1950 MG MGA Tires

The 1950 MG MGA uses two recognized tire sizes: 560-15 in a bias-ply format and 155R15 in a radial format. Both are built for 15-inch wheels, so the fitment decision is centered on construction type and vehicle setup rather than choosing between different rim diameters.

That means the next step is deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use a radial tire. On a collector MG, wheel width, suspension condition, and any prior changes to the car matter before changing construction, even when the wheel diameter remains the same.

The tire sizes used on the 1950 MG MGA are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 560-15 and 155R15 are 15-inch tire sizes, so confirming that the car still has 15-inch wheels is the first straightforward fitment check.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially if the car has replacement wheels. Radial and bias-ply options can also carry different rim-width recommendations, so it is worth checking the actual wheel width stamped on the rim or measured directly before settling on a tire.

560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, written without the decimal point, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1950 MG MGA, it represents the traditional small-car bias-ply sizing style.

Understanding that format helps when comparing it with a radial alternative such as 155R15, because the numbering systems are different even though both fit 15-inch wheels. A buyer considering a change should compare wheel width, tire profile expectations, and the car’s intended appearance before choosing one construction over the other.

On the 1950 MG MGA, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention common to many period vehicles and gives the car a more traditional vintage tire presentation than a modern radial size.

That matters because a buyer choosing 560-15 is usually preserving the original-style construction feel and look rather than moving to a modern radial format. It is still important to confirm wheel width and overall vehicle setup, especially if the car has been updated over time or no longer wears its original wheels.

For a 1950 MG MGA using 560-15, the available radial equivalents are 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is a bias-look radial intended to keep a more traditional visual profile.

Those two options serve slightly different goals even though both are radial alternatives to 560-15. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the radial equivalents, and the final choice should be checked against the car’s wheel width, overall clearance, and the appearance the owner wants to maintain.

That choice depends on how the 1950 MG MGA is being used and presented. A 560-15 bias-ply tire suits an owner who wants a more traditional vintage format, while 155R15 provides a radial option in a classic Euro-metric size for the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

The practical decision is less about which construction is universally better and more about the car’s current setup and goals. A restoration-minded car may favor the bias-ply look, while a road-driven car may be considered for radials, but wheel width, clearance, and suspension condition should be checked before changing construction.

Start with the correct size and construction for the way the car is set up. The 1950 MG MGA can use 560-15 in bias-ply form or 155R15 in radial form, so the decision usually comes down to period-style appearance, intended driving use, and wheel compatibility.

After that, compare the details that affect selection within the size you choose. On this MG, that can include brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and in some cases load and weight figures. Those differences help narrow the right tire without changing the car’s core fitment direction.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size you choose for the 1950 MG MGA. The 155R15 radial options are offered in blackwall form, while 560-15 bias-ply options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments.

That makes sidewall choice an important appearance decision, especially on a small British sports car where tire presentation is very visible. Blackwall usually keeps the look restrained and sporting, while whitewall choices create a stronger period accent. The right pick depends on the car’s restoration theme and the overall style being pursued.

Tires for the 1950 MG MGA are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Those brands cover both of the main fitment directions, with radial offerings in 155R15 and bias-ply offerings in 560-15.

Brand alone should not be the only filter. It is more useful to compare which series, sidewall styles, and rim-width specifications each brand offers in the size and construction you want. On this MG, that helps separate a road-focused radial choice from a more restoration-oriented bias-ply presentation.

For a period-style 1950 MG MGA, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it uses the traditional numeric sizing and construction associated with vintage tire presentation. It also opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, depending on the look being pursued.

That does not mean every 560-15 tire is automatically the right restoration answer. Owners who want the most historically convincing result should compare sidewall treatment and overall visual character against photographs, marque-club guidance, and other vehicle-specific references rather than choosing solely by size.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1950 MG MGA more than many buyers expect. A 560-15 bias-ply keeps the older numeric format and traditional vintage presence, while a 155R15 radial introduces a later Euro-metric sizing style that can give the car a more modern tire presentation.

That visual difference matters even before the car leaves the garage. Buyers trying to balance appearance with radial construction can also consider a 560R15 bias-look radial, which is meant to preserve a more traditional look. The best choice depends on whether authenticity of appearance or modernized road use carries more weight.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1950 MG MGA even when the tire size itself is appropriate. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can all influence clearance and how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits on the car.

A car that has been changed over the years should be checked carefully before new tires go on. Measure actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect inner and outer clearance at steering lock and normal ride height. That is especially important when changing from bias-ply to radial construction or returning a modified car to a period-style setup.

Before driving a 1950 MG MGA on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and basic chassis condition along with the tires themselves. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the application, and the car should be checked for rubbing, uneven ride height, or anything that suggests wheel or suspension issues.

A short low-speed test drive is a smart follow-up, especially on a collector car that may not see frequent use. Watch for steering pull, vibration, or clearance problems during turns. It also helps to recheck pressure and visually inspect the sidewalls after the first drive to make sure everything is seating and behaving normally.

Collector-car tire care starts with regular inspection, even when mileage is low. On a 1950 MG MGA, both 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial tires should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss. Proper inflation matters just as much on a lightly used car as on one driven often.

Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors helps protect the rubber. A tire that still has tread can still be unsuitable for road use if age or condition has become a concern.