1955 Borgward Hansa Tires

The 1955 Borgward Hansa uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the series. The 1800 Series uses either 185R15 radial or 640-15 bias-ply, while the 2400 Series uses either 195R15 radial or 670-15 bias-ply. All of these sizes are built for 15-inch rims, but they are not the same construction or size family.

That means the first decision is identifying the exact series and then confirming whether the car is set up for the original-style bias-ply size or the radial size associated with that model. It is also smart to check the actual wheel width and any past changes to wheels or suspension before choosing among the available tire options.

The tire sizes used on the 1955 Borgward Hansa all correspond to a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies across both the 1800 Series and the 2400 Series, whether the car is using a radial size such as 185R15 or 195R15, or a numeric bias-ply size such as 640-15 or 670-15.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify the actual wheel width before selecting a tire. Many collector cars have had wheels changed over the years, and that can affect which tire choices make the most sense, especially when moving between traditional bias-ply sizing and radial construction.

No. The 1955 Borgward Hansa changes tire size by series. The 1800 Series uses 185R15 or 640-15, while the 2400 Series uses 195R15 or 670-15. The difference is not only the number on the sidewall, but also the construction path, since each series has both a radial and a bias-ply fitment associated with it.

That is why series identification matters before ordering or comparing tires. A buyer looking at a 15-inch wheel alone could still end up choosing the wrong size family, so it helps to confirm the exact model series, read the existing tire sidewall, and compare the car's wheel setup before making a final selection.

640-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1955 Borgward Hansa, and it is associated with the 1800 Series. It uses the older numeric sizing system rather than a metric radial format. That makes it the traditional construction choice for owners who want the smaller Hansa fitment in a classic bias-ply presentation.

A buyer considering 640-15 should also look at wheel width, since the available products in this size are built around relatively narrow rims. Owners moving away from 640-15 toward a radial alternative should compare wheel dimensions and overall fit carefully, rather than assuming that any 15-inch radial is automatically the right substitute.

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 attached to these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, which helps frame the wheel-compatibility side of the decision.

Those choices differ in sizing format and intended presentation, so they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. The 670R15 is useful for owners who want a more traditional visual profile, while the metric and P-metric sizes provide other radial paths. Wheel width, tire clearance, and the car's existing setup still need to be confirmed.

Start by confirming the exact series and primary bias-ply size, since the 1800 Series and 2400 Series do not use the same tire group. From there, compare the correct radial equivalent or radial primary size to the car's 15-inch wheel diameter, and verify that the actual wheel width matches the tire being considered.

Clearance at the fenders and steering components also matters, especially on a restored car that may not sit exactly as it did when new. It is also worth inspecting suspension condition, alignment, and any prior wheel changes before conversion, because the right radial choice depends on the complete wheel-and-chassis setup rather than sidewall size alone.

The main things to compare in 640-15 are the correct series application, the traditional bias-ply construction, the sidewall style, and the wheel width the tire is built to work with. In this size, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior across several classic tire lines.

That means the right tire is usually the one that matches both the car's physical setup and the owner's intended look. A restoration-oriented sedan may call for a whitewall treatment, while a simpler blackwall can suit a more understated presentation. Checking wheel width before comparing styles helps narrow the options in a practical way.

The 1955 Borgward Hansa has meaningful sidewall variety depending on tire size. Available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline. The bias-ply sizes carry the broadest whitewall selection, while the radial sizes add blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline choices that give the car a more customized or road-oriented presentation.

Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision once the correct size and construction have been settled, but it can strongly influence how the car reads visually. A wide whitewall leans into a mid-1950s look, while blackwall is more restrained. Redline is available in certain radial options for owners who want a sportier period-inspired effect.

Tires for the 1955 Borgward Hansa are available from several brands, including Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, and STA. Brand availability changes by size, so the exact list depends on whether the car uses 185R15, 640-15, 195R15, or 670-15.

The practical way to compare brands is within the correct size for the correct series, not across the whole vehicle line. Once size and construction are sorted out, the useful differences are usually sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width suitability. That approach keeps the choice grounded in fitment instead of brand name alone.

A period-style 1955 Borgward Hansa usually starts with the correct size family for the exact series and often points toward the bias-ply option, either 640-15 for the 1800 Series or 670-15 for the 2400 Series. Those sizes carry the most traditional visual character and the broadest whitewall and blackwall assortment for a restoration-oriented presentation.

The final choice still depends on how strictly original-looking the car needs to be and how it will be used. Owners aiming for exact historical accuracy should compare their selection with marque-club guidance or other vehicle-specific references, while those building a tasteful driver can use the correct size family as the foundation and choose the sidewall style accordingly.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1955 Borgward Hansa more than many buyers expect. A numeric bias-ply tire such as 640-15 or 670-15 gives the car a more traditional mid-1950s presentation, while radial sizes like 185R15 or 195R15 tend to look more modern because of their sizing convention and available sidewall treatments.

That does not automatically make one choice better than the other. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the stance and sidewall look of bias-ply tires, while a driver-focused owner may want a radial without losing the car's overall vintage feel. Matching construction to the car's intended purpose usually leads to a more satisfying result than chasing appearance alone.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1955 Borgward Hansa even when the wheel diameter remains 15 inches. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can all affect whether the correct 1800 Series or 2400 Series tire choice still has the clearance and wheel support it needs.

That is especially important on a car that has moved from bias-ply to radial construction, because the physical wheel-and-tire combination may no longer match its earlier setup. Measuring the actual wheel width, checking clearance at full steering lock, and looking for signs of rubbing are sensible steps before settling on any final tire choice.

Before driving a 1955 Borgward Hansa on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tire size matches the car's series, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated. It also helps to check valve stems, wheel hardware, and basic clearance around the suspension, body, and steering components.

A short local drive is a good way to confirm that the car tracks properly and that nothing contacts the tire under turning or suspension movement. After that first outing, recheck air pressure and look over the sidewalls and tread for any unusual marks. Catching a small fitment issue early is much easier than discovering it on the road.

Bias-ply 640-15 and 670-15 tires on a collector 1955 Borgward Hansa should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention, because age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage on a low-use vintage sedan.

Keeping the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Pressure should be checked before road use rather than assumed, and it is wise to examine the wheels at the same time. A collector car that looks fine at rest can still need tire attention before a meaningful trip.