The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 sits at an interesting point in postwar Mercedes history, spanning formal luxury sedans, grand touring coupes and cabriolets, and the increasingly prized 300 SL sports-car line. That range makes tire selection more configuration-specific than the model name alone suggests. Depending on sub-model, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses 760-15, 670-15, 6.50-15 bias-ply sizes or an 185R15 radial, all on 15-inch rims. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments across several period-style series. The right decision comes down to confirming the exact sub-model, then balancing original-style appearance, construction preference, and actual road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300
Four tire sizes apply to the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than the model name alone. All of them use a 15-inch rim, but fitment varies between bias-ply and radial constructions. The first step is identifying whether the car is a 300 C, 300 D, 300 S & SC, 300 SL, or 300 SL Roadster before comparing sidewall style, brand, or any radial-equivalent alternative.
760-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 7.60 figure refers to nominal section width in inches and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment used on specific sub-models that call for a fuller, formal period presentation. Available options include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments especially prominent. This size is the one to evaluate when preserving a distinctly mid-century luxury-car look on the correct 15-inch wheel setup.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 185 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R designating radial construction, and 15 indicating rim diameter. In this application it serves as a radial fitment for a specific 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 sub-model, offering a different sizing convention from the numeric bias-ply sizes used elsewhere in the range. Choices include Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline styles. This size deserves a close look when the car is already set up for radial fitment or when road use and appearance both matter.
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning the 6.70 designation expresses nominal section width in inches and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 line, this size appears on selected sub-models and brings the traditional profile and construction expected from a period-style bias-ply tire. It is offered across a broad mix of brands including Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options. It is also one of the most flexible sizes here for buyers comparing appearance choices against radial-equivalent possibilities.
6.50-15 is another numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.50 figure indicating nominal section width in inches and the 15 calling for a 15-inch rim. Within the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 family, this size belongs to a specific sports-car configuration rather than the full model range, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment. Its importance is less about broad product variation and more about matching the correct size format and construction to the car's exact setup. Buyers should confirm the sub-model and existing wheel arrangement before moving beyond basic size selection.
Sub-model fitment is important on the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 because the covered configurations do not all share the same tire size. Every version uses a 15-inch rim, but the correct tire depends on whether the car is a sedan, grand touring model, or one of the 300 SL variants.
1
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 C
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 C uses the 760-15 bias-ply size. That points the buyer toward traditional period-style selections, with sidewall treatment becoming a key decision once the basic fitment is confirmed.
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 D also uses the 760-15 bias-ply size. Tire selection then becomes a matter of choosing among available whitewall styles and brands while keeping the car on the correct 15-inch fitment.
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 S & SC is the one sub-model here with both 185R15 radial and 670-15 bias-ply fitment paths. That makes construction choice especially important, since the car may be set up either for traditional bias-ply appearance or for a radial-based arrangement.
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL uses the 670-15 bias-ply size. Buyers looking at this fitment can compare blackwall and whitewall presentations, and may also consider radial-equivalent options after checking wheel width and overall clearance.
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster uses the 6.50-15 bias-ply size. The main priority here is confirming that exact size on the car before making appearance or construction decisions, especially if the wheel setup has changed over time.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300
Two of the primary bias-ply sizes on the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 have radial-equivalent options. For 760-15, the available choices are 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial. For 670-15, the equivalents are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15 in the same sequence of formats. Recommended rim-width ranges are 6-8 inches for 760-15 and 5-7 inches for 670-15, and each option should be checked against wheel width and vehicle clearance before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
215R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (760-15)
P225/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (760-15)
P235/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (760-15)
760R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (760-15)
195R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (670-15)
P205/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (670-15)
P215/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (670-15)
670R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (670-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Tires for Sale
Available 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 tire choices span bias-ply and radial constructions across brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Goodyear, Firestone, Michelin, Avon, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, and STA. The main comparison points are size-specific series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility.
Owners researching tires for a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 usually need to sort out sub-model fitment first, then compare bias-ply versus radial choices, sidewall appearance, and practical wheel and clearance checks before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 does not use one universal tire size across the full model range. Depending on sub-model, the primary fitments are 760-15, 670-15, 6.50-15, and 185R15, all on 15-inch rims. The 300 C and 300 D use 760-15, the 300 SL uses 670-15, the 300 SL Roadster uses 6.50-15, and the 300 S & SC uses either 670-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial.
That means the first job is confirming the exact sub-model and checking what is actually on the car now. Many collector cars have changed wheels or tire construction over time, so selecting by model name alone can lead to the wrong tire even when the rim diameter is still 15 inches.
What size rim does a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 use?
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses a 15-inch rim across the tire sizes covered here. That applies to 760-15, 670-15, 6.50-15, and 185R15, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire size and construction can vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector Mercedes with a long service history. Wheel width still matters, and it becomes especially important if the car is being moved from a bias-ply tire to a radial equivalent or if aftermarket wheels have been installed at some point.
Do all 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 range includes several sub-models with different primary tire sizes. The 300 C and 300 D use 760-15, the 300 SL uses 670-15, the 300 SL Roadster uses 6.50-15, and the 300 S & SC is associated with both 670-15 bias-ply and 185R15 radial fitments.
Sub-model identification matters before comparing tread design, sidewall style, or construction type. A buyer looking at a sedan, a 300 S & SC, or a 300 SL variant may all be shopping for a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300, but the correct tire path changes once the exact configuration is confirmed.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
670-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300. It is one of the traditional numeric bias-ply fitments in this model family and appears on the 300 SL, while the 300 S & SC can also be associated with 670-15 alongside 185R15 radial fitment.
That distinction matters because a 670-15 bias-ply tire is not the same thing as a radial equivalent in the same general size family. Owners considering a construction change should confirm wheel width, compare the car's current setup, and check clearance before treating a radial option as a usable alternative.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 760-15 and 670-15 on a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
For 760-15, radial equivalents include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and the bias-look radial 760R15. For 670-15, the available equivalents are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and the bias-look radial 670R15. Those options cover 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, 70-series P-metric, and bias-look radial formats.
Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic substitute. Wheel width is part of the decision, with 6-8 inches noted for 760-15 equivalents and 5-7 inches for 670-15 equivalents, and the final check should include overall fit on the car and available clearance at steering and suspension extremes.
What should I check before converting my 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the car's exact sub-model, current tire size, and wheel width. On a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300, a conversion question usually centers on a bias-ply size such as 760-15 or 670-15 and the radial equivalents associated with that specific size, rather than making a broad change by model name alone.
The practical checks are wheel compatibility, tire-to-body clearance, suspension condition, and whether the car's present setup already reflects earlier modifications. A collector car that has changed wheels, ride height, or alignment settings may respond differently to a radial alternative, so the full setup deserves review before the conversion is finalized.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
The main considerations are the exact sub-model, the correct primary tire size, and whether the car is staying with its present construction type. A 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 may require 760-15, 670-15, 6.50-15, or 185R15, so the right choice begins with matching the car to the proper fitment path before comparing brands or sidewall details.
After size is confirmed, the decision usually shifts to appearance and intended use. Some owners want a formal whitewall presentation, others prefer a blackwall or redline, and some may be weighing a radial alternative against a traditional bias-ply look while keeping wheel compatibility and clearance in mind.
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. The 760-15 and 670-15 bias-ply sizes show the broadest whitewall variety, while 185R15 radial options appear in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline form.
The sidewall decision changes the car's visual character as much as the tire brand or series. A formal sedan may lean toward a whitewall presentation, while a sports-oriented setup may call for blackwall or redline, but the style should always be chosen within the correct size and construction for the sub-model.
What brands offer tires for the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Available brands for the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Goodyear, Firestone, Michelin, Avon, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, and STA. Brand availability depends on the tire size, with some brands concentrated in the bias-ply sizes and others appearing in the radial 185R15 fitment.
Brand comparison makes the most sense after the correct size is established. Once that is settled, a buyer can compare tire series, sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and load figures where stated, rather than treating every brand option as relevant to every 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
A period-style choice starts with the correct primary size for the exact 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 sub-model. That usually means staying with the applicable bias-ply size such as 760-15, 670-15, or 6.50-15, unless the car's established setup centers on the 185R15 radial fitment associated with the 300 S & SC.
Appearance then becomes the deciding factor, especially among blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline offerings. For buyers pursuing strict historical authenticity, tire size and construction are the starting point, but final sidewall and brand decisions should still be checked against marque-specific references for the exact car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Tire construction influences both stance and visual character on a restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300. A bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional mid-century manner, while a radial can give the car a different visual impression even when it remains within a size intended as an equivalent or uses the 185R15 radial fitment.
That matters most on a car where the wheels, trim, and overall presentation are being restored with a specific era in mind. Buyers who want a traditional look often begin with the proper bias-ply size, while those balancing appearance with alternate construction should compare the full tire profile and sidewall style on the car itself.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 even when the nominal wheel diameter remains 15 inches. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all alter how a 760-15, 670-15, 6.50-15, or 185R15 tire sits in the wheel opening.
That is why the current setup deserves a visual and dimensional check before choosing a replacement. Clearance at the fender edge, steering components, and suspension points should be reviewed carefully, especially if the car is being moved to a radial equivalent or no longer wears its long-established wheel combination.
What should I inspect before driving a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and the basic clearance of the new tires at full steering travel. A 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 should also be checked for proper inflation, visible sidewall irregularities, and any sign that the tire is contacting suspension or bodywork once the car is on the ground.
A short, careful test drive is useful before committing to longer trips. Pay attention to air retention, steering feel, and any rubbing or vibration, and then recheck the tires after the first miles so the new setup can be verified under actual load rather than only during installation.
How should tires on a collector 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, irregular tread wear, and slow air loss. Proper inflation matters even when the car is driven sparingly, because long periods of sitting can age tires without adding many miles.
Storage conditions also influence tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional inspections are worthwhile even during off-road periods so any age-related deterioration can be caught before the car returns to regular driving.
