1957 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires

The 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, and 590-13 bias-ply. The Base model can use either 155R13 or 560-13, while the Wagon uses 590-13, so the correct answer depends on the exact sub-model and whether the car is set up for radial or bias-ply construction.

A 13-inch wheel is common across these sizes, but that does not make them interchangeable across every 12M. The practical next step is confirming whether the car is a Base or Wagon and then checking the actual wheel width and current tire construction before choosing a replacement.

The tire fitments used on the 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the radial 155R13 size as well as the bias-ply 560-13 and 590-13 sizes, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions and widths differ.

Diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a smaller vintage car like the 12M. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing bias-ply products with radial alternatives, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel before mounting a new tire instead of relying only on the rim diameter.

No. The 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M Base and Wagon do not share one universal tire size. The Base can use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply, making sub-model identification an important part of choosing the correct replacement tire.

That difference affects more than the numbers on the sidewall. It changes the construction choices available, the sidewall styles you can consider, and the radial-equivalent path if you are starting from a bias-ply setup, so matching the tire to the exact version of the car should come first.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M. It is used on the Base model as a traditional numeric bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch rim, while 155R13 is the radial size associated with the same sub-model in this application.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and setup decisions. Anyone replacing 560-13 with another 560-13 can focus on sidewall style and brand, while anyone considering a radial alternative should confirm wheel width, overall fit, and the condition of the suspension and steering components first.

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. These are all radial alternatives associated with the 560-13 bias-ply size rather than additional primary fitments for every 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M.

Each option follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction but also about how the tire is proportioned within the available radial formats. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and actual clearance should still be checked before making the switch.

That depends on the sub-model and the goal for the car. The Base model can follow either a radial path with 155R13 or a bias-ply path with 560-13, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply with radial equivalents available if a conversion is being considered.

A bias-ply tire supports a more traditional period-style presentation, especially when whitewall appearance matters. A radial option may appeal more for road use, but the decision should include wheel-width confirmation, clearance around the body and suspension, and a realistic look at whether the car is being restored for authenticity or regular driving.

Start with the exact sub-model and primary size. A 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M Base can call for either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply, so the first choice is confirming the correct fitment before comparing brands or sidewall treatments.

Once the right size is confirmed, the decision shifts to construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility. A blackwall radial creates a different presentation than a narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tire, and the actual wheel width should be checked so the chosen product matches the car’s setup rather than only the nominal rim diameter.

Sidewall choices for the 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M include blackwall radial tires in 155R13, narrow whitewall bias-ply tires in 560-13, and wide whitewall bias-ply options in both 560-13 and 590-13. Those differences can change the entire visual character of the car even when the wheel diameter stays the same.

The most suitable style depends on whether the car is being kept more understated or given a stronger period-style presentation. Choosing the sidewall after the correct size is confirmed helps avoid selecting a look that only exists in a tire construction or fitment that does not suit the specific 12M sub-model.

The 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across its applicable sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply offerings.

Brand choice should come after confirming the correct size and construction for the car. Once that is settled, the meaningful comparisons are tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load-related details where stated, rather than assuming every brand offers the same look or the same fitment range within a 13-inch application.

For a period-style 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M, the most natural starting point is the correct primary size in bias-ply form where that fitment applies: 560-13 for the Base or 590-13 for the Wagon. Those sizes preserve the traditional numeric bias-ply presentation that many restoration-minded owners want on a car from this era.

The remaining decision usually comes down to sidewall appearance rather than size alone. Narrow and wide whitewall options create different visual impressions, and anyone chasing exact originality should compare the chosen look against marque references or historical photos before settling on a particular treatment.

Tire construction can noticeably change the look of a restored 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M. A bias-ply tire in 560-13 or 590-13 keeps a more traditional visual character, especially with whitewall styling, while the 155R13 radial option gives the Base model a more modern blackwall radial presentation.

That visual difference is often as important as the ride or handling change on a collector car. Owners restoring for period flavor often prefer the stance and sidewall treatment of a bias-ply tire, while owners emphasizing regular road use may accept a different look in exchange for a radial setup.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M even when the tire size itself is otherwise appropriate. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all affect how a 13-inch tire sits and clears the car.

That matters most when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions or when using a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size. The safest approach is to verify the actual wheel dimensions and inspect steering and fender clearance at full turn and full suspension movement before committing to a new tire.

Before driving a 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are seated properly, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also worth looking over the suspension and steering for looseness, since an older car can reveal worn components once fresh tires are installed.

A short initial road test is a smart final check. Watch for rubbing, pulling, vibration, or unusual steering feel, and recheck pressure after the first miles so the tires start their service life on a stable setup rather than masking an unrelated wheel or chassis problem.

Tires on a 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and close attention to aging. Collector vehicles often accumulate fewer miles than modern daily drivers, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, and general age can become more important than simple tread depth.

Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both radial and bias-ply tires, and occasional inspection of the spare and road tires together makes it easier to catch condition changes before a longer outing or seasonal return to service.