1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires

The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M came from an era when compact European Fords balanced modest size, efficient packaging, and everyday usability in a market still shaped by postwar recovery. For owners restoring or driving one today, tire choice matters because this car sits at the transition between traditional bias-ply fitment and later radial practice. The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M uses either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial on a 13-inch rim. That opens the door to traditional whitewall bias-ply styling or blackwall radial options from established brands. The right choice depends on the car's wheel setup, intended look, and how closely the tire should match restoration or road-use goals.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M

The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M uses two primary tire sizes, both on 13-inch rims: a 560-13 bias-ply and a 155R13 radial. Because the Base sub-model can use either size, the key decision is less about trim level and more about construction, wheel compatibility, and whether the goal is a traditional period-style presentation or a radial setup for road use.

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155R13Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Base
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M, it represents the radial fitment option on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for owners comparing radial tire offerings and checking wheel width before moving away from a more traditional bias-ply presentation.

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2
560-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 560 refers to the tire's nominal section width class and 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M, this is the period-style bias-ply fitment and keeps the car in a more traditional construction. Available options include BFGoodrich and Firestone tires in classic bias-ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is the natural starting point for owners focused on restoration-oriented appearance, original-style driving feel, and vintage sidewall presentation.

Explore 560-13 Tires

1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M sub-model because the same two 13-inch tire choices appear across it. That means the main decision is choosing between bias-ply and radial construction rather than sorting through different trim-specific sizes.

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1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Base

The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Base can be fitted with either the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection therefore comes down to the car's current wheel setup, the look the owner wants, and whether a traditional bias-ply or later-style radial approach better suits planned road use.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M

For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial alternative. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively lower-profile P-metric sizing. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before making the change.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 155R13

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)

  • P155/75R13

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)

  • P155/70R13

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
  • Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
  • Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.

Important Fitment Notes

The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
  • Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)

If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.

Best 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires for Sale

Available 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M tire choices span 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial sizes, with Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone options. Buyers can compare blackwall radial designs against narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires across several classic tire series.

Showing 5 of 5
80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS | 155HR13

Michelin - Michelin XAS-FF

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet | 155HR13

Dunlop - SP Sport Aquajet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD937 lbs
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M, the difference between its bias-ply and radial options, and the fitment checks that matter before selecting tires for restoration or road use.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the car's tire choice centers on construction type and wheel compatibility rather than changing to a different rim diameter.

That means the right tire depends on how the car is set up now and what kind of result is wanted. A 560-13 suits a more traditional period-style presentation, while 155R13 moves the car into radial sizing. Checking current wheel width and the actual tire already on the car is the safest next step before choosing.

What size rim does a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M use?

The tire sizes used on a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 560-13 bias-ply fitment and the 155R13 radial fitment, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire construction changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage Ford. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply application with a radial alternative. Measuring the wheel already on the car and confirming that it matches the intended tire's width requirements helps avoid clearance and seating problems.

Does the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Base use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M Base uses the same two tire-size choices associated with this model: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. There is no separate rim diameter split within the covered Base fitment.

That makes selection more straightforward because the buyer does not need to sort through multiple trim-specific tire sizes first. The more important choice is whether the car should keep a vintage bias-ply look and feel or move to a radial format, followed by a quick check of wheel width and current vehicle setup.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and represents the traditional construction associated with older small-car fitments on a 13-inch rim.

Bias-ply selection is usually driven by appearance goals as much as fitment. On this car, 560-13 is offered in classic whitewall treatments and vintage bias-ply series, which makes it especially relevant for restoration-oriented builds. Wheel width should still be confirmed, since bias-ply and radial choices do not always share the same rim-width requirements.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is identified for this size.

Those options give the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M owner several ways to compare radial sizing conventions without changing away from a 13-inch rim. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, and the final choice should still be checked against wheel width, overall package dimensions, and available clearance.

Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

Either approach can suit a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M, because the car has both a 560-13 bias-ply fitment and a 155R13 radial fitment. The decision usually comes down to whether the priority is traditional appearance and period-style construction or a radial format in a matching 13-inch size.

A restoration-minded owner may lean toward the bias-ply size for its vintage presentation, especially with whitewall options available. Someone planning more road use may instead compare the radial choices. The practical check is confirming that the wheel width and overall vehicle setup support the chosen construction before making the switch.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

A 560-13 tire choice for a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M starts with confirming that the car is staying with the bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch wheel. From there, the main differences are tire series, brand, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and whether the look should be subtle or more visually period-styled.

Available 560-13 options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions from BFGoodrich and Firestone. That gives the owner room to shape the car's appearance without leaving the correct vintage size category. Matching the tire to the actual wheel width on the car is especially important before choosing among the available bias-ply products.

What sidewall styles are available for 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M tires?

Sidewall styles for the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M include blackwall in the 155R13 radial size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those choices create a noticeable difference in the car's overall presentation even when the rim diameter remains the same.

Blackwall radials tend to suit an understated driver-oriented look, while narrow and wide whitewalls push the car toward a more traditional restoration style. Since sidewall appearance is tied to specific tire sizes and constructions here, the first step is deciding between radial and bias-ply before narrowing the choice by sidewall treatment.

What brands offer tires for the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

Tires for the 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply choices for buyers staying with a more traditional vintage construction.

That brand spread gives the owner a useful split between radial and bias-ply product paths. The better comparison is not simply brand versus brand, but which construction, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width requirements best match the car. Starting with the correct size and intended use keeps the selection process focused.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

For a period-style 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It keeps the car in a vintage numeric sizing format and is offered in classic bias-ply series with whitewall treatments that suit a restoration-oriented appearance.

The exact visual result depends on how subtle or pronounced the sidewall should look. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices create different character without changing away from the bias-ply size category. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire appearance against marque-specific historical references before making a final decision.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a distinctly vintage tire format, while a 155R13 radial gives the same 13-inch wheel diameter a more later-style tire presentation.

The sidewall options reinforce that difference. Bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, while the available radial offerings are blackwall. That makes construction part of the car's visual story as well as its fitment decision, especially when the goal is to balance authentic-looking restoration cues with practical road use.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and brake updates can all change how a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sits on the car.

That is especially important on compact vintage cars where clearances can be tight. Measuring the actual wheel diameter and width, then checking steering travel and fender clearance, helps prevent surprises. A car that has been lowered or converted to different wheels should always be verified against the intended tire before road use.

What should I inspect before driving a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M on new tires?

Before driving a 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire is seated correctly, and confirm there is no interference at full steering lock. It is also smart to check valve stems, inflation pressure, and whether the wheel dimensions match the tire being used.

Older collector cars often reveal unrelated issues once fresh tires are installed. Worn suspension parts, loose steering components, or poor alignment can affect how the car feels on the road and how evenly the tires wear. A short, careful test drive followed by a second inspection is a sensible final step.

How should 560-13 or 155R13 tires on a collector 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1952 Ford-Taunus 12M should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, tread wear, cuts, and bulges whether the car runs 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials. Low-use classics need inspection even when mileage is minimal because age and storage conditions still matter.

Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition during storage. It also helps to move the car periodically or maintain proper support to avoid long-term flat spotting. Any sign of aging or irregular wear deserves attention before longer drives or sustained road speeds.