1956 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires

The 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with this exact model and both use a 13-inch rim, so the main distinction is construction type and tire format rather than wheel diameter alone.

Choosing between them starts with the actual setup of the car. A restoration-minded car may stay with 560-13 for its traditional appearance, while a car already configured for radial use may use 155R13. Confirm the wheel width and inspect the current wheel-and-tire package before selecting a size, especially if the car has been changed from its earlier configuration.

The 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is running the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. The available tires also show different rim-width ranges, which matters when comparing a narrow bias-ply fitment to a radial alternative. Measuring the wheel that is actually on the car helps prevent mismatches, particularly on older vehicles that may have replacement wheels installed during past service or restoration work.

Yes. The 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M Base follows the same tire-fitment pattern as the model overall, using either 560-13 in bias-ply form or 155R13 in radial form. The sub-model does not introduce a separate rim diameter or a different tire family within the covered fitment.

That makes the next step less about trim level and more about the car's present wheel and tire setup. A Base model on traditional whitewall bias-ply tires calls for a different selection approach than one already using blackwall radials. Looking at the existing tires, measuring the wheels, and checking for past conversions will narrow the choice quickly.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M. It uses the older numeric sizing format, where the width designation appears before the dash and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter. That makes it the traditional tire-construction choice associated with this model.

Bias-ply construction matters for both look and setup. The available 560-13 tires include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, which strongly influence the car's period-style presentation. Before staying with this size, check that the wheels match the narrower rim-width requirements seen in the available bias-ply offerings and confirm the current tires have not already been replaced with a radial conversion.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 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. Those are the recognized radial alternatives tied to the 560-13 size for the 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M.

These equivalents are useful comparison points, but they are not automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalent group is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width should be confirmed first. It is also smart to compare the car's current clearance at the fenders and steering components before choosing among the metric and P-metric radial alternatives.

A 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M moving from 560-13 bias-ply tires to a radial alternative should have the wheel diameter, wheel width, and intended radial size checked first. The recognized radial-equivalent path includes 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, so the conversion starts with confirming which of those sizes best suits the existing wheel setup.

Clearance should be inspected at the fenders, steering range, and suspension, especially on a car that may have had wheel or suspension changes over the years. It also helps to inspect the condition of the wheels themselves before mounting radials. A careful size-and-wheel review matters more here than simply matching the 13-inch rim diameter.

Start with the car's actual tire-size path: 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial. That decision affects more than fitment, because it also determines the tire's visual character, the brands available, and the wheel-width range that may be appropriate for the tire being considered.

A period-style restoration often points toward the whitewall bias-ply choices, while a car already using radial construction may be better matched to the blackwall 155R13 options. Compare size, construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel compatibility together rather than treating them as separate decisions. That approach keeps appearance and fitment aligned.

The available sidewall styles for the 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M include blackwall in the 155R13 radial size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Sidewall treatment is one of the biggest visual differences between the tire choices offered for this car.

That makes sidewall style an appearance decision as much as a tire decision. Blackwall radials suit a cleaner, later-style presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls push the car toward a more traditional restored look. Choose the sidewall only after confirming the correct size and construction, since the desired appearance has to work with the wheel and tire format actually being used.

Tires for the 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial size, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply fitment with whitewall styling options.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside construction type, sidewall appearance, and tire series rather than treated as a stand-alone decision. A buyer comparing Michelin XAS-FF or SP Sport Aquajet radials is making a different type of choice than someone comparing Silvertown Classic Bias Ply or Firestone Classic Bias Ply whitewalls. The correct size and visual direction should lead the selection.

For a period-style 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and supports traditional whitewall presentation. Available options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, which let the car keep a more vintage visual character.

The exact appearance choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what visual era the owner wants to emphasize. When originality matters down to sidewall treatment, marque references and historical photos are worth consulting before choosing between narrow and wide whitewall versions. That helps align the tire's look with the rest of the car's finish and trim.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the older sizing language and supports whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial introduces a more modern metric format and is available here as a blackwall tire.

That difference can shift the car from a traditional restoration-oriented presentation to a later, more updated road-use look. Construction should be chosen with the whole build in mind, including wheel style, ride height, and trim. Even when both sizes fit 13-inch rims, the tire's profile language and sidewall treatment affect authenticity cues at a glance.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M even when the tire still matches the basic 13-inch rim diameter. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, steering components, or body clearance can all influence how either a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial setup sits on the car.

That is especially important on older vehicles that may have seen decades of repairs or upgrades. A car with aftermarket wheels or altered suspension should be measured rather than assumed to match stock conditions. Checking wheel dimensions and looking for clearance at full steering lock can prevent problems before a new tire is mounted.

Before driving a 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the tire's seated fit on the rim. It also helps to confirm that the chosen size matches the car's intended setup, whether that means 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial construction.

A short inspection around the car should also include steering clearance, visible fender clearance, and a look at the suspension for worn or loose components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the tire being used, and the first drive should be calm enough to catch rubbing, vibration, or pull early. That approach is especially smart on a collector vehicle returning to regular road use.

Tires on a collector 1956 Ford-Taunus 12M should be checked regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use collector cars often age their tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage, so visual inspection matters as much as tread depth.

Storage practices also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, whether it wears blackwall radials or whitewall bias-ply tires. Periodic movement of the vehicle and a careful inspection before each longer drive help catch issues early, especially after seasonal storage or long periods parked indoors.