1956 Opel Olympia Tires

The 1956 Opel Olympia is associated with two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter, so the decision is not about changing wheel diameter as much as choosing the construction and tire style that suit the car and its intended use.

That distinction matters because a numeric bias-ply tire and a Euro-metric radial do not present the same way on the car, even though they share the same rim diameter. Before choosing one, confirm the wheel width on the vehicle and decide whether the priority is a more traditional mid-1950s appearance, a radial-style setup, or a balance between the two.

The tire fitments associated with the 1956 Opel Olympia use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, which keeps the buyer focused on construction type, tire proportions, and wheel-width suitability rather than sorting through multiple rim diameters.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to verify the actual wheels on the car. A collector Opel may have replacement wheels or later modifications, and wheel width can affect whether a bias-ply or radial choice is appropriate for the tire being considered.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 indicates an approximate nominal section width of 5.60 inches, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1956 Opel Olympia, that size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment format rather than the later metric radial sizing convention.

Understanding that format helps when comparing period-style tires to radial alternatives. A 560-13 tire is not described the same way as a 155R13, even though both relate to 13-inch wheels. Owners considering a change should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and the desired visual character before moving away from the original-style numeric sizing.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1956 Opel Olympia. It uses the older numeric sizing format commonly seen on mid-1950s vehicles, and the available tires in this size are offered in bias-ply construction with traditional whitewall treatments that suit a period-style presentation.

That matters because a bias-ply tire changes both the look and the setup choices compared with a radial. Owners staying with 560-13 should confirm that wheel width matches the tire being considered, while anyone moving away from bias-ply should compare dimensions carefully and make sure steering and fender clearance remain appropriate.

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 sizes give the 1956 Opel Olympia owner several radial-format alternatives tied to the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment path.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic interchange. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalent path is 4 to 5 inches, and the actual choice should be checked against the wheel on the car, the available clearance, and the overall look the owner wants to preserve.

A conversion from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial alternative starts with confirming the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car. For the 1956 Opel Olympia, the relevant radial alternatives tied to 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent path carries a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

Wheel compatibility is only the first check. The next step is comparing the new tire's dimensions to the car's available space at the fender, suspension, and steering angles, especially if the Opel no longer has stock wheels or stock ride height. That extra verification helps avoid clearance and appearance surprises after the change.

Choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1956 Opel Olympia starts with confirming that the car is staying with its bias-ply fitment path. In this size, the main differences come from brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability, with options that include BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires in restoration-oriented whitewall styles.

Once size and construction are settled, the next question is how the car should look and be used. A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall create very different visual effects on a mid-1950s Opel, and wheel-width range should still be checked so the selected tire matches the wheel as well as the intended appearance.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for the 1956 Opel Olympia. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That creates a clear visual split between the radial and bias-ply fitment paths.

For many owners, sidewall style is as important as size because it strongly influences the car's finished stance and period feel. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner later-style appearance, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean more toward a traditional mid-1950s presentation. The better choice depends on restoration goals, not just dimensions.

Tires for the 1956 Opel Olympia are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, so brand choice is tied closely to the size and construction you plan to run.

That means brand should be considered after the correct fitment path is established, not before. Once the owner decides between radial and bias-ply construction, the available series and sidewall styles become easier to compare. It is also worth checking rim-width compatibility, since some choices in these sizes are intended for narrower wheels than others.

For a period-style 1956 Opel Olympia, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and offers traditional whitewall treatments. BFGoodrich and Firestone options in this size give the owner a choice of narrow whitewall or wide whitewall presentation within a bias-ply construction.

The best appearance depends on how the car is being restored and which look matches its trim, stance, and intended era feel. Anyone pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare the chosen sidewall style against marque references or period images, since a tire can be restoration-oriented without automatically being the precise factory-delivered presentation.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1956 Opel Olympia; it also changes the car's visual character. A 560-13 bias-ply tire carries the older numeric size format and is available with whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial uses a later metric format and appears here as a blackwall tire.

That difference can alter how authentic or updated the finished car looks at a glance. Owners who want a more traditional mid-1950s presentation often focus on the bias-ply side of the fitment, while those prioritizing a radial setup may accept a more modern visual impression. The right answer depends on the restoration brief for the car.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Opel Olympia even when the nominal size appears correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can all influence how either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial sits and moves through its operating range.

That is why an Opel with replacement wheels should always be checked as an actual car, not just by the catalog size. Measure the wheel, inspect clearance at full steering lock, and look for signs of rubbing near the fenders or suspension. Those checks become especially important when converting between bias-ply and radial construction.

Before driving a 1956 Opel Olympia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, verify that the tires seat properly, and confirm that there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation pressure before the car returns to regular road use.

A short test drive should be treated as a follow-up inspection rather than the final step. Recheck pressure, look for any fresh rub marks, and pay attention to how the car tracks and steers. On a collector vehicle, those early checks can catch mounting or clearance issues before they become visible wear or damage.

560-13 tires on a collector 1956 Opel Olympia should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires deserve close attention for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, tread condition, and any signs of air loss, especially on a car that spends long periods parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a lightly used classic. Keeping the Opel away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. Routine inspection before each outing is wise, since collector-car tires can age significantly even when they have relatively little road wear.