Bentley Continental Tyres
1954 Bentley Continental R
Bentley Continental Tyres 1952–1955
- The first Bentley Continental was the 1952-1955 Bentley R Type Continental, fitting 650 - 16 crossply tyres. There isn't currently a crossply tyre in this size good enough for the R type, we suggest a switch to radial tyres.
- A radial equivalent size of 650 - 16 is 185 R16, in this size we can recommend the 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 as the ideal early Bentley R Type tyre.
- Avon also makes a 670 R 16 Avon Turbosteel that could be fitted to the early 1952–1955 continental, but it does not match the performance of the 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
- 1955-1957 S1 Bentley Continental models fitted 760 - 15 crossply tyres. If you want a crossply tyre with a whitewall we suggest the 7.60 x 15 General Whitewall. However we instead recommend fitting 205 R15 radial tyres.
- From 1958 to 1963 the S1 and S2 Bentley Continental switched to 800 - 15 tyres. We don't have any quality classic 800-15 tyres, we recommend switching to 205 R15 tyres.
- Our recommended Bentley Continental S1 and S2 tyre is the 205 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN72. These Pirelli Cinturato radial tyres will make your Bentley much better suited to modern roads.
- From 1963 till the end of the production the S3 Bentley Continental fitted 800-15 crossply tyres. We recommend switching to 205 R15 radial tyres, fitting the 205 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN72.
Bentley S3 Continental
Bentley Continental Tyres 1956–1965
Bentley Continental Innertubes
- The 1952–1965 Bentley Continental had tube-type wheels, therefore innertubes are required.
- The correct innertube for 6.50-16 and 185 R16 tyres is the Michelin 16F.
- The correct tube for 760 - 15 and 205 R15 tyres is the Michelin 15/17H.
- The 1984–2002 Bentley Continental fitted tubeless wheels. Innertubes are not required for these cars. Tyres with a profile below 70% (e.g., 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27) must not fit innertubes.
1998 Bentley Continental R
Bentley Continental Tyres 1984–2002
- The new 1984 to 1987 Bentley Continental fitted 235/70 R15 tyres. In this size the best tyre is the 235/70R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall. If you don't want whitewall tyres we also have the 235/70 R 15 Avon Turbosteel.
- The 1988-1992 Bentley Continental fitted either 6JK wheels and 235/70 R15 tyres, or 7.5J wheels and 255/65 R15 or 275/55 R15 tyres. Our recommended Bentley Continental 255/65 R15 tyre is the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
- We do not have any appropriate classic tyres in the 275/55 R15 size, only race tyres wholly unsuitable for heavy luxurious cruisers like the continental. If your car originally has 275/55 R15 tyres we suggest switching to 255/65 R15 tyres, fitting the 255/65 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
- The 1992 and 1993 Bentley Continental R fitted 255/60 R16 tyres. The best continental tyre in this size is the 255/60 WR 16 Avon Turbospeed CR27.
- From 1994-1997 the Continental R fitted 255/55 R17 radial tyres. In this size we recommend the 255/55 R17 Michelin Latitude Sport 3.
- Some 1998-2000 Continental R models fitted 255/50 R18 tyres. We don’t yet have classic tyres made in this size.
- From 1998 to 2002 other standard Continental R models fitted 255/55 R17 tyres. In this size we recommend the 255/55 R17 Michelin Latitude Sport 3.
- Some 2001-2002 Bentley Continental R models fitted 18" wheels and either 255/50R18 or 285/45 R18 tyres. Our recommended 285/45R18 tyre is the 285/45 ZR 18 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico. We don't currently have classic tyres in the 255/50 R18 size.
2000 Bentley Continental T
Bentley Continental Special Edition Tyres
- The Bentley Continental S of 1994 and 1995 fitted 255/55 R17 tyres. In this size we recommend the 255/55 R17 Michelin Latitude Sport 3.
- The Bentley Continental SC (1999-2000) fitted 285/45R18 tyres. In this size longstone recommends the 285/45 ZR 18 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico.
- From 1997-2002 the Bentley Continental T fitted 285/45 R18 tyres. In this size longstone recommends the 285/45 ZR 18 Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico.
Bentley Continental Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Bentley Continental Tyres
Bentley Continental R Mulliner Saloon
History of the Bentley Continental R
1952-1955 Bentley R-Type Continental
The Bentley R-Type Continental was launched in 1952, and it was considered to be the first 'Continental' model made by Bentley. The R-Type was a fastback coupé, featuring a lightweight aluminium body designed by H.J. Mulliner. The R-Type Continental was powered by a 4.6-liter straight-six engine that was later upgraded to 4.9 liters. This impressive engine allowed for a top speed of 120 mph, which was highly impressive for its day, especially considering the Continental was a large, comfortable luxury car. The 1952-1955 R-Type Continental was one of the fastest four-seater cars of its era and, as only 208 cars were produced, was highly valuable and collectible.
1955-1965 Bentley S-Type Continental
The S-Type Continental spanned 3 series; S1 was in production from 1955 to 1959, S2 from 1959 to 1962, and the S3 from 1962 to 1965. The coachbuilding was done by different firms, including H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and James Young. The S1 Continental had a 4.9-liter straight-six engine, whereas the S2 and S3 variants had an upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine. This series of Continentals continued Bentley's tradition of making high-performance and luxurious grand tourers.
1955 Bentley Continental Model Range
1984–1995 Bentley Continental
The 1984–1995 Bentley Continental was released during a transitional phase for Bentley, representing a bridge between the classic and more modern models. The new Continental continued Bentley's grand touring tradition with a focus on luxury and performance. The engine was a 6.75-liter, naturally aspirated V8, with early models producing roughly 240 horsepower.
The exterior design was more modern and aerodynamic, but still featured some classic Bentley cues such as an upright grille and round headlamps. The interior was handcrafted with luxurious leather upholstery, walnut veneers, and a range of bespoke customisation options, with advanced sound and temperature control systems.
1994–1995 Bentley Continental S
The 1994-1995 Bentley Continental S was a performance-oriented version of the 1984 Continental, with a turbocharged 6.75-liter V8. The design was adapted with sportier elements, like an aggressive front air dam and unique wheels, but it retained its refined interior. The 1984–1995 Continental series bridged the gap between classic and modern Bentley eras, maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship of old, integrating modern performance and design features, and paving the way for the next generation of high-performance Bentley models.
1955 Bentley Continental Model Range
1991-2003 Bentley Continental R
The Continental nameplate was revived in 1991 with the Continental R. The new Continental R had a sleek, aerodynamic body style, and was the first Bentley that was not derived from a Rolls-Royce design since 1965. The Continental R featured a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine that produced 325 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality leather, a wood veneer, and advanced electronics for the time.
1996-2002 Bentley Continental T
The 1996-2002 Bentley Continental T was a shorter-wheelbase, sportier version of the Continental R. The Continental T had an enhanced 6.75-liter V8 engine that produced 420 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the Continental T to reach 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. The T had a more aggressive stance than the R, with flared wheel arches and wider wheels, but still maintained a refined, Bentley aesthetic. The interior remained luxurious, with features such as a turned aluminium dashboard and premium leather seats.
1998 Bentley Continental SC
1998–2000 Bentley Continental SC
The 1998–2000 Bentley Continental SC (Sedanca Coupé) was a special edition variant of the Continental T, with only 73 units made in total. The design featured a removable roof panel (Sedanca style), with a particular focus on luxury and a fusion of classic and modern styling elements like chrome and wood. It shared the same engine as the Continental T and had similar performance outputs.
1999-2002 Bentley Continental R Mulliner
The 1999-2002 Bentley Continental R Mulliner was a limited edition, performance-focused version of the Continental R, featuring a more powerful version of the turbocharged V8. This engine produced a whopping 420 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Mulliner offered stiffer suspension and wider wheels for improved handling, while maintaining a luxury ride. Only around 150 cars were made, making the Bentley Continental R Mulliner highly sought after by collectors.
The Bentley Continental R, T, SC, and Mulliner models ceased production in 2002, marking the end of an era. Bentley would soon shift to a more modern, mass-produced business model, with the introduction of the Continental GT in 2003. Today, pre-2002 models are revered for their handcrafted luxury, bespoke design, and powerful performance, and remain a highly popular and desirable classic car series.
Bentley Continental Tyre Fitment Guides
1963 Bentley Continental Tyre Fitment Guide by Dunlop
1965–1978 Bentley Continental Tyre Fitment Guide by Dunlop
1987 Bentley Continental Tyre Fitment Guide by Michelin
1992–2002 Bentley Continental Tyre Fitment Guide by Michelin & B.F Goodridge
