1955 Ford Anglia Tires

A 1955 Ford Anglia uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the Anglia Base and both use a 13-inch rim diameter, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the tire sizing system and construction style.

That means the first step is deciding whether the car should remain on a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial setup. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and any changes made over the years should still be checked carefully, especially on a small vintage car where clearance can be sensitive to even modest size differences.

The 1955 Ford Anglia uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire-size paths. That applies to the 520-13 bias-ply size and the 145R13 radial size, so either route stays within the same basic wheel diameter rather than requiring a different rim diameter.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, though. A 13-inch wheel still needs to be checked for actual width before selecting among available tires, particularly if the car has replacement wheels or if a radial equivalent is being considered for a bias-ply setup.

The 1955 Ford Anglia Base follows the same fitment pattern as the model overall, with both 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply options. There is no separate alternate size shown for the Base beyond those two established 13-inch fitment choices.

That keeps sub-model identification simple, but it still leaves an important tire decision. The buyer should confirm which construction is actually on the car now, whether the wheels match the intended tire choice, and whether the goal is a traditional restoration-oriented look or a more modern radial driving setup.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1955 Ford Anglia. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to many mid-century vehicles, and it represents the traditional construction style associated with the Anglia's period appearance rather than a modern radial format.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both how the car looks and how it is set up on the wheel. Anyone moving away from 520-13 should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and fender or steering clearance instead of assuming that any 13-inch radial will behave the same on the car.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric radial option, and P155/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric radial option. A bias-look radial equivalent is not part of the available 520-13 equivalent set.

Those sizes give the owner several radial directions while staying in the same general fitment family, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutions. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is tied to the equivalent set, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should be confirmed before making the switch.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, then compare the intended radial size against the existing 520-13 setup. For the 1955 Ford Anglia, 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 are recognized radial alternatives tied to the bias-ply size family.

The next checks are practical ones: steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and whether the car has been modified over time. A small vintage car can react noticeably to construction and dimension changes, so the conversion decision should reflect both appearance goals and the car's current wheel-and-chassis setup.

Choosing a 520-13 tire starts with construction style and appearance. This size is available in bias-ply form from Firestone and Premium Sport, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, plus differences in tire series that shape how traditional or customized the finished look appears.

The next step is checking wheel compatibility and the role the car will play. Some 520-13 products call for 3.5-inch rims, while others note a 3.50- to 4.00-inch range, so wheel width matters. It also helps to decide whether the Anglia is being restored toward period-style simplicity or toward a more personalized visual treatment.

1955 Ford Anglia tires are available with several sidewall styles depending on size and series. The radial 145R13 options are blackwall, while the 520-13 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions across the available Firestone and Premium Sport offerings.

That gives the buyer a meaningful appearance decision beyond simple size matching. Blackwall usually keeps the presentation restrained and utilitarian, while whitewall options add a more decorative period-style look. The right choice depends on whether the car is being kept close to a simple original-era feel or styled with a stronger visual accent.

Tires for the 1955 Ford Anglia are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport appear in the 520-13 bias-ply size, giving the car distinct choices across both construction types.

Brand should be considered alongside the rest of the tire's character rather than by itself. The more useful comparison points are size, construction, sidewall styling, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. On a collector car like an Anglia, the visual impression and intended driving use often matter just as much as the brand name on the sidewall.

For a period-style 1955 Ford Anglia, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction associated with the car's era. Within that size, blackwall and whitewall versions create different visual directions without moving away from the basic bias-ply presentation.

The best choice depends on how strictly the restoration is being interpreted and what visual character suits the car. When exact originality matters, marque literature, period photography, and club guidance are worth checking. For many owners, though, staying in the 520-13 bias-ply family captures the right mid-1950s feel.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1955 Ford Anglia more than many buyers expect. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the traditional numeric size format and period-style stance, while a 145R13 radial gives the car a later tire language even though it still fits the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That does not make one approach universally right and the other wrong. A restoration-oriented car often benefits from the look of bias-ply construction, while a regularly driven Anglia may lead the owner toward radial practicality. The important point is to choose construction deliberately so the tire matches the car's intended personality.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1955 Ford Anglia even when the tire size appears close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork repairs can all change how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits within the car's available space.

That is why fitment should be checked on the actual car instead of relying only on the catalog size. Steering travel, inner-fender clearance, and the relationship between the tire and the wheel lip deserve close attention, especially if the Anglia has been updated over the years or converted from bias-ply to radial construction.

Before driving a 1955 Ford Anglia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and usable width, then confirm that each tire seats properly and clears the body and suspension through its steering range. It also makes sense to check valve stems, wheel hardware, and inflation pressure before the first road test.

A short, careful initial drive is the right next step. Pay attention to any rubbing, unusual pull, vibration, or air loss, then recheck pressure after the tires have had a chance to settle in. On a small vintage car, catching those details early helps avoid unnecessary wear or fitment surprises.

Collector-car tires on a 1955 Ford Anglia should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss, whether the car runs 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials. Tire pressure should be checked routinely, especially after long storage periods when a seldom-driven car can lose air gradually.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an infrequently used Anglia. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and periodic visual checks remain important because age can affect a collector tire even when tread wear is minimal.