1956 Ford-Taunus 15M Tires

The 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply form and 155R13 in radial form. Both are 13-inch fitments, but they represent different construction types and different sizing systems, so they should not be treated as the same tire just because the wheel diameter matches.

The practical choice is deciding whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup or using a radial configuration. Wheel width, tire proportions, and clearance should all be confirmed before selecting one path, especially if the car has been changed over the years or is no longer on its original-style wheels.

The tire fitments used on a 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, so the basic wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire construction and sizing format differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Bias-ply and radial products can call for different wheel-width ranges, so it is smart to confirm the actual width of the wheel before choosing a tire. That matters even more if the car has replacement wheels or has been converted from one tire type to another.

Yes. The 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M Base uses the same two fitment paths found on this model: 560-13 as a bias-ply size and 155R13 as a radial size. The distinction is not a separate sub-model size change, but a choice between vintage bias-ply and radial construction on 13-inch wheels.

That means the real decision is how the car is equipped today and what result the owner wants. A period-style restoration may lean toward the 560-13, while a radial-equipped driver may stay with 155R13. Checking wheel width and overall clearance remains important before finalizing either size.

On a 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system, with the leading number representing an approximate nominal section width and the final number indicating the 13-inch rim diameter.

That matters because a bias-ply tire influences both appearance and setup. The available 560-13 choices also bring whitewall styling into the decision, which can be a major factor on a restoration-oriented car. Before changing away from it, confirm the wheel width and compare the intended replacement against the car’s actual clearance.

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. These are recognized radial alternatives to the original bias-ply size, and they keep the fitment within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention and profile family, so the decision is more involved than matching rim diameter alone. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is relevant to the conversion, and the chosen size should be checked against the wheel, the car’s stance, and available clearance before making the switch.

A conversion from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial alternative starts with confirming the wheel itself. Rim diameter remains 13 inches, but wheel width should be checked carefully, especially since the radial-equivalent path for 560-13 references a 4- to 5-inch rim-width range.

The next step is comparing the intended radial size with the car’s actual setup. Steering clearance, fender space, suspension condition, and any aftermarket wheel changes can affect the result. A radial can be a useful alternative, but the car should be evaluated as it sits rather than assuming every equivalent will behave the same way.

Start with the two big decisions: correct size and construction. A 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M can be equipped with 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radial tires, and that choice affects the car’s appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and the type of product range available in each size.

After that, compare the details that matter to your goal for the car. Bias-ply products bring whitewall styling and a more vintage presentation, while the radial options are blackwall products from Michelin and Dunlop. Matching the tire to the wheel setup and how the car will actually be used usually leads to the best decision.

The sidewall styles available for the 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M depend on the tire size and construction you choose. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply size is offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That makes sidewall style part of the broader appearance decision, not just a cosmetic extra. A blackwall radial gives the car a simpler, more understated presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply choices move it toward a more traditional period-style look. The right choice depends on whether road use or restoration character is taking priority.

Tires for the 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone provide 560-13 bias-ply options in classic whitewall styles.

Brand matters mainly because it often lines up with construction, series, and appearance. A shopper comparing these options should look first at the correct size, then at whether the car needs a radial or bias-ply tire, and finally at the sidewall presentation and wheel-width requirements that best match the vehicle’s setup and purpose.

For a period-style 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and opens the door to traditional whitewall presentation. That route aligns more closely with the look many owners want on a mid-1950s European restoration.

Appearance goals still need to be balanced against the car’s actual wheel setup and intended use. A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall can create very different visual results, and exact originality should be checked against marque references or period photos if the project is aiming for a highly precise restoration standard.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional vintage style, while a 155R13 radial brings a later-looking sizing format and is offered here in blackwall form only.

That difference makes construction part of the restoration decision, not just the driving decision. Owners pursuing a more authentic 1950s presentation often focus on the bias-ply path, while owners who value radial operation may accept a different look. The right answer depends on whether visual period character or modern road use takes priority.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M even when the nominal size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can all influence how either a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sits and clears the car.

A modified car should be checked as an individual setup. Measure the actual wheel width, confirm rim diameter, and inspect steering and fender clearance at full movement before settling on a tire. Those checks are especially important when converting from bias-ply to radial, since the construction change can alter how the tire works with the vehicle.

Before driving a 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Make sure the tire size matches the intended setup, the bead seats are clean, and the tires are inflated appropriately for the product and wheel being used.

A short, careful road check is a smart next step. Watch for rubbing during turns, listen for contact over bumps, and recheck air pressure after the first few outings. On a collector vehicle that may have sat for long periods, this basic inspection matters just as much as choosing the correct size in the first place.

Collector-car tires on a 1956 Ford-Taunus 15M should be inspected regularly even if the car is driven only occasionally. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, and pay attention to age-related deterioration that can develop long before the tread appears worn out.

Storage habits also matter. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and maintain proper inflation during longer periods of inactivity. A vintage car can cover very few miles and still need tire attention, so condition checks should be routine rather than waiting for visible tread wear.