In 1970, Bentley still occupied a distinctive corner of the luxury market, blending traditional British craftsmanship with the stately proportions and road manners buyers expected from Crewe-built cars. The 1970 Bentley T carried that character in a more modern, unified body style than earlier coachbuilt-era Bentleys, but it still belongs to a period when tire choice had a strong effect on authenticity and appearance. For 1970 Bentley, the decision is straightforward because the full model range centers on one tire size, 815-15, used on the single Bentley T model. The main thing to confirm before choosing a tire is your preferred sidewall look, since size and construction remain consistent.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1970 Bentley
The 1970 Bentley range uses one tire size, and it is shared across the full model lineup for the year. That makes the decision less about comparing multiple fitments and more about choosing the right bias-ply presentation for your Bentley T, especially if period appearance matters to your restoration. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car’s intended look.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): T|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
815-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number is the nominal section width designation and the 15 indicates a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich in Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline styles, and both versions are bias-ply tires with a 15-inch fitment. Buyers restoring a 1970 Bentley T and wanting an authentic period construction will usually focus on this size, then choose the sidewall treatment that best suits the car’s presentation. Rim width coverage for 815-15 runs from 5.00 to 6.50 inches, which is important to confirm against the actual wheel before final selection.
One model is covered for 1970 Bentley. Because the year’s Bentley range centers on a single tire size, the fitment question is simple, and the real choice comes down to visual style and restoration goals rather than sorting between different model-specific sizes. Select the model below for model-focused fitment history and tire options.
1970 Bentley T
The Bentley T was Bentley’s counterpart to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, offering the same advanced unit-body luxury-car formula in a Bentley-badged package that appealed to buyers who wanted understated prestige. For tire fitment, the Bentley T uses 15-inch rim diameter tires in 1970, keeping the selection centered on one period-correct bias-ply size rather than a mix of alternate wheel diameters.
Two products are available across one tire size for 1970 Bentley vehicles. The 815-15 comes in bias-ply construction from BFGoodrich with Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline sidewall styles, so the key choice is the look you want before selecting a tire.
These FAQs cover the single 815-15 fitment used on 1970 Bentley models, what that size means, how sidewall style affects authenticity, and what to check for storage, setup, and road use on a collector-era Bentley.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1970 Bentley vehicles?
1970 Bentley vehicles use one tire size: 815-15. Within this year and make, that size applies to the Bentley T, and it mounts on a 15-inch rim. Products in 815-15 cover a rim width range of 5.00 to 6.50 inches, so the tire size itself is straightforward even though wheel verification still matters.
That means most 1970 Bentley owners are not choosing between multiple fitment sizes so much as choosing between sidewall appearances within the same overall size and construction. Confirm the car is a Bentley T and verify the actual wheel width before ordering, especially on cars that may have had wheels changed during restoration or long-term ownership.
What does 815-15 mean on a 1970 Bentley tire?
On a 1970 Bentley, 815-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 815 portion is the traditional section-width designation used in period sizing, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Because it is a bias-ply format, it reflects the sizing language commonly seen on luxury cars of the era before modern metric radials became the standard replacement language.
For a Bentley owner, that code matters because it points you toward a tire that preserves the car’s original-era look and road feel. It also helps separate true period-style fitments from later radial substitutes that may fit the wheel but present a different stance, sidewall profile, and driving character than the factory-era specification.
Do all 1970 Bentley models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1970 Bentley lineup covered here centers on one model, the Bentley T, and it uses 815-15 tires throughout. There is no split between multiple Bentley models or multiple original-style sizes at the year-and-make level, so tire selection does not hinge on sorting between several factory fitments.
That gives buyers a simpler starting point than on many period makes that used different sizes across sedans, coupes, and specialty models. Even so, it is still wise to confirm the car’s current wheel setup and restoration direction, because the remaining decision is usually whether the car looks right with a plain narrow whitewall or a more distinctive whitewall-redline treatment.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Bentley tires?
1970 Bentley tires in 815-15 are available with two sidewall treatments: Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline. Both use the same bias-ply construction and the same load and pressure rating of 1610 pounds at 32 psi. The difference is visual rather than dimensional, so the sidewall style becomes the main buying decision once size is confirmed.
For most Bentley T restorations, a narrow whitewall will usually align more naturally with the formal luxury appearance expected of a British prestige sedan from 1970. A whitewall-redline combination creates a more customized or personalized presentation, so owners aiming for strict show-field authenticity should compare that look with period photos, marque references, and the standard expected in the events they attend.
What brands make tires for 1970 Bentley vehicles?
BFGoodrich makes 815-15 tires for 1970 Bentley vehicles in the available fitment range here. Both offerings use the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and keep the car in a period-style bias-ply construction rather than shifting to a radial replacement format. That gives Bentley T owners a focused choice within the correct vintage style of tire.
A single-brand fitment range can actually simplify the selection process because you can concentrate on sidewall appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and how original you want the finished car to look. If your Bentley is being judged in marque-specific events, compare the sidewall treatment you choose against period-correct presentation standards rather than assuming any vintage-style sidewall is equally appropriate.
What is the difference between the two 815-15 tires for 1970 Bentley vehicles?
The two 815-15 tires for 1970 Bentley vehicles share the same core specifications: BFGoodrich brand, bias-ply construction, 15-inch rim diameter, 5.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range, 1610-pound load capacity at 32 psi, and a 25-pound tire weight. The real distinction is sidewall treatment, with one tire using a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall and the other combining a 1.00-inch whitewall with a 3/8-inch redline.
That makes the choice primarily about appearance rather than fit or capacity. Owners pursuing a restrained, formal luxury look will usually lean toward the narrow whitewall, while owners building a car with a more individualized period style may prefer the added visual contrast of the redline treatment.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1970 Bentley tires require?
For 1970 Bentley fitment in 815-15, the tire is intended for rims measuring 5.00 to 6.50 inches wide, with a 15-inch diameter. That range is broad enough to cover typical period wheel widths used on large luxury sedans, but it still needs to match the actual wheel on the car. Rim width has a direct effect on section shape, sidewall posture, and how naturally the tire sits on the wheel.
Before mounting new tires, measure the wheel or verify the wheel specification through restoration records or a trusted Bentley specialist. Cars that have passed through multiple owners sometimes pick up replacement wheels, and a tire that matches the original size code still needs to be paired with a wheel width inside the approved range to preserve proper fit and appearance.
Do 1970 Bentley tires require inner tubes?
The 815-15 Bentley fitment here is identified by size and construction, but tube marking details are not uniform enough in the size designation itself to treat every product as automatically tube-type or tubeless without checking the individual tire and wheel combination. On collector cars from this era, the wheel design often matters as much as the tire when deciding whether a tube is appropriate.
The best approach is to inspect the actual wheel and confirm the tire’s sidewall marking before installation. If the wheels are original or restored original-style units, a tire professional familiar with vintage Bentley applications can help determine whether the setup should run with tubes, and whether the valve stem, rim condition, and wheel profile are suitable for that decision.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1970 Bentley when the tires are fitted?
A 1970 Bentley should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls prematurely. Bias-ply tires also tend to take a temporary flat spot more readily than radials when the car sits for long periods. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and proper inflation help reduce stress on both tire carcass and sidewall.
If the Bentley will sit for months at a time, move it periodically or place it on stands in a way that protects the suspension and tires according to accepted collector-car practice. Tire covers can help block light exposure, and a quick pressure check before and during storage keeps the carcass from carrying unnecessary load while the car is parked.
How long do tires on a 1970 Bentley typically last?
On a 1970 Bentley, tire life is usually governed more by age than by mileage. Collector vehicles often accumulate few miles, so a tire can still have good tread depth while the rubber has already aged past its best service window. A common rule is to start evaluating tires carefully at about five to seven years of age and to treat roughly ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread.
Check the tire’s date code and look at the whole tire, not just the tread face. Sidewall cracking, persistent air loss, hardening rubber, irregular wear, or visible deformation all matter on a heavy luxury car, and they matter even more if the Bentley is being prepared for regular touring rather than occasional short local drives.
How often should tires on a 1970 Bentley be inspected?
Tires on a 1970 Bentley should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before longer outings or event travel. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and inspect the spare as carefully as the four road tires. On a collector Bentley, a tire that appears presentable at a glance can still have age-related issues that only show up during closer examination.
Longer trips call for a hands-on inspection of valve stems, wheel condition, tread surfaces, and any signs that the car has been sitting underinflated. Building that routine into pre-drive preparation is especially important on an older luxury sedan, where vehicle weight, storage time, and infrequent use can all amplify small tire issues into major road-trip problems.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1970 Bentley T?
A 1970 Bentley T would have been associated with period-style bias-ply fitment in the 815-15 size family represented here, and that matches the construction and size language available for the model. By 1970, some markets were already moving deeper into radial use, but originality standards for a specific Bentley can vary by market, delivery region, and restoration objective. No single original-equipment brand should be assumed without factory literature or marque-specific confirmation.
For most owners, the practical takeaway is that 815-15 bias-ply tires preserve the right vintage sizing language and sidewall character for a traditional presentation. If you are restoring a Bentley T for formal judging, compare your car against factory handbooks, period photographs, and Bentley or Rolls-Royce club resources so the final choice reflects your car’s specific history rather than a generic era assumption.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1970 Bentley?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 1970 Bentley, especially in concours or marque-focused events. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire has the right size family, the right construction type for the restoration goal, and a sidewall style that suits the car’s original market character. Even small visual differences can affect how authentic the finished car feels.
On a Bentley T, sidewall treatment is often the detail that changes the impression most quickly because the year uses one main size rather than multiple factory size paths. Owners seeking authenticity should treat narrow whitewall versus redline presentation as a deliberate restoration choice and confirm event-specific standards with Bentley clubs or show organizers before finalizing the car.
What is the difference between the narrow whitewall and whitewall-redline 815-15 options for the 1970 Bentley?
The narrow whitewall and whitewall-redline 815-15 options for the 1970 Bentley share the same BFGoodrich bias-ply construction, 15-inch rim diameter, 5.00 to 6.50 inch approved rim width range, 1610-pound load rating at 32 psi, and 25-pound weight. Their difference is entirely in sidewall presentation. One gives the car a clean, formal whitewall look, while the other adds a 3/8-inch redline accent alongside the whitewall band.
That distinction matters in restoration because the tire becomes part of the car’s visual language. A narrow whitewall generally fits a conservative luxury-sedan presentation more naturally, while a redline-accented tire introduces a sportier custom-era cue that may appeal to some owners but may not align with strict originality standards.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1970 Bentley tires safe for highway driving?
1970 Bentley tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are in sound condition, correctly inflated, and used within the intended limits of their construction and load capacity. The 815-15 fitment here is a bias-ply tire, and bias-ply behavior on the road differs from a modern radial, especially in steering feel, tracking, and response to pavement grooves. On a large, heavy luxury car from this period, the vehicle’s suspension condition, braking system, and general mechanical health are just as important as the tires.
For real-world use, the key is to drive the Bentley as the era intended rather than expecting modern touring-car behavior. A careful pre-drive inspection, proper pressure, and realistic cruising speeds matter more than chasing modern handling characteristics, especially if the car is used for occasional touring, club events, and local road miles rather than sustained high-speed interstate use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1970 Bentley tires?
For the 1970 Bentley 815-15 fitment here, the tire carries a maximum load of 1610 pounds at 32 psi. That figure is the tire’s load-and-pressure rating, not automatically the factory day-to-day operating pressure for every Bentley T. Original vehicle recommendations can differ according to the car’s weight distribution, ride targets, and intended service.
Use the Bentley owner’s manual or factory tire-pressure guidance as the first reference for normal operation, and compare that with the tire manufacturer’s specifications for the reproduction tire you choose. Avoid transferring pressure habits from modern cars or from other vintage sizes, because even similar-looking collector tires can have different casing behavior and different rated pressure relationships.
What should I check before taking a 1970 Bentley on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1970 Bentley on a longer drive, inspect all four road tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and stable inflation. Check that the sidewalls remain supple and clean, and make sure the valve stems and wheel condition are equally sound. A vintage Bentley’s tire condition should be considered part of a larger readiness check rather than an isolated item.
Longer drives also call for a broader look at the car’s mechanical health, including brakes, suspension, steering, fluids, and charging system, because a well-preserved tire cannot compensate for age-related weaknesses elsewhere. If the Bentley has been sitting, take a short shakedown drive first and recheck pressure and feel before committing to an extended trip.
