1955 Ford-Taunus 15M Tires

The 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are tied to the same 13-inch rim diameter, so the main difference is the tire format and construction rather than the wheel diameter itself.

That means the real choice is deciding how the car should be set up. A 560-13 keeps the traditional numeric bias-ply presentation, while 155R13 moves into a Euro-metric radial format. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored, modified, or changed from its earlier setup.

The applicable tire sizes for the 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M use a 13-inch rim diameter. That is true for both the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, though. Bias-ply and radial products can call for different rim-width ranges, so it is smart to measure the wheel before making a construction change. That extra check matters even more if the car has replacement wheels or if the existing wheel history is unclear.

Yes. The 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M Base uses the same overall tire-size choices found on this model, with 560-13 available in bias-ply construction and 155R13 available in radial construction. The fitment question is less about trim variation and more about which construction the car is running.

That makes selection a little simpler, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual wheel and vehicle setup. A restored car may be kept on bias-ply tires for period-style appearance, while a road-driven example may be evaluated for radial use. The wheel width and tire clearance should still be confirmed before changing formats.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M. It uses the older numeric sizing system commonly associated with mid-century vehicles, and it remains the traditional-format choice for owners who want the car to retain an earlier tire appearance.

That matters because a bias-ply setup affects both presentation and replacement strategy. Product choices in 560-13 include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, which can strongly influence the finished look of the car. Anyone moving away from 560-13 should check wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance rather than treating a radial alternative as automatic.

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. These sizes give a 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M owner several radial-format paths while staying within the same general fitment conversation.

Each option should still be treated as an alternative that needs to be checked against the car rather than assumed to be interchangeable. The recommended rim-width range attached to this equivalency group is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width is important. Clearance at the fenders and steering should also be reviewed before making the change.

Start with the wheel itself. The 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M uses a 13-inch rim diameter for both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13-type radial alternatives, but the radial-equivalent group calls for a 4 to 5 inch recommended rim-width range. The actual wheel width should be measured before any conversion.

The vehicle should also be checked for tire clearance at the fenders and through the steering range, especially if suspension height or wheels have been changed over the years. A radial conversion can also shift the look of the car, so owners balancing road use with restoration goals should weigh appearance as carefully as fitment.

The first decision is whether the car should use the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size. Both belong on a 13-inch rim, but they lead to different product types, sidewall presentations, and overall ownership experience. Construction choice comes before brand or sidewall details.

After that, compare the tire to the car’s actual wheel width, how the vehicle will be used, and the look you want. A bias-ply tire suits a more traditional mid-century presentation, while a radial setup may appeal to owners prioritizing a modern tire format. Matching the tire to the car’s current setup is more important than choosing by appearance alone.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose. The radial 155R13 options are available as blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That creates a clear appearance split between the two fitment paths.

Sidewall treatment can change the whole visual character of a 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M, especially on a restoration-oriented car. A blackwall radial gives a simpler look, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean more strongly into period style. The best choice depends on the car’s finish, trim presentation, and whether authenticity of appearance matters more than construction preference.

The 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. Brand selection therefore follows the construction and size choice first.

That brand split is useful because it keeps comparison focused. Once the correct size and construction are settled, the next step is looking at tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than trying to compare every brand on the same terms. A buyer choosing between radial and bias-ply is really narrowing two different kinds of tire packages.

For a period-style presentation, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point on a 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M. It uses the traditional numeric format and is available in bias-ply construction, which aligns more closely with the visual language of many mid-1950s small cars than a later-style radial format.

Within that size, the appearance decision often comes down to sidewall treatment. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions can create noticeably different looks, so the right choice depends on how the car is being restored and finished. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and period photos are worth consulting before settling on a whitewall style.

Tire construction affects both the visual stance and the overall character of a restored 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the older numeric sizing format and supports a more traditional restoration-oriented presentation, especially when paired with whitewall styling. A 155R13 radial looks more modern in both format and sidewall treatment.

That difference is often just as important as ride or handling preferences on a collector vehicle. Owners trying to preserve a distinctly mid-century look usually start by deciding whether the car should visually read as a bias-ply-era automobile. Once that choice is clear, size, sidewall style, and product series become much easier to sort out.

Yes. Even though the 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can still change whether a particular tire works well on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or body repairs can all alter the space available for a 560-13 bias-ply or a 155R13-type radial setup.

A modified car should be checked at the wheel openings and through the steering range before new tires are installed. Tire selection is especially sensitive when changing from one construction type to another. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions on the car is a smarter first step than relying on what the vehicle may have used years ago.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, and overall wheel sizing so the new tires are being mounted on sound hardware. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure seating, and adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components on the 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M.

A short local drive is a good way to confirm that the car tracks properly and that nothing rubs once the suspension settles under use. It also helps to recheck pressure afterward. On an older vehicle, tire installation is only part of readiness; brake condition, steering play, and general chassis health still matter before regular driving.

Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly even if the 1955 Ford-Taunus 15M is driven only occasionally. Look for cracking, flat-spotting, cuts, bulges, unusual air loss, and uneven tread wear, and keep inflation appropriate for the tire in use. Low annual mileage does not stop age and storage conditions from affecting the rubber.

Storage habits make a real difference on a car like this. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives, and moving the car periodically can reduce long-term standing stress. Before any longer outing, a quick visual inspection and pressure check are worthwhile.