In 1966, Rover spanned two very different worlds: refined British saloons like the 2000 and rugged Land Rover utility models such as the 88 and 109. That mix makes 1966 Rover tire selection more involved than year-and-make shoppers often expect, because the lineup used five distinct sizes across three model families rather than one shared fitment. The practical choice often comes down to identifying the exact model first, then deciding whether you want the period feel of a bias-ply tire or the more modern road manners of a radial where both constructions appear within a model line. Confirm your model and wheel diameter before narrowing down to a specific tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1966 Rover
Five tire sizes are used across 1966 Rover vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. For some models, the real choice is not just size but construction, since the 2000 and 88 each appear with both a bias-ply and a radial option on different wheel diameters or fitment patterns. Understanding which size belongs to your model first will save time and point you toward the right construction, rim diameter, and overall driving character.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): 109|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the 16 identifying a 16-inch rim. This 109-specific size is available from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall form. It suits owners who want the traditional look and feel associated with a period-style utility tire on a long-wheelbase Land Rover.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): 2000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 14-inch rim diameter; in this format, the missing aspect ratio is conventionally understood as an 80-series radial. This Rover 2000-specific size comes from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, and speed ratings appear as H, with Michelin also marked TL for tubeless use. It is the choice for owners who want a later-style radial driving character while staying within a period-appropriate size family for the 2000.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): 2000|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with nominal section width indicated by the 560 code and a 14-inch rim diameter. This Rover 2000-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. It fits buyers aiming for a more traditional mid-1960s appearance and steering feel on a Rover 2000 rather than a radial-style road manner.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): 88|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
175R16 is a euro-metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width mounted on a 16-inch rim; by convention, this format is generally treated as an 80-series radial. This size is specific to the Rover 88 rather than universal across 1966 Rover vehicles. It is the radial-path choice for an 88 owner who wants road use to feel more like a modern radial-equipped vehicle while keeping the proper 16-inch wheel diameter in view.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): 88|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, using the 600 code for nominal section width and fitting a 16-inch rim. This Rover 88-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall form, and speed ratings vary by product, with Avon carrying an H rating to 130 mph. It is the more traditional fitment route for an 88 owner seeking period-correct construction and appearance.
The Rover 88's 175R16 and 600-16 both use a 16-inch wheel, but rim width should still be confirmed against the specific tire before making a final choice.
1966 Rover Models
Three Rover model families are covered for 1966, and they do not all use the same tire size. The 109, 2000, and 88 each follow their own fitment path, with the 2000 and 88 also spanning both bias-ply and radial size families. Select your model below to narrow the search from year-and-make coverage to model-specific tire fitment history and product options.
1966 Rover 109
The 1966 Rover 109 belongs to the long-wheelbase Land Rover line, built for work, cargo, and utility use rather than saloon-car refinement. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and the fitment centers on a heavier-duty bias-ply size that matches the model's traditional off-road and expedition character.
The Rover 2000 was part of Rover's modern P6 saloon family, known for bringing a more advanced, executive feel to the British market in the 1960s. Its tires fit 14-inch wheels, with one radial size and one bias-ply size reflecting the period transition from traditional construction to newer road-oriented radial designs.
The 1966 Rover 88 is the short-wheelbase Land Rover, prized for its compact proportions and broad mix of farm, trail, and collector use. Its fitment stays on 16-inch wheels, but buyers will encounter both a radial and a bias-ply size depending on the direction they want to take the vehicle.
Twenty-two products are available across five tire sizes for 1966 Rover vehicles. The 750-16 comes in 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall; 165R14 has 3 radial blackwall options from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; 560-14 has 3 bias-ply BFGoodrich choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 600-16 offers 4 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall. Confirm size and construction before choosing, since tube marking and speed ratings can vary by product.
These answers help sort out the unusual spread of 1966 Rover fitments, from Land Rover utility sizes to Rover 2000 saloon sizes, including when radial and bias-ply choices change the character of the vehicle and how sidewall style affects restoration goals.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1966 Rover vehicles?
1966 Rover vehicles use five sizes across three model families. The Rover 109 uses 750-16, the Rover 2000 uses either 165R14 or 560-14, and the Rover 88 uses either 175R16 or 600-16. Rim diameters are not shared across the whole make range: the Rover 2000 uses 14-inch wheels, while the 88 and 109 use 16-inch wheels. Where rim-width guidance appears, 750-16 fits 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims, 165R14 fits roughly 4.0 to 6.00-inch rims depending on brand, 560-14 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, and 600-16 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims on the products that publish those measurements.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1966 Rover. Start by confirming whether you have a 109, 2000, or 88, then confirm wheel diameter before comparing appearance, construction type, and sidewall style. The 2000 and 88 each span a bias-ply and a radial path, while the 109 stays with a single bias-ply utility size.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1966 Rover tire?
On a 1966 Rover, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 560 code identifies the tire's nominal section width in the older numeric system, and the 14 means it mounts on a 14-inch wheel. That size belongs to the Rover 2000 rather than the Land Rover 88 or 109, and it appears in bias-ply construction only within this year-and-make range.
A 560-14 makes the most sense for a Rover 2000 owner who wants an early-to-mid-1960s visual character and the steering and ride traits that come with bias-ply construction. It should not be treated as interchangeable with the 165R14 simply because both fit a 14-inch wheel. Construction, section profile, and rim-width requirements differ enough that the actual wheel and the intended use of the car both deserve a quick check before ordering.
Do all 1966 Rover models use the same tire size?
No, 1966 Rover models do not share one universal tire size. The Rover 109 uses 750-16, the Rover 2000 uses 165R14 or 560-14, and the Rover 88 uses 175R16 or 600-16. Even within the same make and year, Rover split its fitments between saloon and Land Rover applications, and the wheel diameters also split between 14 and 16 inches.
That variation matters because it changes more than just tread width. A Rover 2000 buyer may be deciding between a radial and a bias-ply on 14-inch wheels, while a Rover 88 owner is making a similar construction decision on 16-inch wheels, and a Rover 109 owner has a single utility-focused 16-inch size. Identifying the exact model first is the fastest way to avoid chasing the wrong size family.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R14 or the 560-14 for my 1966 Rover?
For a 1966 Rover 2000, the choice between 165R14 and 560-14 is largely a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 165R14 is a radial blackwall size offered by Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, while the 560-14 is a bias-ply size from BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. Both are 14-inch fitments, but they represent different construction eras and a different visual character on the car.
Choose 560-14 when the goal is a more period-authentic 1960s presentation and choose 165R14 when regular road use and radial behavior are part of the plan. Neither should be treated as a simple cosmetic swap, because the wheel, the intended look, and the way the car will be driven all influence which path makes the most sense. On a Rover 2000, that construction choice is often just as important as the size code itself.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Rover tires?
1966 Rover tires span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles depending on size. The 165R14 radial choices are blackwall only, while 560-14 adds blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options. The 750-16 and 600-16 bias-ply sizes come in blackwall and wide whitewall form among the available products.
Sidewall style affects the look of the vehicle as much as the size code does. A blackwall is usually the safest route for a utility-oriented Land Rover or a saloon restored with a restrained factory look, while whitewall width becomes more of a styling statement. For show-focused work, match the sidewall style to the market, trim, and restoration theme of the specific 1966 Rover model rather than assuming one style suits the whole make.
What brands make tires for 1966 Rover vehicles?
1966 Rover coverage includes Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, Coker Classic, and Avon depending on size. The 750-16 is available from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich; 165R14 comes from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; 560-14 comes from BFGoodrich; and 600-16 is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. Brand choice therefore follows the size first, not the other way around.
That matters because each 1966 Rover model sits in a different part of the collector market. Rover 2000 buyers looking at a radial 165R14 are choosing among established European touring-style names, while Land Rover owners in 600-16 or 750-16 are working in the reproduction bias-ply world with a broader spread of American and British-branded offerings. Confirm the size before comparing brand heritage, sidewall style, and casing character.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1966 Rover tires require?
Several 1966 Rover tire sizes include published rim-width ranges. The 750-16 fits 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims, 165R14 fits either 4.50 to 6.00-inch or 4.0 to 5.5-inch rims depending on brand, 560-14 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, and 600-16 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims on the products that give that measurement. Those ranges are size-specific and should not be transferred from one Rover model to another.
Use the actual wheel on the vehicle as the deciding point. A 14-inch Rover 2000 wheel still needs the correct width for the selected 14-inch tire, and a 16-inch Land Rover wheel needs the same care when moving between a radial-style and bias-ply-style fitment path. Measuring the wheel before choosing a tire is especially worthwhile on restored vehicles, where replacement or swapped wheels may not match the original setup.
Do 1966 Rover tires require inner tubes?
Tube status on 1966 Rover tires depends on the exact product and size. Michelin's 165HR14 carries a TL marking for tubeless use, while other sizes in this year-and-make range do not consistently show a tube designation in the visible markings. That makes tube fitment a product-by-product check rather than a single rule that applies to every 1966 Rover tire.
The right approach is to match the tire to the wheel type and then confirm the sidewall marking on the exact product you plan to use. Older wheels, split-era restoration practices, and Land Rover service histories can all complicate assumptions. If a wheel was designed around tube-type service or its condition raises sealing concerns, confirm compatibility before mounting rather than assuming every radial is tubeless and every bias-ply needs a tube.
Can the original 1966 Rover wheels be used with both tire sizes?
Some 1966 Rover models can stay on the same nominal wheel diameter while moving between two size families, but that does not automatically make every original wheel compatible with every tire. The Rover 2000 uses two 14-inch sizes, and the Rover 88 uses two 16-inch sizes, so the wheel diameter can align within each model line. Rim width still needs to be checked against the specific tire, especially where one size is radial and the other is bias-ply.
That means the answer is model-specific rather than make-wide. A Rover 88 owner comparing 175R16 and 600-16 may find the original 16-inch wheel diameter is correct, yet the chosen tire still needs to suit the actual wheel width and intended service. The same logic applies to a Rover 2000 on 14-inch wheels. Treat wheel diameter as the first checkpoint and rim width as the second.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1966 Rover when the tires are fitted?
A 1966 Rover should be stored out of direct sunlight, away from electric motors and ozone sources, and in a dry area with stable temperature. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the vehicle periodically so one spot on the casing does not carry the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 750-16, 560-14, and 600-16 are especially prone to flat-spotting during long static storage, while radials can also age from inactivity and environmental exposure.
If the Rover will sit for an extended period, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on the tires. The goal is to protect both the rubber and the carcass shape. Good storage habits matter as much on a lightly used show vehicle as they do on a regularly driven one, because time and environment age collector tires faster than mileage alone.
How long do tires on a 1966 Rover typically last?
Tires on a 1966 Rover should be judged primarily by age, condition, and service history rather than tread wear alone. A practical collector-car rule is to begin evaluating them carefully at about five to seven years and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point even if the tread still looks presentable. The DOT date code and the overall condition of the sidewalls, tread, and casing are more useful than mileage on a vehicle that may only cover modest annual distances.
That age-based approach is especially important on a classic Rover because many examples spend long periods parked between drives. A tire can look good across the garage floor and still be too old for confidence on the road. If the Rover is newly purchased, start by checking date codes and inspection history before planning longer outings, regardless of whether it sits on radial or bias-ply tires.
How often should tires on a 1966 Rover be inspected?
Tires on a 1966 Rover should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for cracking in the sidewalls, weathering around the bead, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and any loss of pressure since the previous outing. If the tire or wheel combination uses tubes, the valve stems and tube-related hardware deserve the same attention as the tread and casing.
Routine inspection is simple but valuable on an older Rover because these vehicles often alternate between long storage periods and occasional road use. A quick walkaround catches problems before heat and speed make them worse. It also helps you spot whether alignment, suspension wear, or underinflation is affecting the tire, which is especially useful on utility models that may see mixed road and off-road service.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1966 Rover 2000?
A 1966 Rover 2000 sits right in the era when bias-ply and radial fitments could overlap, depending on market, specification, and owner preference over time. Within the size family available for 1966 Rover vehicles, the Rover 2000 appears with 560-14 in bias-ply form and 165R14 in radial form. That makes both construction types relevant when researching an authentic setup, even though the exact original delivery specification can vary by market and vehicle history.
For a precise restoration, use the car's surviving markings, period manuals, and marque-club guidance to confirm which size and construction your particular Rover 2000 carried when new. The safest assumption for show judging is that size, construction type, and sidewall appearance should all align with the car's intended market and restoration goal. Avoid choosing by diameter alone, because a 14-inch fitment can still be wrong in construction and appearance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1966 Rover?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1966 Rover because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often look beyond simple wheel diameter. Size family, construction type, and sidewall style all affect whether the car or Land Rover presents as authentically restored. A radial on a vehicle judged to strict originality standards, or a whitewall style that does not suit the model's historical appearance, can stand out even when the tire physically fits.
That is especially true on a Rover make range that spans executive saloons and utility 4x4s in the same model year. A Rover 2000 and a Land Rover 109 do not carry the same visual expectations, even if both are preserved carefully. If the vehicle is being built for concours or marque-specific events, confirm the accepted size, construction, and sidewall treatment with the relevant club before finalizing the tire choice.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 750-16 tires for the 1966 Rover?
For the 1966 Rover 109 in 750-16, Firestone and BFGoodrich both offer bias-ply options on a 16-inch rim, and both publish a 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim-width range where that measurement appears. Firestone examples in this size carry a 1,660-pound load rating at 40 psi, while the BFGoodrich wide whitewall carries a 1,850-pound load rating at 48 psi. Sidewall treatment also differs by product, with blackwall and wide whitewall choices available across the two brands.
The practical difference is not simply brand name but the combination of appearance and published service figures. A Rover 109 owner choosing between them should decide whether the project needs a blackwall utility look or a whitewall presentation, then compare load and pressure markings against the vehicle's intended use. On a long-wheelbase Land Rover, those details matter more than choosing a brand by nostalgia alone.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1966 Rover tires safe for highway driving?
1966 Rover tires can be suitable for highway use when the size, construction, age, condition, and speed rating all match the way the vehicle will be driven. Among the published markings here, the 165R14 radial choices carry H ratings to 130 mph, and the Avon 600H16 in the 600-16 family also carries an H rating to 130 mph. Other bias-ply sizes in the range do not always show a speed letter in the visible markings, so the exact tire matters.
Highway safety on a 1966 Rover depends on the whole vehicle, not only the tire. Brakes, steering, suspension, and loading are just as important on an older saloon or Land Rover as the speed symbol molded into the sidewall. Before extended highway use, confirm the tire's age and pressure, then drive within the limits of both the tire and the vehicle's original-era chassis design.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1966 Rover tires?
Inflation pressure on 1966 Rover tires should be matched to the exact size and product rather than borrowed from another tire in the same year-make family. Published maximum load and pressure figures include 750-16 at 1,660 pounds at 40 psi or 1,850 pounds at 48 psi depending on product, 560-14 at 906 pounds at 30 psi, 600-16 at 1,400 pounds at 32 psi with one Avon product showing 1,433 pounds, and one 165R14 product at 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not universal vehicle settings.
For actual service pressure, start with the original Rover handbook or factory recommendation for the specific model, then compare that guidance with the tire manufacturer's marking and load information. A Rover 2000 on 165R14 should not automatically use the same pressure strategy as a Rover 88 on 600-16. Pressure choice should reflect vehicle weight distribution, construction type, and the exact tire mounted on the car.
What should I check before taking a 1966 Rover on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1966 Rover, inspect all five tires if the spare is included: the four on the vehicle and the spare itself. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, proper inflation, and any sign that the tire has lost pressure while parked. If the setup uses tubes or older-style valve hardware, inspect the valve stems carefully as well.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine appropriate to a mid-1960s Rover. Verify wheel-nut security, braking response, steering play, fluid levels, and basic lighting before heading out. A collector Rover often spends more time stored than driven, so small issues can appear between outings. Catching them at home is far better than discovering them after the tires have heated up on the road.
