1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 Tires

The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 6.70-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, and both apply to the covered 220 A & S configuration rather than being separated by different sub-model fitments.

That means the real choice is less about finding a hidden third size and more about choosing the construction and appearance that suit the car. A bias-ply tire preserves a more traditional period-style look, while a radial keeps the car in a later metric-style sizing format. Before choosing, confirm the wheels on the car are still 13-inch wheels and have not been changed during past restoration or maintenance work.

The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The 175R13 radial and the 6.70-13 bias-ply are both built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the sizing systems differ.

Wheel diameter is only the first check, especially on an older car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It is also worth verifying actual wheel width, checking for non-original replacement wheels, and making sure the tire choice matches the car’s stance and clearance. A tire can share the correct rim diameter yet still deserve a careful review before installation and road use.

Yes. The covered 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 A & S uses the same two tire-size choices: 175R13 in radial construction and 6.70-13 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate size split here that forces one version of the 220 A & S onto a different wheel diameter or a unique primary fitment.

That consistency simplifies shopping, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. Many collector vehicles have been converted to different wheels or tire constructions at some point in their lives. Checking the tire currently on the car, measuring the wheel diameter, and confirming overall clearance will help keep a replacement decision centered on the actual setup rather than assumptions about what should still be there.

6.70-13 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the first number expresses nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter used by the car.

Choosing 6.70-13 generally centers on preserving a traditional mid-1950s tire appearance and staying with the construction style associated with many collector restorations. A buyer considering this size should still confirm the car is running the intended 13-inch wheels and should inspect suspension, steering clearance, and tire condition carefully. Construction choice affects the car’s presentation, so it is worth deciding that point before comparing individual replacement options.

175R13 is the radial tire size used on the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. In that size, 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R marks radial construction, and 13 identifies the rim diameter, so it keeps the car on a 13-inch wheel while using a later-style metric radial format.

That makes 175R13 the choice to evaluate if the car already runs radial tires or if the owner prefers to stay in a radial sizing system. It is still important to check the actual wheel width and the clearances around fenders and steering components before treating any tire change as routine. Older cars often differ from their original wheel setup after decades of use, service, and restoration work.

A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 can be approached either with the 6.70-13 bias-ply size or the 175R13 radial size, since both are primary fitments for this model. The choice usually comes down to whether the owner values a more traditional period-style tire presentation or prefers a radial-format setup on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

A bias-ply selection often suits restoration-focused goals, while a radial choice may better match a car that sees more regular road miles. Either way, the decision should include a close look at the actual wheels, tire age, and available clearance around the chassis and body. Matching construction across all four corners is also worth considering so the car retains a consistent stance and response.

Start with the two correct primary sizes for the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220: 175R13 radial and 6.70-13 bias-ply. From there, the main decision is construction, since both sizes use a 13-inch rim but represent different eras of tire design and a different visual character on the car.

A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward the traditional look of the numeric bias-ply size, while a driver-focused owner may prefer to keep the car on the radial size it already uses. It also helps to inspect the wheel setup already on the car, since collector vehicles are often changed over time. Correct diameter alone is not enough if wheel width or body clearance has been altered.

Choose between 175R13 and 6.70-13 by deciding whether your 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 should stay in radial construction or return to a numeric bias-ply format. Both belong on 13-inch rims, but they reflect different sizing systems and can change the overall character and presentation of the car.

That decision usually starts with how the Mercedes will be used and how original-looking you want it to appear. A car aimed at period-style presentation often points buyers toward bias-ply, while a car already set up around radial use may lead them to stay with 175R13. Once construction is settled, verify the wheels, inspect clearances, and compare the actual condition of the suspension and steering before finalizing the tire choice.

The first rim-fitment detail is diameter, and the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses a 13-inch rim with both 175R13 and 6.70-13 tires. After that, wheel width becomes important, especially on a collector car that may no longer wear its original wheels or may have been converted between bias-ply and radial construction.

Looking at the car itself matters because visual assumptions can be misleading on older Mercedes sedans. Confirm the wheels match from corner to corner, inspect for rubbing marks, and make sure the tire choice leaves room during steering and suspension movement. A careful check of wheel condition is also smart before mounting fresh tires, since age, corrosion, or previous repairs can affect how confidently the tire and wheel work together.

For a period-style 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220, the 6.70-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it uses the vintage numeric format and bias-ply construction associated with the era. That combination tends to suit owners who want the car to retain a more traditional mid-1950s visual presentation.

A restoration choice still benefits from checking the car’s actual wheels and understanding how the vehicle will be used. Some cars have been converted to radial tires long ago, while others remain closer to their earlier setup. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is worth comparing your car against marque references, restoration records, or historical documentation before settling on construction and overall appearance.

Tire construction changes more than driving feel on a restored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220; it also changes how the car reads visually. A 6.70-13 bias-ply keeps the older numeric sizing language and a more traditional collector-car presentation, while a 175R13 radial introduces a later Euro-metric radial format on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That difference matters because tires occupy a large part of the car’s stance and side profile. Buyers restoring for broad period character often start with the bias-ply size, while those prioritizing regular driving may accept the radial look more readily. The important thing is to choose intentionally rather than mixing appearances from different tire types without considering how the finished car will sit and present itself.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 even when the intended tire size is correct on paper. Changes to wheels, suspension height, springs, alignment, or body clearances can alter how a 175R13 or 6.70-13 tire sits within the fender opening and how much room it has during steering movement.

That is especially relevant on older cars that have passed through several owners and repair eras. A buyer should check the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and any signs of rubbing before assuming the current setup remains standard. Looking at steering travel, suspension condition, and the relationship between tire and bodywork will give a clearer picture than relying only on the nominal size molded into the sidewall.

Before driving a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tires match the intended 13-inch rim setup, and make sure inflation is set correctly for the chosen tire. It is also smart to check that the tires clear the fenders and steering components through their normal range of movement.

A collector-era Mercedes also deserves a broader roadworthiness review before the first drive. Examine suspension bushings, steering response, brake condition, and any signs of fluid leaks that could affect safe operation. Fresh tires can reveal problems that old tires were masking, so a cautious shakedown drive and a second inspection afterward can help catch rubbing, settling, or pressure changes before regular use begins.

Tires on a collector 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 should be inspected regularly for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Both the 175R13 radial and the 6.70-13 bias-ply deserve routine pressure checks and visual inspection because low annual mileage does not prevent tires from aging.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a car of this age. Keeping the Mercedes away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically and check the tread and sidewalls before each outing, since long stationary periods can hide developing condition issues until the car returns to the road.