1956 Metropolitan 1500 Tires

The 1956 Metropolitan 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes for 13-inch wheels, so the fitment question is not radial versus bias-ply at the factory-style level, but which of those two bias-ply sizes belongs on the car you are working with.

That distinction matters because 520-13 and 560-13 do not represent the same tire width, and each size opens the door to different brand and sidewall choices. A good starting point is to verify the size currently on the car, confirm wheel width, and look for any prior wheel or suspension changes before selecting replacement tires.

The primary tire fitments for the 1956 Metropolitan 1500 are built around a 13-inch rim. Both 520-13 and 560-13 share that wheel diameter, which keeps the basic rim-size question straightforward even though the car can use more than one tire size.

Wheel diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still worth confirming the actual wheel width before ordering tires. Some 520-13 products are associated with narrower rim widths than certain 560-13 products, and an older collector car may have replacement wheels that differ from its earlier setup.

The 1956 Metropolitan 1500 Base is associated with both 520-13 and 560-13, so there is not just one single primary size tied to that sub-model. Both sizes are bias-ply fitments for 13-inch rims, which means the Base can appear with either one depending on its actual setup.

That makes visual confirmation especially important before choosing a replacement tire. Looking at the tire sidewall already on the car, measuring wheel width, and checking for prior changes will help narrow the choice, especially if the goal is to keep the car's existing stance or preserve a particular restoration-oriented appearance.

A 520-13 on a 1956 Metropolitan 1500 is a bias-ply tire in its primary vehicle fitment form. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format, and the available products in this size are traditional bias-ply offerings rather than radial tires sold under the same primary size code.

That matters because choosing a 520-13 bias-ply replacement keeps you within the original-style construction family for this fitment. Buyers considering a move away from bias-ply should compare the available radial-equivalent sizes separately and check wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance instead of assuming a modern radial will mirror the bias-ply tire exactly.

Both 520-13 and 560-13 share the same radial-equivalent choices: 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. A bias-look radial equivalent is not part of the available equivalent set for either primary size.

Those radial options give a buyer several ways to compare modern sizing formats while staying with a 13-inch wheel. The recommended rim-width range is 4-5 inches, and the final decision should still account for wheel width, tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance before changing from the original-style bias-ply setup.

Start by confirming which primary tire size the car uses now, then compare that size to the available radial equivalents for the same fitment family. For the 1956 Metropolitan 1500, the relevant radial alternatives are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range.

Beyond size matching, inspect the actual wheel width, look for enough clearance at full steering lock, and take note of any suspension or wheel changes made over the years. A Metropolitan that has been altered from stock can respond differently to a radial conversion, so dimensions and wheel compatibility deserve more attention than the size code alone.

The first priority is selecting the correct primary size for the car, since the 1956 Metropolitan 1500 can use either 520-13 or 560-13. Once the size is confirmed, the next decisions are construction style, sidewall appearance, brand, and whether the car's wheel width matches the requirements of the tire being considered.

That means a restoration-minded buyer may focus on a traditional bias-ply look, while a road-use buyer may also compare radial-equivalent sizing. Product differences such as narrow versus wide whitewall, classic versus lowrider-oriented series, and load figures tied to inflation pressure can all influence which tire makes the most sense for the car.

Tires for the 1956 Metropolitan 1500 are available in several sidewall treatments, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear across the 520-13 and 560-13 bias-ply sizes, although the exact sidewall options vary somewhat depending on the size and brand selected.

Sidewall style has a major effect on the finished look of a small 1950s car, so it is often one of the biggest visual decisions on the page. A blackwall can keep the presentation restrained, while narrow or wide whitewalls move the car toward a more restoration-oriented or custom-influenced appearance without changing the basic wheel diameter.

The 1956 Metropolitan 1500 has tire options from Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich across its two primary bias-ply sizes. Brand availability depends on the exact size being selected, with some choices appearing only in 520-13 and others only in 560-13.

Brand should be considered alongside the tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specification rather than treated as the only deciding factor. A buyer comparing these options will usually get the clearest answer by narrowing the search to the correct size first, then choosing the brand and presentation that best suit the car's intended use.

A period-style 1956 Metropolitan 1500 usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size already associated with the car, either 520-13 or 560-13. Staying within those vintage numeric bias-ply fitments preserves the traditional sizing language and sidewall character that suit a mid-1950s compact car.

The appearance decision then becomes more specific: blackwall for a simpler presentation, narrow whitewall for a modest dress-up effect, or wide whitewall for a stronger visual statement. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation before settling on a particular sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1956 Metropolitan 1500; it also changes the car's visual impression. A bias-ply tire keeps the vehicle within its original construction family, while a radial-equivalent option can alter the way the tire presents on the wheel even when the rim diameter remains 13 inches.

That is why many restoration-oriented owners decide on appearance first and then work backward toward construction. A buyer who values a traditional look may stay with a bias-ply tire and choose the preferred whitewall treatment, while someone prioritizing modern sizing alternatives should compare the radial-equivalent dimensions carefully before making the switch.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Metropolitan 1500 even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height adjustments, or body repairs can influence how well a 520-13, 560-13, or radial-equivalent tire works on the car.

A collector car that has changed hands several times may no longer match its earlier setup, so fitment should be verified on the vehicle itself. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and space near the fenders and suspension is especially important before moving from one primary size to the other or considering a radial alternative.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the new tires seat evenly and clear the body and suspension through the steering range. It is also smart to look over the wheel hardware, valve stems, and the general condition of the car's steering and suspension components.

A freshly mounted tire can still reveal clearance or setup issues once the car is on the ground and rolling. A short, careful test drive followed by another visual inspection helps catch rubbing, uneven stance, or air loss early, which is particularly valuable on an older Metropolitan that may have seen long storage or previous repairs.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread wear. On a 1956 Metropolitan 1500, that means watching the 520-13 or 560-13 tires for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a lightly used car. Keeping the Metropolitan away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires between drives, and an inspection before each outing is a smart habit when the car spends long stretches parked.