1957 Ford-Taunus 15M Tires

The 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M 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, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction type matches the car's current setup and intended use.

A bias-ply 560-13 suits owners who want a more traditional period-style appearance, especially with whitewall choices. A 155R13 radial keeps the same rim diameter while moving into a Euro-metric radial format, so checking wheel width and the actual wheels on the car is important before choosing between the two.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment and the 155R13 radial fitment, which means the diameter remains consistent even though the sizing systems and tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a small vintage car like this. Wheel width still matters, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial choices, so it is worth measuring the wheel already on the car and comparing it with the intended tire's approved rim-width range before making a final selection.

The 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M Base follows the same fitment pattern shown on this page, with both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial tire options tied to the model. That means the sub-model itself does not create a separate wheel-diameter decision within this covered fitment.

The practical choice for a Base model owner is deciding which construction belongs on the car now. A car still using narrow wheels and aiming for a restoration-oriented look may lean toward 560-13, while a car already set up for radial use should have its wheel width and general clearance checked before settling on 155R13.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M. It is the traditional numeric format associated with older fitments, and the available options in this size are bias-ply tires rather than radials.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the look and the setup of the car. Owners considering a move away from 560-13 should compare the wheel width already on the vehicle and review the available radial-equivalent sizes instead of assuming any radial in the same rim diameter will behave or fit the same way.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial. These all keep the 13-inch rim diameter while offering different sizing conventions within the radial category.

A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with those equivalents, which makes wheel width an important checkpoint before conversion. It is also wise to compare the car's actual wheel and body setup, since an equivalent size is a useful alternative path rather than an automatic interchange for every 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare that wheel with the radial size being considered. For a 560-13 conversion path, 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 are the relevant radial-equivalent sizes, and the associated rim-width range shown for those equivalents is 4-5 inches.

Tire age and wheel condition deserve attention on a vintage Taunus, especially if the car has sat for long periods. Clearance at the fenders and steering should also be checked carefully, since a radial-equivalent option should be evaluated against the actual vehicle setup rather than treated as a guaranteed one-step swap.

The first consideration is whether the car is meant to stay in a traditional bias-ply configuration. In 560-13, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specification, with BFGoodrich and Firestone options available in whitewall bias-ply designs.

Appearance often drives the final choice in this size, especially when deciding between narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Wheel width should be confirmed before selecting a specific tire, and it also helps to think about how the car will be used, since a touring-focused driver may compare this traditional size against the available radial alternatives.

The 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M has different sidewall treatments depending on the tire size and construction you choose. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.

That gives the car noticeably different visual directions even before brand or tire series is considered. A blackwall radial tends to create a simpler European road-car presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply choices lean more strongly into vintage styling, so the best match depends on whether the focus is road use, restoration character, or both.

The available brands for the 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M include Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, along with BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Each brand appears within a specific construction and tire-size path rather than across every fitment option.

That makes brand choice secondary to getting the right size and construction first. Once that decision is settled, the next useful comparison points are tire series, sidewall style, approved rim width, and whether the tire supports the visual direction or road-use character you want for the finished car.

A 560-13 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point for a period-style 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M. That size preserves the older numeric format and opens the door to traditional whitewall presentations that suit the visual language of a late-1950s compact car.

The final choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and which look fits the vehicle best. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are both available, but exact originality should be checked against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical sources when authenticity matters more than general era styling.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R13 radial in blackwall form creates a later, more understated road-going look.

That visual difference matters even when both choices share the same 13-inch rim diameter. Owners balancing authenticity with drivability often start by deciding whether the car should read as restoration-oriented first or road-use oriented first, then choose the size, sidewall style, and wheel setup that support that goal.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork differences can all affect how either a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sits on the car.

A vintage car that has been changed over time should be measured rather than assumed to match original-style dimensions. It helps to verify wheel width, inspect clearance through the full steering range, and look at fender and suspension space before choosing a tire, especially when moving from one construction type to another.

Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and basic suspension and steering condition along with the new tires themselves. On the tires, check pressure, bead seating, sidewall condition, and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components once the car is back on the ground.

A collector car deserves a slower final walk-around before the first drive, especially if it has been stored or recently reassembled. It is also smart to recheck pressure and lug torque after an initial short trip, then watch for rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual wear that could point to setup issues needing attention.

Collector-car tire maintenance starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Whether the 1957 Ford-Taunus 15M is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, owners should watch for cracks, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, and slow air loss.

Storage conditions matter because vintage cars often sit longer than modern daily drivers. Keeping the car out of prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional inspections during storage make it easier to catch deterioration before the next drive rather than after the car is already on the road.