In 1979 Bentley, the T2 Series carried the marque’s traditional blend of formal British luxury and understated performance, built for owners who expected long-distance comfort, quiet road manners, and substantial presence. By the late 1970s, Bentley’s saloon range had settled into a mature, highly refined form, and tire choice plays an important role in preserving that character. For 1979 Bentley, the model range is straightforward: one model uses one tire size, HR70-15, so the decision is less about comparing fitments across multiple cars and more about choosing the right radial construction and sidewall style for your goals. Confirm that your car is a T2 Series and that your wheels are set up for 15-inch tires before narrowing down the exact product.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1979 Bentley
There is one tire size used across 1979 Bentley vehicles, and it applies to the full model range for the year. The real choice is not between multiple fitment sizes, but between radial tire options in the correct 15-inch diameter, along with the sidewall look and construction details that best suit your car. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car’s intended character.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): T2 Series|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15-in rim
HR70-15 is an alphanumeric radial size, with H identifying the size class, 70 indicating the aspect-series profile, and 15 marking a 15-inch wheel diameter. This size is available in radial construction with a period-style sidewall appearance suited to a late-1970s luxury car. Because HR70-15 is the only size used on 1979 Bentley T2 Series models, it is the correct starting point for owners who want to preserve the car’s original fitment character while keeping the ride and road behavior expected from a radial tire.
One 1979 Bentley model is covered here. Fitment is simple for this year because the entire Bentley range uses the same tire size, so the main decision is not model-by-model sizing but choosing the radial tire that best matches your restoration goals and driving style. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1979 Bentley T2 Series
The Bentley T2 Series was the Bentley-badged counterpart to Rolls-Royce’s large luxury saloon of the era, known for its restrained styling, substantial road presence, and emphasis on quiet, effortless touring. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the choice centers on preserving the dignified late-1970s luxury feel the car was designed to deliver.
These FAQs cover the single HR70-15 fitment used on 1979 Bentley models, how that alphanumeric radial size relates to your wheels, and what to check for driving, storage, and authenticity on a late-classic British luxury car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1979 Bentley vehicles?
1979 Bentley vehicles use one tire size: HR70-15. That size applies to the 1979 Bentley T2 Series, and it mounts on a 15-inch wheel because the final number in the size code is the rim diameter. Since the model range for this year is limited to the T2 Series, there is no separate alternate factory-size fitment to sort through at the year-and-make level.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that your car is a 1979 Bentley T2 Series and that it still carries the correct 15-inch wheels. After that, the decision shifts from size selection to choosing the right tire style for your goals, whether that means a more original visual presentation or a radial option that suits regular touring and road use.
What does HR70-15 mean on a 1979 Bentley tire?
HR70-15 is an alphanumeric radial tire size. The H identifies the tire’s size class, the 70 indicates the aspect-series profile, and the 15 means the tire fits a 15-inch wheel. Because the size includes an aspect-series number and uses this late-20th-century alphanumeric format, it reflects the transition from earlier bias-ply sizing to modern radial fitments common on upscale cars by the late 1970s.
For a 1979 Bentley owner, the practical takeaway is that HR70-15 is not interchangeable with a purely numeric bias-ply size just because the wheel diameter matches. The full code matters, and so does the tire’s intended construction. Matching the exact HR70-15 size keeps the car in the fitment family it was designed around and avoids guesswork that can come from trying to substitute older size systems.
Do all 1979 Bentley models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1979 Bentley range uses a single tire size, HR70-15, and that fitment applies to the T2 Series. There is no split here between different Bentley models requiring different diameters or separate front and rear sizing at the year-and-make level.
That simplifies research, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car before choosing a tire. Long ownership histories, wheel changes, and restoration decisions can alter what is actually on the car today. Verifying that your Bentley still has the correct 15-inch wheel setup is more useful than assuming a previous owner stayed with the original fitment pattern.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Bentley tires?
1979 Bentley tires in HR70-15 are best approached as late-classic luxury radial tires, where sidewall appearance matters almost as much as the basic size. On a car like the Bentley T2 Series, buyers often look for a sidewall treatment that preserves the composed, upscale look the car carried when new rather than a modern performance appearance that feels visually out of period.
The best choice depends on how the car will be used and presented. A preservation-minded owner may prefer a more period-appropriate luxury sidewall look, while a frequent driver may focus first on overall radial construction and road manners. Sidewall styling should be chosen with the same care as paint finish or wheel trim, because it has a strong effect on how authentic the car appears at a glance.
What brands make tires for 1979 Bentley vehicles?
1979 Bentley vehicles use the HR70-15 size, so the relevant brand question centers on who offers that exact fitment in a radial designed for a late-1970s luxury application. For Bentley owners, brand choice often comes down to balancing period appearance, reputation in the collector market, and how closely the tire’s overall character suits a large British saloon rather than a modern sports sedan.
A smart way to compare brands is to look at more than the name on the sidewall. Pay attention to the visual profile, speed rating, tube or tubeless marking if present, and whether the tire’s overall presentation complements a formal luxury car. Bentley buyers are usually better served by choosing the brand whose construction and appearance fit the car’s mission, not simply the one that feels most contemporary.
How do I choose the right 1979 Bentley tire if there is only one size?
With 1979 Bentley fitment, size selection is straightforward because HR70-15 is the only year-and-make fitment. The meaningful comparison is between individual radial tire offerings in that size, including sidewall appearance, speed rating where applicable, and whether the tire’s look and character suit a refined touring sedan. The tire still needs to match the wheel diameter and the overall personality of the car.
Start by deciding how the Bentley will be used. A car that spends most of its time at shows or club events may call for the most period-appropriate visual presentation, while a car driven regularly may justify giving more weight to radial road manners and touring confidence. Once those priorities are clear, choosing among HR70-15 options becomes much easier and more deliberate.
Fitting & Setup
Do 1979 Bentley tires require inner tubes?
A 1979 Bentley using HR70-15 tires should be matched to the specific tire’s tube or tubeless construction, because that detail depends on the individual product and the wheel itself. By the late 1970s, many luxury-car radial applications were tubeless in concept, but an older wheel’s condition, design, or restoration history can still affect whether a tube is appropriate.
The safest approach is to inspect the wheel and confirm the sidewall marking of the exact tire you intend to run. If the wheel has corrosion, sealing issues, or uncertain history, that should be resolved before mounting any new tire. Tube decisions should never be made by era alone, especially on a heavy collector car where proper air retention and wheel condition matter.
Can the original 1979 Bentley wheels be used with 1979 Bentley tires?
Yes, provided the car still has the correct original 15-inch wheels in sound condition. The HR70-15 size is built for a 15-inch rim, so the wheel diameter is the key compatibility point. Since 1979 Bentley uses a single year-and-make fitment, there is no alternate factory rim diameter to reconcile here.
Wheel condition matters just as much as diameter on a heavy luxury car. Before mounting new tires, inspect for bends, corrosion at the bead seat, past repairs, and any mismatch between wheels on the car. If the Bentley has aftermarket replacements or a wheel from another application, confirm width and contour against the tire manufacturer’s requirements before proceeding.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1979 Bentley when the tires are fitted?
A 1979 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 rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically if it will sit for extended stretches. Even radial tires can develop temporary flat spotting when a heavy car rests in one position too long.
If the Bentley will be parked for a season, clean the tires, inflate them to an appropriate storage pressure, and place the car on a smooth, clean surface. Some owners also use tire cradles or stands to reduce stress on the contact patch during long storage periods. Good storage habits protect both the tire casing and the composed ride quality expected from a Bentley saloon.
How long do tires on a 1979 Bentley typically last?
On a 1979 Bentley, tire life should be judged by age and condition more than by mileage, since collector cars often cover limited annual distance. A good rule is to evaluate tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious point for replacement consideration, regardless of remaining tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
Age-related hardening, internal degradation, and sidewall cracking can make an older tire unsuitable long before the tread looks worn out. That matters even more on a large luxury car whose curb weight and sustained road use place real demands on the tire. If the Bentley is new to you, confirming the age of every tire, including the spare, is one of the first worthwhile checks.
How often should tires on a 1979 Bentley be inspected?
Tires on a 1979 Bentley should be checked before every drive and inspected more carefully before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and pressure loss, and make sure each tire is holding air consistently. Because collector cars may sit for long periods, visual inspection is especially important even when mileage is low.
Longer drives call for a more thorough look at the whole tire and wheel assembly, including valve stems and the condition of the spare. A Bentley that feels smooth at low speed can still reveal age-related tire issues once the car is fully warmed up on the road. Regular inspection catches problems early and helps preserve both ride quality and confidence behind the wheel.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1979 Bentley T2 Series?
The 1979 Bentley T2 Series belongs to a period when radial tires were the established fitment for premium luxury cars, and HR70-15 is the correct year-and-make size. That means the car’s original tire character was modern for its era, emphasizing composed highway manners and stable touring behavior rather than the taller-profile bias-ply feel associated with earlier decades.
Owners pursuing a factory-faithful restoration should treat HR70-15 radial fitment as the baseline and then refine the choice through sidewall appearance and brand presentation. If your Bentley has market-specific history, dealer-delivery records, or old photographs, those can help narrow the visual details further. For concours-level accuracy, Bentley and Rolls-Royce club resources are often the best final check.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1979 Bentley?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 Bentley because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, and sidewall presentation quickly. A T2 Series wearing the proper HR70-15 radial fitment will look more convincing than one wearing a modern substitute with the wrong proportions or a sidewall design that feels out of character for a formal late-1970s British saloon.
That does not mean every event demands the same level of precision, but authenticity standards usually tighten as judging becomes more serious. If the car is intended for concours display, confirm that the tire’s overall look supports the era and the car’s luxury positioning. Marque clubs and event rule books can help you decide how strict your tire choice needs to be.
Why does radial construction matter on a 1979 Bentley?
Radial construction matters on a 1979 Bentley because it is part of the car’s period-correct engineering character, not just a modern convenience. By 1979, a luxury saloon like the Bentley T2 Series was designed around the more settled road manners, tread stability, and touring refinement expected from radial tires. Keeping that construction type preserves the way the car was meant to feel on the road.
For restoration-minded owners, that means authenticity is not only visual. The proper radial format supports the driving character that made late-1970s Bentleys distinct from earlier, softer, more old-fashioned luxury cars. If your goal is a car that both looks and behaves appropriately for the period, matching the original HR70-15 radial concept is an important part of the overall restoration.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1979 Bentley tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, a correctly matched HR70-15 radial in good condition can be suitable for highway driving on a 1979 Bentley, provided the tire is sound, properly inflated, and appropriate for the car’s weight and intended use. On a late-1970s Bentley, overall road safety depends not just on the tire but also on the condition of the suspension, steering, brakes, and alignment, all of which influence how confidently the car travels at speed.
For a collector Bentley, the bigger concern is often age rather than design. An old tire with ample tread can still be a poor highway choice if the rubber has hardened or the casing has deteriorated. Before any sustained road trip, confirm the tire’s age, inspect for damage, and make sure the rest of the chassis is ready for the pace you expect to maintain.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1979 Bentley tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1979 Bentley should be set according to the car’s factory guidance and the tire manufacturer’s specifications for the exact HR70-15 tire you are using. Pressure should never be copied casually from another Bentley, another tire size, or a modern vehicle, because construction details and load characteristics can differ even when overall appearance seems similar.
The best practice is to start with the owner’s manual or factory placard for the car, then confirm that the tire itself is being used within its intended pressure range. If your Bentley carries passengers regularly or sees extended touring at speed, consistent pressure checks matter even more. Correct inflation helps protect ride quality, tread wear, and the calm straight-line behavior expected from the T2 Series.
What should I check before taking a 1979 Bentley on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1979 Bentley, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is usable and accessible. Check valve stems, verify that each wheel is secure, and look for any sign of slow air loss. On a car of this age and weight, tire condition is only one part of the picture, but it is one of the easiest things to confirm before departure.
A worthwhile pre-trip routine also includes reviewing alignment feel, brake response, steering behavior, and how the car rides during the first few miles. Any vibration, pull, or rhythmic thump should be investigated before committing to a long journey. A well-prepared Bentley can be an excellent touring car, but longer drives reward careful inspection more than casual assumptions.
