1955 Metropolitan 1500 Tires

The 1955 Metropolitan 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 13-inch rims, and both apply to the Metropolitan 1500 Base. That means the car is not limited to one single primary fitment, even within the same covered sub-model.

The practical step is to confirm which size is already on the car and whether the wheels match the intended tire's rim-width requirements. On a collector vehicle, earlier wheel changes, replacement wheels, or past tire substitutions can affect what should be selected next, so the current setup matters as much as the model listing.

The 1955 Metropolitan 1500 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 520-13 and 560-13. The final number in each size code identifies the wheel diameter, so both fitments are built around the same 13-inch wheel size rather than two different diameters.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should also be checked before selecting a tire. Product fitments in these sizes show varying rim-width requirements, and that can matter if the car has replacement wheels or if the goal is to move from one primary size to the other without changing the car's overall presentation.

The 1955 Metropolitan 1500 is covered by two primary bias-ply sizes, 520-13 and 560-13, even though both use the same 13-inch rim diameter. The difference is in the nominal width designation, not in wheel diameter or construction type. Both sizes are tied to the Metropolitan 1500 Base.

That means the real decision is not just reading the model name, but verifying the actual wheel-and-tire combination on the car. A Metropolitan that has been restored, re-wheeled, or simply kept on a long-standing replacement setup may need one size rather than the other, so matching the present configuration is the safest starting point.

For the 1955 Metropolitan 1500, 520-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing format common to the period, with a traditional bias-ply construction that suits the car's mid-1950s tire profile and appearance rather than a modern radial construction.

That matters because the choice to stay with bias-ply or move toward a radial equivalent changes more than the number on the sidewall. Owners usually weigh steering feel, ride character, appearance, wheel-width suitability, and clearance before changing construction, especially on a small collector car where tire shape has a visible effect on stance.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are the comparable radial sizing options tied to the original 520-13 bias-ply fitment for the 1955 Metropolitan 1500.

Each option follows a different modern sizing convention, so the next step is checking the wheel and vehicle setup rather than assuming interchangeability. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is part of the comparison, and overall dimensions and clearance should be reviewed carefully before changing from the original-style bias-ply size.

Start by matching the original bias-ply size to the correct radial-equivalent category, then confirm wheel diameter and wheel width. On a 1955 Metropolitan 1500, both 520-13 and 560-13 connect to 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 radial alternatives, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

Beyond size matching, inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the actual wheels on the car. A Metropolitan with replacement wheels or prior modifications may respond differently to a construction change, so the conversion should be treated as a fitment review rather than simply substituting one sidewall code for another.

The first consideration is confirming whether the car uses 520-13 or 560-13, since both are primary fitments for the 1955 Metropolitan 1500 and both are bias-ply sizes for 13-inch rims. After that, compare the tire's construction, sidewall style, series, and wheel-width suitability against the car's present setup and intended use.

A restoration-oriented Metropolitan may lean toward a traditional whitewall presentation, while a road-use-focused car may prompt a closer look at radial equivalents. It also helps to compare load figures where they are stated, since product differences can matter on a small car that may already be running a long-standing wheel or tire combination.

Sidewall choices for the 1955 Metropolitan 1500 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. In 520-13, those options include blackwall plus both narrow and wide whitewall treatments. In 560-13, the available choices center on narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations.

That gives the Metropolitan owner a meaningful appearance decision even before comparing brand or tire series. A narrower whitewall can create a restrained period-style look, while a wide whitewall brings more visual emphasis to the wheel opening. The best match depends on the car's restoration direction and the tire size already confirmed on the vehicle.

The 1955 Metropolitan 1500 has tire options from Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich across its primary 520-13 and 560-13 sizes. Firestone appears in both sizes, Premium Sport offerings are available in 520-13, and BFGoodrich options are available in 560-13.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel compatibility rather than as a stand-alone decision. Since the available products span different visual styles and rim-width specifications, it makes sense to narrow the selection by the car's confirmed fitment and the appearance the owner wants the Metropolitan to carry.

A period-style 1955 Metropolitan 1500 usually starts with one of its original-type bias-ply fitments, either 520-13 or 560-13, depending on the wheel-and-tire setup already on the car. From there, the main visual choices are blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall, depending on the size being used.

That approach keeps the focus on the tire's vintage construction and sidewall presentation rather than on modern substitution first. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, restoration photos, or other vehicle-specific historical material before settling on a particular whitewall treatment or tire series.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1955 Metropolitan 1500 because its compact size makes tire width, sidewall shape, and wheel-to-body proportion especially visible. Using the proper 13-inch bias-ply size family helps preserve the car's intended stance and keeps the finished appearance closer to a true mid-1950s presentation.

Appearance is only one part of the decision, since the right fitment also supports sensible wheel compatibility and clearance. Even on a restoration-focused car, it is worth checking the wheels currently installed, because replacement rims and older tire substitutions can shift the best choice between 520-13 and 560-13.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1955 Metropolitan 1500 even when the correct primary size family is being used. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered suspension height, or body and brake updates can influence how a 520-13 or 560-13 tire sits and clears the car.

A modified Metropolitan should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before any replacement choice is finalized. Since both primary sizes share a 13-inch rim diameter but differ in nominal width, even small setup changes can make the car more sensitive to sidewall clearance and wheel-width matching.

Before driving a 1955 Metropolitan 1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, then check that the tires are seated properly and inflated for their intended use. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and any signs of rubbing near the fenders, suspension, or steering components.

A short, careful test drive is the best follow-up because it can reveal contact issues, steering pull, vibration, or unusual noises early. On a collector car that may have sat for long periods, this is also a good time to review brake operation and suspension condition so the new tires are not masking an older chassis problem.

Collector-car tires on a 1955 Metropolitan 1500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and protection from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Whether the car uses 520-13 or 560-13, sidewalls and tread should be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, or slow air loss.

Low annual mileage does not eliminate tire aging, so the Metropolitan deserves inspection even when it is seldom driven. Occasional movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting, and any sign of vibration, pull, or changing clearance after storage should prompt a closer look at both the tires and the condition of the wheels and suspension.