1952 Borgward Hansa Tires

A 1952 Borgward Hansa does not use one universal tire size across the range. The 1500 Series uses 590-15 bias-ply or 165R15 radial, the 1800 Series uses 640-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial, and the 2400 Series uses 670-15 bias-ply or 195R15 radial. All of these fitments use a 15-inch rim.

The important step is identifying the exact series before choosing a tire. Once that is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the traditional bias-ply size or evaluate the radial size associated with that same series, then compare sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and the car’s actual wheel setup.

The 1952 Borgward Hansa uses 15-inch rims across the tire sizes associated with the 1500, 1800, and 2400 Series. That common rim diameter applies whether the car is using a numeric bias-ply size such as 590-15, 640-15, or 670-15, or a radial size such as 165R15, 185R15, or 195R15.

Even with the correct 15-inch diameter, wheel width still matters when selecting a specific tire. A Hansa with replacement wheels, earlier repairs, or non-original rims should be measured before changing sizes or constructions, because the right diameter alone does not confirm that every tire in the range is suitable for the wheel on the car.

No, the 1952 Borgward Hansa changes tire size by series. The 1500 Series uses 590-15 or 165R15, the 1800 Series uses 640-15 or 185R15, and the 2400 Series uses 670-15 or 195R15. Each series keeps the same 15-inch rim diameter, but the tire size and width class increase from one series to the next.

That difference makes the sub-model name more than a trim detail when buying tires. A buyer who starts with the wrong series can easily end up comparing the wrong width range, sidewall options, or radial equivalent, so the safest approach is to confirm the exact Hansa series and inspect the actual wheels before selecting a tire.

A 1952 Borgward Hansa can be fitted in either period-style bias-ply or radial construction, depending on the series. The 1500 Series pairs 590-15 with 165R15, the 1800 Series pairs 640-15 with 185R15, and the 2400 Series pairs 670-15 with 195R15, giving each series a traditional and a radial-path fitment choice.

The decision usually comes down to appearance goals, road use, and the wheel setup already on the car. Bias-ply tires preserve a more traditional presentation, while radial sizes offer an alternate construction in the same 15-inch diameter family. Before changing construction, confirm wheel width, overall clearance, and the condition of steering and suspension components.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 5-7 inches.

Those options give the 1952 Borgward Hansa 2400 Series several ways to move from a numeric bias-ply size into radial sizing conventions. Each one should still be checked against the actual wheel width, the car’s clearance at the fenders and steering stops, and the intended use of the vehicle rather than being treated as automatic interchangeability.

Start by confirming the exact Hansa series and the bias-ply size currently associated with it, then compare that size to the radial equivalent tied to the same series. The 1500 Series pairs 590-15 with 165R15, the 1800 Series pairs 640-15 with 185R15, and the 2400 Series pairs 670-15 with 195R15 or other listed radial equivalents.

Wheel width is one of the first things to verify, especially if the car has replacement rims. It also helps to check tire-to-fender clearance, steering travel, suspension condition, and overall tire age on a collector car that may sit for long periods, since a construction change can reveal issues that were not obvious before.

The first consideration is the exact Hansa series, because the 1500, 1800, and 2400 Series each use different tire sizes. After that, the main choices are bias-ply versus radial construction, sidewall style, available brands, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style presentation or set up for more regular road use.

It also helps to compare the wheel width range for the tire under consideration, especially on a car that may no longer have its original wheels. Looking at load figures, tire series, and visual details such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline can narrow the field without losing sight of correct size and fitment.

Sidewall choices for the 1952 Borgward Hansa include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the size selected. The widest visual variety appears across the larger sizes and the radial offerings, with 165R15 and 670-15 showing especially broad sidewall choice, while 185R15 also includes redline options.

That sidewall decision changes the car’s appearance as much as the construction choice in many cases. A blackwall usually gives the most restrained presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more dressy period-style look, and redlines introduce a sportier visual cue, so the best match depends on the car’s finish and restoration direction.

Brands available across 1952 Borgward Hansa tire sizes include Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, US Royal, Goodyear, and STA. The exact brand mix depends on the tire size, with some sizes leaning heavily toward radial offerings and others showing a much broader spread of classic bias-ply choices.

Brand comparison matters most after the correct size and construction are settled. Once those are fixed, the buyer can look at differences in tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and load figures where stated, rather than trying to compare all brands as though they serve the same purpose across every Hansa series and size.

For a period-style 1952 Borgward Hansa, the traditional starting point is usually the numeric bias-ply size associated with the specific series: 590-15 for the 1500 Series, 640-15 for the 1800 Series, and 670-15 for the 2400 Series. Those sizes preserve the vintage sizing convention and open the door to classic blackwall or whitewall presentations depending on the series.

Appearance goals still vary from one restoration to another, so construction and sidewall choice should be matched to the way the car is being finished and displayed. When exact originality matters, period photography, marque references, and vehicle-specific historical material are worth checking before settling on a particular whitewall treatment or brand presentation.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1952 Borgward Hansa more than many buyers expect. A numeric bias-ply size such as 590-15, 640-15, or 670-15 maintains the older sizing language and traditional stance, while the radial options 165R15, 185R15, and 195R15 introduce a later-style metric presentation within the same 15-inch wheel diameter family.

Sidewall treatment then refines that look further, whether the goal is understated blackwall, a more formal whitewall presentation, or in some radial applications a redline accent. On a restoration-minded car, it helps to think about tire construction and sidewall style together rather than treating them as separate decisions, since both shape the finished visual impression.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Borgward Hansa even when the tire size itself is correct for the series. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, repaired body panels, or steering-component wear can all change how much room the tire actually has at the fender, suspension, and full steering lock.

That is why a tire should be matched to the car as it sits today, not only to the original series specification. A Hansa that has been restored over many years may carry parts from different periods, so checking wheel measurements and visible clearance before mounting tires is an important step, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction.

Before driving a 1952 Borgward Hansa on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and usable condition, confirm that the tire size matches the car’s series, and look over the suspension and steering for looseness or obvious wear. It also makes sense to check that the tires are inflated properly and that there is no interference at full steering lock.

Collector cars often reveal age-related issues only after fresh tires are installed and driven. A short initial test drive, followed by another look at clearance, air retention, and any unusual rubbing or pull, can catch problems early and helps confirm that the chosen tire works with the car’s current wheel and chassis condition.

Tires on a 1952 Borgward Hansa should be checked regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and general age, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Proper inflation and periodic visual inspection matter whether the car is running one of the original-style bias-ply sizes or one of the radial alternatives tied to its series.

Storage conditions have a big effect on collector tires, so keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition. It is also smart to inspect the tires before any longer outing, since a vintage car that spends much of its time parked can develop age-related issues even with low mileage.