Jaguar XK Tire Pressures

To find tires for your Jaguar XK see our Jaguar XK Tires page.

Jaguar XK 120 Coupe

Tire pressure for a Jaguar XK ranges from 22-50 PSI depending on the specific model, the type of tires that you decide to fit, and pressure differences for front and rear tires.
To find the ideal tire pressures for your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guide.

The PIRELLI 6.00-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA is our recommended crossply tire for all XK models. The 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 is our choice of Jaguar XK radial tire. Both are currently in production.
To find out more information on Jaguar XK tires follow the link to our Jaguar XK Tire Section.

Some Jaguar XK were fitted with Route Borrani Wire Wheels, for more information follow the link to view our Borrani Wire Wheel Section.

Jaguar XK 120 Maintenance

Jaguar XK 120

A 6.00-16 Dunlop Fort B5 was the original equipment tire for a Jaguar XK120, but this tire is no longer produced. The rear wheel arches of the Jaguar XK120, featured spats (sometimes known as fender skirts in the US). Some radial tires won't fit on the XK120 because of the spats. The PIRELLI CINTURATO TM will, however, fit inside the spats of an XK120 because it is a vintage tire.

Jaguar XK Tires Explained

Jaguar XK 140

The 1954 XK 140 had 190 horsepower and a (modestly sized) backseat. The 600H16 Dunlop RS5 crossply tire, which sadly is no longer produced, was the original crossply tire for the Jaguar XK140.

The XK 140 featured more interior room, better brakes, rack and pinion steering, longer suspension travel, and telescopic shock absorbers in place of the previous lever arm design, among the improvements. The XK 140 featured more robust front and rear bumpers with over-riders and flashing turn signals above the front bumper. The engine, firewall, and dash were shifted forward to create 3 inches (76 mm) extra interior space for taller drivers. The XK140 was the first Jaguar sports vehicle with an automatic transmission, debuting in 1956. Similar to the XK120, the XK140 offered wire wheels and twin exhausts as options, with the optional wheels being installed on the majority of XK140s imported into the US.

Jaguar XK 150

Jaguar XK Fitted with Michelin 600WR16 Pilote X tires

The Jaguar XK 120 evolved over the course of its existence, culminating in the 1957 release of the 210 horsepower XK 150, which featured disc brakes. The 600H16 Dunlop RS5 crossply tire, which sadly is no longer produced, was the original crossply tire for the XK150 Jaguar.

The XK150 was significantly altered yet shared a familial resemblance with the XK120 and XK140. The split screen was replaced by a single piece, and the wing line was taller and more streamlined at the doors. Leather was standard on the XK150's dashboard, with walnut available on all trim levels.

Jaguar XK Tires

The 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 is the best road tire for the XK120, XK140, or XK150, according to Longstone tires. Crossply tires are a popular choice for XK drivers, and Pirelli's 6.00-16 PIRELLI STELLA BIANCA is excellent. There hasn't been a crossply tire for the XK Jaguar that we are proud to suggest in a while. But now that Pirelli is producing the Stella Bianca, there is no question that this is a fantastic tire. A steady driver in an XK could likewise benefit greatly from the 185 SR 16 Michelin X tire. Additionally, Michelin produces the 6.00 R 16 Michelin Pilote X, a superb high performance radial tire that resembles a vintage racing tire.

The 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 is what we advise using with the XK120, XK140, and XK150. This tire is a vintage radial tire that improves the suitability of older vehicles for contemporary roads while retaining the proper diameter and preventing excessive steering weight.

Jaguar XK Innertubes

The reinforced Michelin 16 F RET innertube is the ideal choice for an XK. Wire wheels must all have innertubes.

Q & A

Hi, I am looking for four tires for my 1952 XK120 with rear spats. What options do I have? Regards Tim Bach,

Hi Tim

Probably the best way to find the best tires for an XK120 would be to watch my XK film.

We have also done a web page about XK tires too. The XK120, XK140 & XK150 all fit the same tires.

I would say the 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ would be by far the best tire for your car. It is a genuine period sports car tire and will fit inside your spats and handle beautifully.

The other option worth considering is the 185 SR 16 Michelin X. Again a nice period tire that will definitely fit inside your spats and will be lovely at lower speeds, but it only has an S speed rating so isn't really a sports car tire.

The PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ is the best tire option. It is a period sports car tire. Designed to complement the chassis of a car like your Jaguar, and at the same time, the Cinturato will fit inside the spats of an early XK120, where many of the other radial tires in this size will be too wide.

When these cars came out they fitted a 600H16 Crossply Dunlop. Dunlop is not currently making any historic road tires. Although for some time now people have preferred to drive XK Jags on radial tires there is now a period crossply tire that is ideal for these cars and up to the challenges of our modern roads. So if you want to run your XK120 on crossply tires the 600-16 Pirelli Stella Bianca is excellent.

For me; Jaguar XK120 with spats; 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67.

1958 Jaguar XK150

Jaguar XK Borrani Wheels

Wire wheels have been fitted on many Jaguar XK vehicles, and it just so happens that Longstone has connections to the best in the field. In many ways, Borrani are superior to all other producers of wire wheels. For many other well-known automakers, such as Ferrari and Maserati, Ruote Borrani Milano is a significant supplier of wire wheels. Because the rims are composed of aluminium and the wheels are manufactured in Italy to the highest standards, Borrani wheels weigh about 25% less than steel wire wheels alone. In our opinion, there is no better way to improve the appearance of your Jaguar XK than with a set of their wheels.

XK Jaguar History

The Jaguar design team, under the direction of Sir William Lyons, began developing a brand-new double overhead cam engine during World War 2. As it got closer to completion, it became clear that the new 160bhp engine would make a good replacement for the SS100. The decision was made to construct a sports vehicle to house the engine. The Jaguar XK120 had its public debut at the Earls Court Motor Show less than two months later, in October 1948. The vehicle was a huge hit right away, with both the general public and the press finding it difficult to believe that a sports automobile capable of 120 mph could be purchased for only £998!