1956 MG MGA Tires

The 1956 MG MGA uses two primary tire sizes on 15-inch rims: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Those are the core fitments for this car, and both sizes are associated with the covered MGA 1600 application.

The key choice is not simply size, but construction and presentation. A 560-15 keeps the car in a traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 155R15 moves to a Euro-metric radial. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been changed from stock-style equipment over the years.

The 1956 MG MGA uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 560-15 and 155R15. That shared rim diameter simplifies selection because the main distinction is tire construction rather than a change in wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify actual wheel width before changing tires. Several radial and bias-ply options for this MGA size range call for wheel widths in the 4- to 5.5-inch range, and a modified car may not still be wearing its original-style wheels.

560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 designation refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1956 MG MGA, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment format used on a 15-inch rim.

That older sizing system reads differently from a modern radial size, so it helps to separate size format from wheel fitment. Even though 560-15 and 155R15 both use a 15-inch rim, construction, profile, and appearance differ, making it important to choose based on the car’s setup and intended use.

On the 1956 MG MGA, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply format and is the traditional construction choice for owners who want the car to retain a more period-style tire appearance and casing style.

That matters because 560-15 should not be confused with 155R15, which is the radial fitment in this application. An MGA owner deciding between them should think about restoration goals, wheel width, and how closely the car will stay to a traditional setup before changing construction.

Two radial equivalents are available for 560-15. The first is 155R15, which is the 80-series metric radial equivalent. The second is 560R15, a bias-look radial equivalent that keeps a more traditional visual theme while using radial construction.

Those sizes are useful comparison points, but they are not automatic replacements without checking the car. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance around the fenders and steering components should be reviewed first, especially on an MGA that may have non-original wheels or suspension changes.

Both approaches are valid on a 1956 MG MGA, because the car is supported by 560-15 bias-ply tires and 155R15 radial tires. Bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional vintage format, while radial construction offers an alternative in the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

The better choice depends on what matters most for the car. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the visual character of a 560-15 bias-ply, while an owner planning regular road use may want to evaluate the 155R15 radial or a 560R15 bias-look radial after confirming wheel width and clearance.

Start with the correct 15-inch fitment and then decide whether the car should stay with 560-15 bias-ply tires or move to 155R15 radial tires. That single decision shapes the car’s appearance, available brands, sidewall treatments, and the overall character of the tire package.

Once construction is settled, compare practical details such as wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, load figures where stated, and the intended use of the car. A lightly driven restoration may point one direction, while an MGA that sees regular touring may point another, even though both use the same rim diameter.

Sidewall choice depends on which tire size you select. In 560-15 bias-ply form, the 1956 MG MGA is available with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments. In 155R15 radial form, the available options are blackwall tires.

That makes sidewall style an important appearance decision, especially for a car with a restoration focus. A blackwall keeps a restrained sporting look, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires create a stronger vintage visual statement. The right choice depends on how traditional or understated you want the finished MGA to appear.

The 1956 MG MGA has tire choices from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac across its supported 560-15 and 155R15 sizes. Brand availability varies by construction, with radial and bias-ply offerings serving different buyer goals.

Brand choice should come after confirming the correct size and construction for the car. Then it makes sense to compare each option by tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and intended character rather than assuming every brand offers the same type of MGA tire in the same format.

For a period-style 1956 MG MGA, 560-15 bias-ply tires are the natural starting point. That size keeps the car in its traditional numeric format and opens up appearance choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the visual direction of the restoration.

Exact originality can be more specific than size alone, so owners pursuing a historically precise result should compare brand, sidewall treatment, and overall presentation with marque references or period photos. A radial can still be considered, but it changes the construction story even when the rim diameter remains 15 inches.

Tire construction changes more than ride and road feel on a restored 1956 MG MGA; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 560-15 bias-ply gives the MGA a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R15 radial introduces a later-style tire format with blackwall-only choices here.

That difference is especially noticeable on a small British sports car where the tires are a visible part of the stance. Owners who want a radial without fully giving up the older look can also evaluate 560R15 as a bias-look radial, while still checking wheel width and overall fit before making the change.

Yes. Modifications can change how either 560-15 or 155R15 tires sit on a 1956 MG MGA, even though both sizes use a 15-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body adjustments can all affect clearance and the way a tire fits the car.

A modified MGA should be measured rather than assumed to match a stock-style setup. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and space around the fenders is especially important before moving from bias-ply to radial construction, because the size may be close while the installed tire shape and fitment can still differ.

Before putting a 1956 MG MGA back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire installation, then verify that the chosen size matches the car’s 15-inch wheel setup. It also helps to check that all four tires have proper clearance at straight-ahead and full-lock steering positions.

A collector car deserves a broader walk-around before its first drive. Look for rubbing marks, loose fasteners, uneven ride height, and any sign that old suspension or steering parts could affect the new tires. A short local test drive followed by a second inspection is a smart way to catch issues early.

Tires on a collector 1956 MG MGA should be checked regularly for pressure, cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss. Because many MGAs spend long periods parked, condition matters just as much as tread depth, especially when the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage habits make a real difference on low-use vintage cars. Keeping the MGA away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and periodic inspections remain important whether the car uses 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radial tires.