1950 MG Midget Tires

The 1950 MG Midget uses two primary tire sizes on 15-inch wheels: 550-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. On the MG Midget TD, those are the key fitment directions to consider, with the choice centered on construction style rather than a change in wheel diameter.

That means the first decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial setup in the same rim diameter. It is smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if they have been changed over the years, then compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before settling on either size.

The applicable tire sizes for a 1950 MG Midget both use a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes the 550-15 bias-ply option and the 155R15 radial option, so the wheel diameter remains the same even though the tire sizing system and construction are different.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a car like this. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply fitment to a radial alternative, so the actual wheel should be measured rather than assumed. That extra step helps avoid clearance issues and keeps the tire choice aligned with the car’s current setup.

550-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1950 MG Midget, it represents the traditional bias-ply sizing format rather than a modern metric radial code.

Understanding that format helps when comparing it with 155R15, which is a radial size written in a different system. A buyer looking at 550-15 should think in terms of preserving a period-style tire appearance and earlier construction type, then verify that the wheel width and overall vehicle setup still suit that narrower bias-ply specification.

550-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1950 MG Midget. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to vintage cars, and the available tire in this size is an Excelsior blackwall from the Excelsior Bias Ply series.

That matters because a bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional visual character and construction type than a radial. Anyone moving away from 550-15 should compare the wheel width carefully, since the available bias-ply and radial options are intended for different rim-width ranges. The car’s steering feel, clearance, and restoration goals should all be considered before switching constructions.

Radial equivalents for 550-15 include 155R15 as an 80-series metric radial and 560R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Those two sizes are the meaningful radial alternatives tied to the original 550-15 fitment on the 1950 MG Midget.

Each option serves a slightly different purpose. A 155R15 follows a Euro-metric radial sizing format, while 560R15 is aimed at retaining a more traditional bias-style appearance. The recommended rim-width range for these radial alternatives is 4 to 5 inches, so the wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance should be checked before treating either one as a practical substitute.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car, then compare that with the radial size being considered, such as 155R15 or 560R15. The original bias-ply size is 550-15, so the conversion question is really about matching the radial alternative to the wheel and chassis setup already in place.

A radial conversion should also prompt a close look at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the car’s intended use. On an older MG, previous wheel changes or suspension work can alter what fits comfortably. It also helps to decide whether the goal is improved radial road manners or a more traditional appearance, since that affects whether 155R15 or a bias-look radial makes more sense.

Choosing a 550-15 tire for a 1950 MG Midget starts with recognizing that it is the bias-ply option. That makes it the natural direction for owners who want a traditional tire format and a vintage blackwall appearance on the car’s 15-inch wheels.

The next step is checking that the wheel width matches the tire’s intended range and making sure the rest of the vehicle still supports that narrow bias-ply fitment. A buyer should also think about how the car will be used. A restoration-oriented MG that sees occasional fair-weather driving may point one way, while a car meant for broader road use may lead to evaluating the radial alternative instead.

Tires for the 1950 MG Midget are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, and Excelsior. The radial 155R15 size includes options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while the 550-15 bias-ply size is available from Excelsior.

Brand choice matters less than matching the tire to the car’s intended direction. Some owners will focus first on staying with bias-ply construction, while others will narrow the search to radial offerings in 155R15. From there, compare tire series, rim-width compatibility, load figures where shown, and the overall look each tire gives the MG rather than trying to rank one brand above another.

The 1950 MG Midget has several tire series available depending on size and construction. In 155R15 radial form, choices include Firestone F560 Radial, Michelin X Radial, Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, Avon CR6ZZ, Vredestein Snow Classic, and Vredestein Sprint Classic. In 550-15 bias-ply form, the available series is Excelsior Bias Ply.

Those series distinctions help a buyer compare the personality of the available options without changing the underlying fitment direction. Some are restoration-minded blackwall radials, some lean more toward classic performance styling, and the bias-ply option keeps the car in a traditional construction. The best way to narrow the field is to start with the correct size and construction, then compare series details such as rim-width suitability and product specifications.

For a period-style 1950 MG Midget, the 550-15 bias-ply is the most traditional starting point because it uses the earlier numeric sizing format and bias-ply construction associated with cars of this era. It also keeps the presentation simple with a blackwall sidewall on a 15-inch rim.

That said, period-style does not always mean one universal answer for every restoration. Some owners prefer the appearance of a more traditional tire, while others want a radial alternative that still suits the car visually. If exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation before making a final decision.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1950 MG Midget more than many buyers expect. A 550-15 bias-ply tends to support a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R15 radial introduces a later-style sizing format even though it stays on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

That difference can influence how authentic or updated the car looks at a glance, especially on a small British sports car where the tire sidewall is easy to notice. A restoration-minded buyer should think about whether the goal is an earlier visual impression, a more road-focused radial setup, or a compromise such as a bias-look radial equivalent that preserves more traditional styling.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1950 MG Midget even when the intended tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered offsets, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence how a 550-15 bias-ply or 155R15 radial actually sits on the car.

That is especially important on a compact vehicle like the MG Midget, where small changes can have a visible effect on clearance. Any car that has been restored, modified, or repaired over time deserves a hands-on check of wheel width, steering travel, and fender space before new tires go into service. That helps prevent a fitment decision from being based only on size code.

Before driving a 1950 MG Midget on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the lug hardware is correct, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size and construction for the car’s setup. It also helps to verify inflation, valve condition, and basic clearance at full steering lock.

A short recheck after the first drive is worthwhile on a collector car, especially if it has been parked for long periods or recently reassembled. Look again for any signs of rubbing, unusual air loss, or irregular seating on the wheel. The same outing is a good time to confirm that steering feel and straight-line behavior are consistent with the tire choice now on the car.

Tires on a collector 1950 MG Midget should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is running 550-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials, low annual mileage does not prevent aging, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, or deterioration from heat and sunlight.

Periodic inspection should include tread condition, cuts, bulges, and any sign of air loss, especially before longer drives after storage. The car should also be kept away from prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sun, and ozone sources when possible. An MG that is driven infrequently still benefits from routine tire attention, because time and storage conditions can matter as much as miles.