1957 Borgward Isabella Tires

A 1957 Borgward Isabella can use 165R13 or 590-13 on Base and TS models, while the SW uses 175R13 or 640-13. That means the Isabella does not have one universal tire size across every sub-model, even though all of the primary fitments share a 13-inch rim diameter.

The first step is identifying whether the car is a Base, SW, or TS. After that, the real choice is whether to stay with the vintage bias-ply fitment for a more traditional presentation or use the radial size associated with that same sub-model and then confirm wheel width and clearance before final selection.

The 1957 Borgward Isabella uses a 13-inch rim across all of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is wearing 590-13 or 640-13 bias-ply tires, or 165R13 or 175R13 radial tires, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even when the tire size changes by sub-model.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may have changed wheels over time. Measuring the actual wheel width still matters, because the available bias-ply and radial tires do not all share the same rim-width requirements, and that can affect both proper mounting and overall tire shape.

No. The 1957 Borgward Isabella Base and TS share the same size pair, using 590-13 in bias-ply form or 165R13 in radial form, while the SW uses the larger 640-13 bias-ply or 175R13 radial fitment. The sub-model changes the tire size even though the rim diameter remains 13 inches.

That difference matters because choosing by wheel diameter alone can still lead to the wrong tire. Owners of an SW should confirm that the car is not being matched to Base or TS sizing, and any Isabella with older wheels or previous tire changes deserves a quick check of actual wheel width before ordering replacements.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1957 Borgward Isabella, and it applies to the Base and TS models. Its radial equivalent path begins with 165R13, but 590-13 itself remains the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment rather than a radial construction size.

That distinction affects both appearance and selection. A car kept on 590-13 bias-ply tires will follow a more traditional period-style route, while a move toward a radial alternative should include a check of wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance so the change in sizing format does not create surprises on the car.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. Those options give the 1957 Borgward Isabella SW several radial paths without changing away from a 13-inch rim.

Each equivalent represents a different sizing convention and profile approach, so the choice is not just about construction. The recommended rim-width range for this equivalent family is 4 to 6 inches, and the final decision should still account for the actual wheel, available clearance, and the look you want the SW to carry.

Start by matching the radial option to the correct sub-model. Base and TS bias-ply 590-13 tires correspond to radial alternatives such as 165R13, while the SW’s 640-13 fitment corresponds to 175R13 and other listed radial equivalents, so the conversion path depends on the Isabella version you have.

After size selection, verify the wheel width and confirm that the tire’s overall package suits the car’s current setup. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and any non-original wheels deserve attention before changing construction, especially on an older vehicle that may have seen decades of maintenance or modification.

A 590-13 tire belongs on the 1957 Borgward Isabella Base or TS when you are staying with the primary bias-ply fitment. In this size, the available option uses bias-ply construction, a wide whitewall sidewall treatment, and a narrower rim-width specification than the radial alternatives tied to the same sub-models.

That makes the decision more about presentation and wheel compatibility than about sorting through many competing products. A buyer should confirm that the car is actually a Base or TS, check that the wheel width matches the tire’s intended range, and decide whether a restoration-oriented whitewall look is the goal.

The available sidewall styles for 1957 Borgward Isabella tires are blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear with the radial 165R13 offerings, while wide whitewall choices appear with the bias-ply 590-13 and 640-13 products, creating a clear visual split between the two construction paths.

That sidewall difference can shape the entire look of the car. A blackwall radial tends to give a cleaner, later-service appearance, while a wide whitewall bias-ply leans much more heavily into a period-style presentation, so the best choice depends on the sub-model, your wheel setup, and how authentic you want the finished stance to appear.

Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all offer tires for the 1957 Borgward Isabella within its primary fitment sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side with blackwall options, while BFGoodrich supplies the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply fitments with wide whitewall styling in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice only matters after the correct sub-model size is confirmed. Once that fitment question is settled, compare construction type, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility rather than assuming that any available brand is appropriate for every Isabella configuration or every restoration goal.

For a period-style 1957 Borgward Isabella, the primary bias-ply size tied to the correct sub-model is the natural starting point. Base and TS models use 590-13 in bias-ply form, while the SW uses 640-13, and the available examples in those sizes use wide whitewall sidewalls for a distinctly vintage presentation.

That does not automatically make a specific tire exact to how every Isabella originally left the factory. Buyers pursuing strict historical accuracy should pair the correct size and construction with marque-specific references, while those aiming for a restoration-oriented road look can focus first on proper sub-model fitment and sidewall style.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1957 Borgward Isabella almost as much as the size itself. The bias-ply options in 590-13 and 640-13 are paired with wide whitewalls and create a stronger vintage look, while the radial choices in 165R13 and 175R13 move the car toward a cleaner blackwall presentation.

That visual difference often guides the decision as much as road use. A restoration focused on traditional styling usually starts with the bias-ply path, while an owner who wants a later-service appearance may lean toward radials, provided the tire still matches the correct sub-model and wheel dimensions.

Yes. A 1957 Borgward Isabella may share a 13-inch rim diameter across its primary sizes, but modifications can still change whether a particular tire works well on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height alterations, or body repairs can all affect how a bias-ply or radial tire sits and clears.

That matters even more when moving between a vintage numeric bias-ply size and a radial equivalent. Checking the actual wheel dimensions, steering travel, and fender clearance before installation helps avoid a mismatch, especially on an older car that may no longer match the wheel and suspension setup it had decades ago.

Before driving a 1957 Borgward Isabella on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tire mounting itself, then confirm that the tires are inflated properly and seated correctly. It also helps to look over the steering and suspension for obvious looseness or wear, since an older chassis can hide issues that become noticeable once fresh tires are installed.

A short, careful shakedown drive is a smart next step. Listen for rubbing, confirm that the car tracks normally, and recheck pressure after the first miles, particularly if the Isabella has sat for long periods or recently changed from bias-ply to radial construction.

Tires on a collector 1957 Borgward Isabella should be checked regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire deterioration, and long storage periods can be especially hard on older collector-car tires.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use. Keeping the Isabella away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the sidewalls, and periodic inspections remain important whether the car wears its original-style bias-ply sizing or a later radial fitment.