1956 Ford Anglia Tires

The 1956 Ford Anglia uses two tire sizes: 520-13 in a bias-ply construction and 145R13 in a radial construction. Both sizes are built for 13-inch wheels, so the main fitment distinction is not wheel diameter but the tire construction and sizing system you want to use on the car.

That choice matters because a bias-ply 520-13 gives the Anglia a more traditional vintage presentation, while 145R13 follows a radial format. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the current setup has not been altered with different wheels or suspension changes over the years.

The tire fitments used on the 1956 Ford Anglia are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 520-13 bias-ply size and the 145R13 radial size share that same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter simple even though the construction options differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so it is worth checking the wheel width as well before choosing a tire. Some available 145R13 and 520-13 products include specific rim-width guidance, and that can affect whether a radial conversion or a different bias-ply style makes sense for the car.

The 1956 Ford Anglia Base follows the same fitment pattern as the model core, using either 145R13 radial tires or 520-13 bias-ply tires. There is no separate sub-model tire-size split here, so the decision stays focused on construction type and the exact tire style you want.

That makes the buying process more straightforward, but the present wheel and vehicle setup should still be confirmed first. An Anglia that has remained close to original may favor a period-style 520-13, while a car already running radial-format tires may be better evaluated around the 145R13 option.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1956 Ford Anglia. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and is available in traditional bias-ply form, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions that suit owners aiming for a more period-style presentation.

Keeping the car on 520-13 maintains the original-style sizing language, but it is still important to match the tire to the wheel and the way the Anglia is used. A collector car focused on appearance may stay with bias-ply, while a driver-oriented setup may prompt a closer look at the available radial alternatives.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent three different radial sizing approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all intended as comparison points for the original 520-13 fitment.

The equivalent range carries a recommended rim-width span of 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel measurement an important part of the decision. Clearance around the fenders and suspension should also be reviewed carefully, since an equivalent size can be a useful alternative without being an automatic one-size-fits-all substitution.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the current 520-13 setup. For the 1956 Ford Anglia, radial alternatives tied to 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent rim-width guidance is 4 to 5 inches.

Construction changes can alter the overall feel of a small vintage car, so the rest of the setup deserves attention too. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the car's current ride height should all be checked before making the switch, especially if the Anglia has been modified at some point in its life.

Choosing a 520-13 tire for a 1956 Ford Anglia starts with deciding how traditional you want the car to look and feel. This size is available in bias-ply form from Firestone and Premium Sport, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations depending on the tire series selected.

Once the appearance is narrowed down, compare wheel-width suitability and any available load specifications on the individual tires. Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Premium Sport Lowrider options serve different style goals, so the best match depends on whether the Anglia is being restored for period character, display use, or occasional road driving.

Sidewall choices for the 1956 Ford Anglia include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The 145R13 radial offerings are blackwall tires, while the 520-13 bias-ply range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and a wider whitewall treatment for owners who want a stronger vintage visual statement.

That makes sidewall choice an important part of how the finished car presents, especially on a compact body like the Anglia. A blackwall usually gives a simpler utilitarian look, while whitewalls push the appearance toward a more styled period impression without changing the need to match the tire to the wheel properly.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tire choices for the 1956 Ford Anglia. Michelin and Firestone cover the 145R13 radial size with blackwall options, while Firestone and Premium Sport supply the 520-13 bias-ply size in several sidewall treatments and vintage-style tire series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and the look you want the car to carry. A buyer comparing these options should focus on whether the goal is radial road use, a traditional bias-ply presentation, or a whitewall treatment that complements a restoration-oriented Anglia without assuming every style suits every build.

A period-style 1956 Ford Anglia usually starts with the 520-13 bias-ply size because it preserves the vintage numeric format and traditional construction associated with small cars of the era. That size is available in blackwall as well as narrow and wide whitewall versions, giving some room to shape the finished appearance.

The right choice within that size depends on how restrained or decorative you want the car to look. For an authenticity-focused restoration, it is smart to compare the planned tire style with period photos, marque-club guidance, or surviving examples rather than assuming every whitewall or blackwall presentation was used the same way.

Tire construction changes more than driving feel on a restored 1956 Ford Anglia; it also affects the visual character of the car. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style sizing format and is offered here in blackwall radial form.

That difference becomes noticeable on a compact car where tire shape and sidewall treatment play a large role in the finished stance. Owners restoring an Anglia for period flavor often begin with the bias-ply option, while those prioritizing regular road use may accept the radial appearance as part of a practical compromise.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Ford Anglia even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearances can all influence whether a 520-13 or 145R13 setup works cleanly on the car.

That is especially important on older collector cars, where decades of repairs and upgrades may have changed the setup from original form. A careful check of steering clearance, fender space, and the actual wheel dimensions is worthwhile before settling on either the bias-ply size or a radial-format alternative.

Before driving a 1956 Ford Anglia on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the chosen tire, and the car should be checked for obvious rubbing, uneven stance, or signs of alignment issues.

A short test drive followed by another visual inspection is a smart step on any vintage vehicle. Watching for sidewall contact, unusual wear, air loss, or steering pull helps catch setup problems early, particularly if the Anglia is moving from an older bias-ply arrangement to a radial tire.

Tires on a collector 1956 Ford Anglia should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage alone, so visual checks matter as much as tread depth.

Good storage habits help preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. Keeping the Anglia away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources, while maintaining proper inflation and moving the car periodically, can reduce flat spotting and help the tires remain roadworthy between outings.