The 1955 MG Magnette sits at an interesting point in British sports-sedan history, blending MG character with a more refined saloon body and the tidy proportions that make mid-1950s European cars so appealing today. Tire choice on this car is closely tied to how it will be used and presented, because the Magnette ZA can run either a 550-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. That opens the door to traditional blackwall bias-ply styling, classic Euro-metric radial options from several brands, and even a bias-look radial equivalent. The right choice depends on whether period appearance, road manners, or a balanced restoration approach matters most for your Magnette.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1955 MG Magnette
The 1955 MG Magnette uses two primary tire sizes, and both fit a 15-inch rim. The key decision is whether your car is being kept on its traditional 550-15 bias-ply fitment or moved to a 155R15 radial setup, since construction, wheel width, and the overall look of the car can change the selection process. Confirming the tire construction you want is the first step before comparing individual options.
155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1955 MG Magnette, this size represents the radial side of the fitment story and suits owners who want a classic metric radial format on a 15-inch wheel. Available choices include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, all in blackwall form across series such as F560 Radial, Michelin X, Michelin XAS, Snow Classic, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to evaluate when preserving a traditional European radial look matters as much as everyday road use.
550-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 550 refers to an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. For the 1955 MG Magnette, it carries the more traditional bias-ply presentation that many restoration-minded owners associate with mid-1950s fitment. The available product is an Excelsior blackwall in the Excelsior Bias Ply series, which keeps the selection focused on authentic-looking construction rather than a wide spread of styles. This size deserves close attention when preserving period-style stance and construction is more important than moving to a radial alternative.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, because the covered 1955 MG Magnette ZA can use the same two tire-size paths. Checking the sub-model still matters so the car is matched to the right construction choice and wheel-width requirements before a bias-ply or radial tire is selected.
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1955 MG Magnette ZA
The 1955 MG Magnette ZA can be fitted with either a 155R15 radial or a 550-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. That means the decision is less about trim-level differences and more about whether the car is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply configuration or set up around a classic radial alternative.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1955 MG Magnette
For the 1955 MG Magnette, the original 550-15 size has two radial-equivalent options. The available alternatives are 155R15 as an 80-series metric radial and 560R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. The 155R15 follows a classic Euro-metric radial format, while 560R15 is intended to retain a more traditional visual character. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent path, so wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (550-15)
560R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (550-15)
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:
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 1955 MG Magnette Tires for Sale
Available 1955 MG Magnette tire choices separate cleanly by construction: Excelsior in 550-15 bias-ply, and radial 155R15 options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, blackwall offerings, and rim-width compatibility within each size.
These 1955 MG Magnette FAQs focus on the two correct tire sizes, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for 550-15, and the practical checks that matter before putting a restored or regularly driven Magnette on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1955 MG Magnette?
The 1955 MG Magnette uses two recognized tire sizes: 550-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both are tied to the Magnette ZA and both use a 15-inch rim diameter, so the fitment question is really about choosing the correct construction path rather than picking between different wheel diameters.
That distinction matters because a 550-15 bias-ply and a 155R15 radial do not place the same demands on the wheel. Before selecting either size, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and decide whether the goal is a more traditional period-style setup or a classic radial configuration for road use.
What size rim does a 1955 MG Magnette use?
The 1955 MG Magnette uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its supported tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with a 550-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the construction type changes.
Rim diameter is only part of the check, though, because wheel width becomes important when moving between the bias-ply and radial options. A Magnette that still has its original-style narrow wheels may suit the bias-ply size differently than the radial equivalent, so measuring the wheel before ordering avoids unnecessary fitment surprises.
Does the 1955 MG Magnette ZA use the same tire size?
The 1955 MG Magnette ZA follows the same core fitment pattern for this model year, with 550-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial options. In other words, the sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique third tire size that changes the basic selection process.
The practical choice is deciding which of those two fitment directions matches the car. A restoration leaning toward period-style construction may stay with 550-15, while a driver-oriented setup may point toward 155R15, but the final decision should still account for wheel width and the way the Magnette is actually equipped today.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 550-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1955 MG Magnette?
For the 1955 MG Magnette, 550-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, with 5.50 indicating nominal section width and 15 indicating the wheel diameter, and it represents the traditional construction choice for this Magnette fitment.
That matters because a bias-ply setup affects both appearance and wheel compatibility differently than a metric radial. Owners considering 550-15 should look closely at wheel width, desired driving character, and whether the goal is to retain a period-style presentation rather than simply matching the rim diameter alone.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 550-15?
The radial equivalents for 550-15 on a 1955 MG Magnette are 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is a bias-look radial equivalent intended to preserve more of the traditional visual character associated with a bias-ply tire.
Those options give the Magnette owner two different ways to move away from a true bias-ply construction, but neither should be treated as automatic interchangeability. The recommended rim-width range for this equivalent path is 4 to 5 inches, and wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance should all be reviewed before making the switch.
What should I check before converting my 1955 MG Magnette from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel size on the car, especially width, because the Magnette’s 550-15 bias-ply fitment and its 155R15 radial equivalent do not share the same typical wheel-width expectations. It is also important to confirm overall condition of the wheels, suspension, and steering components before changing tire construction.
A conversion is easier to judge when the car’s actual setup is known rather than assumed. Look for aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or body repairs that may affect clearance, then compare the new tire’s dimensions and wheel requirements carefully so the radial choice supports the way the Magnette is driven and presented.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1955 MG Magnette?
The first decision is whether the car should stay with a 550-15 bias-ply tire or move to a 155R15 radial. That choice shapes the Magnette’s appearance, wheel-width requirements, and the range of products available, because the bias-ply side is very focused while the radial side includes several classic blackwall options.
After construction is settled, compare the tire series that exist within the correct size and verify the wheel itself. A car aimed at a traditional restoration may favor the visual character of bias-ply construction, while a road-driven Magnette may benefit from exploring the available radial lines without assuming that every 15-inch wheel is equally suitable.
What brands offer tires for the 1955 MG Magnette?
Tire choices for the 1955 MG Magnette include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, and Excelsior. The radial 155R15 size is available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while the 550-15 bias-ply option is represented by Excelsior.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It makes more sense to compare each brand within the proper tire size and construction, then look at the series offered, blackwall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility so the final choice suits the Magnette’s intended use and overall restoration direction.
What tire series are available for the 1955 MG Magnette?
The 1955 MG Magnette has a useful spread of tire series once the correct size is chosen. In 155R15 radial form, available series include Firestone F560 Radial, Michelin X, Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, Avon CR6ZZ, Vredestein Snow Classic, and Vredestein Sprint Classic, while 550-15 is offered in the Excelsior Bias Ply series.
Those series differences matter because they let the buyer narrow the search by intended character after construction is settled. Some owners will focus on maintaining a traditional saloon appearance, while others will compare classic radial lines more closely, always with attention to wheel-width compatibility and the actual setup on the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1955 MG Magnette?
A period-style 1955 MG Magnette usually starts with the 550-15 bias-ply size, because it preserves the older construction format and traditional visual character associated with a mid-1950s British saloon. The 155R15 radial can still suit a vintage presentation, but it shifts the car toward a classic Euro-metric radial look rather than a pure bias-ply setup.
The right answer depends on what kind of restoration is being pursued. If strict originality matters, it is worth checking marque references and period documentation for the specific car, while a balanced road-use restoration may justify a radial as long as the wheel width and overall presentation still make sense.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1955 MG Magnette?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1955 MG Magnette more than many owners expect. A 550-15 bias-ply keeps the car in a distinctly traditional format, while a 155R15 radial introduces a later-style metric presentation even though it remains appropriate to the car’s 15-inch wheel size.
Sidewall treatment is simple here because the available options are blackwall, so the biggest appearance difference comes from the tire’s overall format and stance. That is why many restoration-minded owners decide on construction first, then compare the available series to find a look that complements the Magnette without overstating modernization.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1955 MG Magnette?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1955 MG Magnette even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, and previous body repairs can all influence how a 550-15 bias-ply or 155R15 radial sits in the wheel opening and steers at low speed.
A modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match stock clearances. Check wheel width, inspect for rubbing marks at the fenders and steering components, and confirm there is enough clearance through the full steering range before settling on a tire, especially when changing from bias-ply construction to a radial alternative.
What should I inspect before driving a 1955 MG Magnette on new tires?
Before driving a 1955 MG Magnette on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion, confirm the tire beads seat properly, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It is also wise to examine the steering, suspension, and brake components on a low-use collector car before regular road miles begin.
The first short drive should be treated as a shakedown. Recheck air pressure, look for any signs of contact inside the wheelwell, and pay attention to vibration or pulling that may point to a wheel, alignment, or suspension issue rather than a problem with the tire itself.
How should tires on a collector 1955 MG Magnette be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1955 MG Magnette should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if the tread still looks good. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting from storage, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss all deserve attention because low annual mileage can hide tire deterioration.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use. Keeping the Magnette away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspection remains important whether the car wears 550-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials because both can age out before they wear out.
