons and larger sedans. That variety matters when choosing tires, because 1964 Austin spans eight distinct model lines and eleven different tire sizes rather than one shared fitment across the whole make. Some models offer a direct bias-ply-versus-radial choice on the same rim diameter, while others use a size unique to that model or shared only with one close sibling. Before narrowing down a tire, the first thing to confirm is your exact model, then whether you want an era-correct bias-ply look or a radial suited to more regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1964 Austin
Eleven tire sizes appear across 1964 Austin vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. For some Austins, the choice is mainly between radial and bias-ply construction on the same wheel diameter, while across the make as a whole you also need to confirm the correct rim diameter first because Austin used 10-, 12-, 13-, and 14-inch fitments that year. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1100|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12 in
145R12 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 145 millimeters and a 12-inch rim diameter, using the traditional Euro-metric convention that implies an approximately 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin 1100 and is available in Michelin with a blackwall sidewall, tubeless construction, and an S speed rating up to 112 mph. It suits an owner who wants the 1100's model-specific radial fitment in a classic European-style tire.
5.50-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.50 indicates nominal section width and 12 is the rim diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin 1100. It is the period-style choice for an owner who wants the traditional bias-ply construction associated with mid-century small sedans rather than a radial conversion.
175R13 is a metric radial size with a nominal width of 175 millimeters on a 13-inch wheel, using the classic Euro-metric format that conventionally implies an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin 1800. It is the radial option for the larger 1800 and will appeal to owners who want to stay with the model's radial-format fitment.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1800|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 as the nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin 1800 and is available from Coker Classic and US Royal in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles, with load ratings of 1,150 pounds at 32 psi. It is the traditional bias-ply alternative for an owner restoring an 1800 with a stronger period visual emphasis, especially if whitewall presentation matters.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 850, Mini Cooper|Construction: Radial|Rim: 10 in
145R10 is a metric radial size with a 145-millimeter nominal section width and a 10-inch rim diameter, following the older Euro-metric convention with an implied approximately 80-series profile. It fits the 1964 Austin 850 and 1964 Austin Mini Cooper, and it is available from Firestone, Kings, Camac, and Dunlop in blackwall form; speed ratings vary by product, with Dunlop carrying an S rating up to 112 mph while others use simpler size markings. It is the common radial choice for Austin's 10-inch-wheel small cars and makes the most sense for owners who want to stay with the compact original-diameter package in radial construction.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 850, Mini Cooper|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 10-in
5.20-10 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.20 as the nominal section width and a 10-inch rim diameter. It fits the 1964 Austin 850 and 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. It is the period-style counterpart to 145R10 for owners who want the traditional bias-ply look and road feel on Austin's smallest wheel fitment.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): A 110|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13-in
7.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 represents nominal section width and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin A 110 rather than shared across the full Austin range. It is the straightforward choice for an A 110 owner seeking the proper bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): A 40|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
145R13 is a metric radial size with a 145-millimeter nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, using the classic Euro-metric radial format with an implied approximately 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin A 40 and is available from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form; speed ratings vary by product, with Michelin carrying an H rating up to 130 mph and Firestone using a simpler size marking, and tubeless construction is also product-specific. It is the radial choice for the A 40 owner who wants a period European radial format on the correct 13-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): A 40|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.20 indicating nominal section width and 13 indicating rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1964 Austin A 40 and is available from Firestone and Premium Sport in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with load figures ranging from 770 pounds at 32 psi to 1,100 pounds at 60 psi depending on product. It is the traditional bias-ply route for an A 40, and the sidewall choices make it especially relevant for owners balancing period appearance with a particular visual style.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): A 55, A 60|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width on a 14-inch rim, following the Euro-metric convention that typically implies an 80-series profile. It fits the 1964 Austin A 55 and 1964 Austin A 60, and it is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form with H speed ratings up to 130 mph; tubeless marking varies by product, and load figures reach 1,102 pounds at 51 psi on some versions. It is the shared radial fitment for Austin's larger mid-size saloons and suits owners who want a classic radial from established European brands.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): A 55, A 60|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.90 as the nominal section width and 14 as the wheel diameter in inches. It fits the 1964 Austin A 55 and 1964 Austin A 60. It is the period-style alternative to 165R14 for owners who want to keep these larger Austins in traditional bias-ply form.
1964 Austin covers eight model lines, from compact economy cars to larger family sedans. Tire size does vary by model, and in several cases the same model can use either a radial or a bias-ply size on the same rim diameter, so identifying the exact model matters before choosing a tire. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1964 Austin 1100
The Austin 1100 was one of BMC's most important small family cars of the period, known for packaging efficiency and modern front-wheel-drive thinking. Its tires mount on 12-inch wheels, with a choice between a radial metric size and a traditional numeric bias-ply size depending on how you want the car to present and drive.
The Austin 1800 was a larger, roomier BMC sedan with a strong engineering identity and a very different mission from Austin's smallest cars. Its fitments are built around 13-inch wheels, with one radial metric option and one numeric bias-ply option tied specifically to the 1800.
The Austin 850 is the early Mini in its simplest and most iconic form, built around compact dimensions and 10-inch wheels. It shares both of its tire sizes with the Mini Cooper, so the main choice is between a small-format radial and a period-style bias-ply tire on the same wheel diameter.
The Austin A 110 sits in Austin's larger sedan tradition and uses a model-specific 13-inch bias-ply fitment. That makes the A 110 more straightforward than some of the other 1964 Austin models, since the decision starts with the correct single size rather than a construction crossover.
The Austin A40 remained a practical small car with a loyal following, especially among enthusiasts who appreciate its tidy proportions and useful body style. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the model can take either a radial 145R13 or a bias-ply 520-13 depending on whether originality or later-road manners is the priority.
The Austin A55 was part of Austin's mid-size family sedan line and carries the fuller proportions buyers expect from a traditional British saloon of the era. Its fitments use 14-inch wheels, with a shared radial size and shared bias-ply size also used by the A60.
The Austin A60 continued the Cambridge line into the mid-1960s and represents the more mature end of the 1964 Austin passenger-car range. It shares its 14-inch tire choices with the A55, giving owners a choice between a classic radial format and a traditional bias-ply alternative.
The Mini Cooper added a sporting edge to Austin's smallest platform and became one of the best-known British performance compacts of the decade. Like the Austin 850, it uses 10-inch wheels and shares the same radial and bias-ply size choices, with the final decision usually guided by whether the car is being preserved in an earlier-correct style or driven more frequently.
Fifteen products are available across eleven tire sizes for 1964 Austin vehicles. 145R12 offers one Michelin radial blackwall; 650-13 offers four Coker Classic and US Royal bias-ply whitewalls; 145R10 offers five Firestone, Kings, Camac, and Dunlop radial blackwalls; 145R13 offers two Michelin and Firestone radial blackwalls; 520-13 offers six Firestone and Premium Sport bias-ply blackwall and narrow whitewall choices; 165R14 offers three Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein radial blackwalls. Confirm your size first, then check individual product markings because tube status and speed ratings can vary within some sizes.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model tire differences across 1964 Austin, including when a radial and bias-ply share the same wheel diameter, which sidewall styles are offered in certain sizes, and what to inspect on a collector car that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1964 Austin vehicles?
1964 Austin vehicles use eleven sizes across eight model lines: 145R12 and 5.50-12 for the Austin 1100, 175R13 and 650-13 for the Austin 1800, 145R10 and 5.20-10 for the Austin 850 and Mini Cooper, 7.50-13 for the A 110, 145R13 and 520-13 for the A 40, and 165R14 and 5.90-14 for the A 55 and A 60. Rim diameters span 10, 12, 13, and 14 inches depending on model, and rim-width guidance is available for some sizes such as 650-13, 145R13, 520-13, and 165R14.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct starting point on a 1964 Austin. Identify the exact model first, then decide whether you want the radial size or the bias-ply size where both were used on the same car. On models with only one size family shown, the path is simpler: confirm the wheel diameter on the car and match the tire to that model-specific fitment.
What does 145R10 mean on a 1964 Austin tire?
On a 1964 Austin, 145R10 is an older Euro-metric radial size. The 145 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 10 is the wheel diameter in inches. On 1964 Austin applications, that size fits the Austin 850 and Mini Cooper, both of which use 10-inch wheels. Some 145R10 products also carry service markings such as 68S, where S indicates a speed rating up to 112 mph.
That decoding helps separate it from the period numeric alternative, 5.20-10, which fits the same models but uses bias-ply construction instead of a radial casing. If your Austin has 10-inch wheels and you are comparing the two, the real decision is usually construction style and intended use rather than wheel diameter. Checking the sidewall marking on the tire already on the car is often the fastest way to confirm which direction a previous owner chose.
Do all 1964 Austin models use the same tire size?
No. 1964 Austin uses different tire sizes across its model range, and several sizes are unique to one model while others are shared only with a close sibling. The Austin 850 and Mini Cooper share 145R10 and 5.20-10, while the A 55 and A 60 share 165R14 and 5.90-14. Other pairings, such as 145R12 and 5.50-12 for the 1100 or 175R13 and 650-13 for the 1800, are model-specific within the 1964 Austin family.
That variation matters because a 10-inch Mini fitment and a 14-inch Cambridge-family fitment are not interchangeable simply because both are 1964 Austins. If you are unsure which car you have, identify the model badge or chassis family before comparing tires. Once the model is confirmed, the correct size range becomes much narrower and the choice usually comes down to radial versus bias-ply where both were used.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the radial size or the bias-ply size for my 1964 Austin?
Many 1964 Austin models offer both a radial and a bias-ply option on the same wheel diameter. Examples include 145R10 versus 5.20-10 on the Austin 850 and Mini Cooper, 145R13 versus 520-13 on the A 40, 165R14 versus 5.90-14 on the A 55 and A 60, and 145R12 versus 5.50-12 on the 1100. The radial sizes use later-style casing construction, while the numeric alternatives keep the earlier bias-ply format associated with original-period presentation.
For a show-focused or highly original restoration, owners often lean toward the bias-ply size because it preserves the visual and historical character expected on a 1964 British car. For more regular road use, a radial may be more appealing because it keeps the same wheel diameter while moving to a later construction style. The smartest approach is to decide first whether the car's priority is authenticity, touring use, or a mix of both, then choose within the correct model's size pair.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Austin tires?
Sidewall style depends heavily on the size and model in the 1964 Austin range. The radial metric sizes with current product coverage—145R12, 145R10, 145R13, and 165R14—appear as blackwalls. Among the bias-ply sizes, 650-13 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, while 520-13 appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. That means sidewall styling matters most if you are shopping for an Austin 1800 or A 40 in one of the supported bias-ply sizes.
For many mid-1960s British sedans and small cars, blackwall tires are the most familiar everyday look, especially on sporting or economy models. Whitewall choices can make sense when the goal is a distinct period accessory style or a more dressed presentation. If visual authenticity is important for your particular Austin, compare the tire style to period photos, brochures, and marque-club guidance rather than assuming every 1964 Austin used the same sidewall treatment.
What brands make tires for 1964 Austin vehicles?
1964 Austin fitments are covered by Michelin, Coker Classic, US Royal, Firestone, Kings, Camac, Dunlop, Premium Sport, Pirelli, and Vredestein. Brand availability depends on the size: 145R12 uses Michelin, 650-13 uses Coker Classic and US Royal, 145R10 uses Firestone, Kings, Camac, and Dunlop, 145R13 uses Michelin and Firestone, 520-13 uses Firestone and Premium Sport, and 165R14 uses Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein.
That spread gives 1964 Austin owners a mix of classic American whitewall names, mainstream reproduction bias-ply choices, and long-established European radial brands. The practical takeaway is that brand choice begins only after the correct size and construction are settled. Once you know the model and whether you want radial or bias-ply, the available brands narrow into a much more useful comparison set.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1964 Austin tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1964 Austin applications. 650-13 uses a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim width range, 145R13 uses 4.00 to 5.00 inches on some products, 520-13 appears on 3.5-inch and 3.50 to 4.00 inch rim fitments depending on product, and 165R14 uses ranges of 4.0 to 5.5 inches or 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on brand. 145R12 appears on a 4.5-inch rim, while some other sizes do not carry width guidance in the current product mix.
Those differences matter because the same rim diameter does not automatically mean the same ideal wheel width. Before choosing a tire, check the actual wheel on the car and compare it to the acceptable range for that size and brand. That is especially important on restored British cars, where replacement wheels, widened wheels, or later-owner changes may have altered the original setup.
Do 1964 Austin tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements depend on the exact size and product chosen for a 1964 Austin. Some radial products are clearly marked tubeless, including the Michelin 145R12 and Michelin 165R14, while other sizes use simpler sidewall markings that do not make tube status uniform across every brand. That is why tube use on 145R10, 145R13, and 165R14 should be treated as product-specific rather than assumed from size alone.
Wheel design matters just as much as the tire itself. A tire that can run tubeless still may not belong on a wheel that was built for tube-type service or has age-related bead-seat issues. The safest path is to confirm both the sidewall marking of the tire you select and the condition and design of the actual wheel before final assembly.
Can the original 1964 Austin wheels be used with both tire sizes for the same model?
On many 1964 Austin models, yes in principle, because the radial and bias-ply alternatives for that model share the same rim diameter. The Austin 1100 uses 12-inch choices, the Austin 1800 and A 40 use paired 13-inch choices, the Austin 850 and Mini Cooper use paired 10-inch choices, and the A 55 and A 60 use paired 14-inch choices. That means the decision between the two sizes for a given model is usually not a change in wheel diameter.
The point to verify is wheel width and wheel condition, not just diameter. A tire may match the wheel's inch size and still be a poor setup if the rim is too narrow, too wide, bent, or corroded. On a collector Austin with older wheels, that check should happen before mounting, especially if the car's wheel history is uncertain.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1964 Austin when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1964 Austin should sit in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Keep the tires properly inflated, roll the car occasionally if practical, and avoid letting one section of the tread carry the load for months without movement. Where a 1964 Austin runs bias-ply tires, temporary flat-spotting after storage is more common than with a radial.
Long-term storage is gentler on the tires when the car is clean, the floor is dry, and the tires are not parked on contaminated surfaces such as oil-soaked concrete. If the Austin will sit for an extended season, many owners use tire cradles or stands to reduce static stress. The goal is not just preserving tread, but preserving the casing and sidewalls that matter most on a low-mile collector car.
How long do tires on a 1964 Austin typically last?
Tire life on a 1964 Austin is usually determined more by age, storage conditions, and inspection results than by mileage alone. A collector car may cover very few miles while the rubber still ages from time, heat cycles, and environmental exposure. A good rule is to evaluate the tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years from the DOT date code as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if tread remains.
That age-based approach matters because a lightly used Austin can look fine at a glance while the rubber hardens or the sidewalls begin to deteriorate. Service history, storage quality, and whether the car sat under load all influence actual longevity. If the age of the tires is uncertain, start by reading the date code and building your maintenance plan around that rather than around odometer mileage.
How often should tires on a 1964 Austin be inspected?
Tires on a 1964 Austin should be inspected before every drive and given a more careful check before any longer outing or event weekend. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, tread separation, bulges, puncture damage, irregular wear, and loss of air pressure. On cars using tube-type service, valve stems and any signs of tube-related leakage deserve the same attention as the outer casing.
Short local drives can hide developing problems because vintage cars often accumulate miles slowly. A careful walk-around before use catches age-related issues early and is especially valuable on cars that have been parked for weeks at a time. If the Austin has recently come out of storage, inspect the spare as well, since an original-looking spare that cannot safely serve in an emergency does not add much practical security.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1964 Austin 1100?
For a 1964 Austin 1100, the two size paths associated with the model are 145R12 and 5.50-12. In the mid-1960s, bias-ply construction was still common while radial adoption was growing rapidly, especially on European cars, so either construction can make historical sense depending on market, timing, and specification. The important point is that both sizes are 12-inch fitments tied specifically to the 1100 rather than to the full Austin line.
If originality matters, start by checking surviving handbooks, sales literature, and period photos for your exact market version before making a final choice. Concours judges and marque specialists often care about more than just diameter; construction type and sidewall presentation can matter too. Since 1964 was a transition-era moment for many European cars, club knowledge is especially valuable when you want the car judged to a very exact standard.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1964 Austin?
Yes, correct tire fitment can matter a great deal when a 1964 Austin is shown for authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts commonly look at size family, construction type, wheel diameter, and sidewall appearance, particularly on cars restored to factory-style presentation. A radial fitted where a bias-ply appearance is expected, or a whitewall treatment that does not suit the car's period presentation, can stand out even if the tire physically fits.
That does not mean every event uses the same standard. Club meets, preservation classes, and touring events often place different weight on originality versus usability. If your Austin is being restored for points judging, compare the tire choice against event rules and marque-club guidance first; if it is being restored for road use with a period feel, you may have more flexibility as long as the size remains correct for the model.
What is the difference between the 520-13 Firestone and Premium Sport options for a 1964 Austin?
For a 1964 Austin A 40 using 520-13, Firestone and Premium Sport take visibly different approaches. Firestone appears as a blackwall bias-ply with a 770-pound load figure at 32 psi and a 3.5-inch rim fitment, while Premium Sport focuses on narrow whitewall presentation and includes versions with a 1,100-pound load figure at 60 psi and a 3.50 to 4.00 inch rim range on some applications. Both stay within the same basic 520-13 bias-ply family.
That means the real difference is not whether one fits an A 40 and the other does not, but how you want the car to look and which product details align with your wheel and use pattern. Firestone leans toward a plain blackwall period look, while Premium Sport adds more visual emphasis through whitewall styling. Confirm the exact rim width and the sidewall treatment you want before deciding between them.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1964 Austin tires safe for highway driving?
A properly sized, correctly mounted, and healthy tire can be suitable for normal highway use on a 1964 Austin, but safety depends on the exact size, construction, and condition. Some radial products carry explicit modern service ratings, including S-rated 145R12 and 145R10 options up to 112 mph and H-rated 145R13 and 165R14 options up to 130 mph. Those ratings exceed the real-world cruising capability of most 1964 Austin models, where braking, suspension condition, steering, and general mechanical health are usually the more relevant limits.
The key is to treat the tire as one part of the car's roadworthiness rather than the whole story. An older Austin with fresh tires but worn suspension bushings, weak dampers, or neglected brakes is still not a relaxed highway car. Before longer road use, confirm the tire age, inflation, and sidewall condition, then make sure the rest of the chassis is equally ready for sustained speed.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1964 Austin tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1964 Austin should follow the original vehicle recommendation first, then be checked against the tire's own rated-pressure information where that is available. Some sizes include clear load-and-pressure figures, such as 650-13 at 1,150 pounds at 32 psi, 520-13 at 770 pounds at 32 psi on one version and 1,100 pounds at 60 psi on another, 145R13 at 825 pounds at 44 psi, 145R10 at 694 pounds at 30 psi on one product, and 165R14 at 1,102 pounds at 51 psi on one version.
Those figures are not universal operating pressures for every 1964 Austin, and they should not be transferred from one size to another or from one product line to another. Vehicle makers often specified lower use pressures than the tire's maximum load-pressure figure. Start with the handbook for the exact model, then use the tire manufacturer's service information to make sure your chosen product is being used within its intended range.
What should I check before taking a 1964 Austin on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1964 Austin, inspect each tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, exposed cord, unusual wear, and stable air pressure after sitting. Check the valve stems, and on any setup using tube-type service, pay close attention to slow leaks and stem condition. The spare should also be examined for age and inflation, since many collector cars carry a spare that looks presentable but has not been road-ready in years.
Once the tires pass inspection, move on to the broader vintage-car essentials: wheel fastener security, brake feel, steering play, fluid levels, cooling system health, and lighting. A 1964 Austin can be a very enjoyable road car, but longer trips reward thoroughness. Catching a weak tire or neglected spare in the garage is far better than discovering it on the shoulder miles from home.
