1957 Metropolitan 1500 Tires

The 1957 Metropolitan 1500 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 13-inch rims, and the 1957 Metropolitan 1500 Base is associated with both of them rather than a single exclusive size.

That means the real task is confirming which size is already on the car or which wheel setup the car now carries. Many collector cars have seen wheel changes over time, so checking the mounted wheel width, existing tire size, and available clearance is more useful than selecting by year and model alone.

The primary tire sizes for the 1957 Metropolitan 1500 use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 520-13 and 560-13 are built around that same wheel diameter, so the rim diameter itself stays consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in width designation.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small vintage car. Wheel width should also be checked before choosing between available tires, since product specifications vary by size and series. That extra step helps avoid selecting a tire that matches the diameter but is less suitable for the wheel you have.

On a 1957 Metropolitan 1500, 520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 520 indicates an approximate 5.20-inch nominal section width, while the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing format commonly seen on compact cars of this period.

Understanding that format helps when comparing period-style tires with modern radial equivalents, because the old number does not work like a modern metric size. It also explains why appearance choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall can exist within the same basic fitment without changing the underlying wheel diameter.

For the 1957 Metropolitan 1500, 520-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It appears in period-style bias-ply products, including options with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, depending on the series and brand chosen.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 520-13 is not just choosing a size, but also deciding whether to retain the original-style construction or compare it with radial equivalents. Construction choice can affect appearance, wheel compatibility considerations, and how closely the finished car reflects a traditional vintage tire presentation.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those cover an 80-series metric radial format, a 75-series P-metric radial format, and a 70-series P-metric radial format, giving several ways to compare a modern radial-size alternative to the original bias-ply size.

A 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with those equivalents, so the wheel should be measured before making the switch. Overall dimensions and clearance still need to be checked on the car itself, since an equivalent size is a comparison point, not a guarantee of automatic interchangeability.

Start by confirming the car’s current primary size, whether that is 520-13 or 560-13, and then match it to the appropriate radial equivalent options: 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13. The 13-inch wheel diameter remains consistent, and the recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4-5 inches.

The next step is checking the actual wheel width, plus tire-to-fender and steering clearance on the car. A modified suspension, replacement wheels, or bodywork changes can affect the result, so conversion should be evaluated as a full setup decision rather than simply a change in tire construction.

Choosing a 520-13 tire for a 1957 Metropolitan 1500 starts with confirming that 520-13 is the size you want rather than 560-13. From there, the main considerations are bias-ply construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the tire’s rim-width specification matches the wheel currently on the car.

Firestone and Premium Sport options in this size give different visual directions, from blackwall to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations. That makes 520-13 a styling decision as much as a fitment one, especially for a car where overall look, restoration character, and wheel compatibility all matter.

The 1957 Metropolitan 1500 has sidewall variety across its applicable bias-ply tires. Available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on whether you are looking at 520-13 or 560-13 and which brand or series you prefer.

That range gives the car very different visual personalities without changing its basic vintage character. A blackwall usually leans more understated, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more decorative period-style presentation. The best choice depends on the car’s finish, restoration direction, and the tire size you have confirmed for the wheels.

Tires for the 1957 Metropolitan 1500 are available from Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich across the applicable 520-13 and 560-13 bias-ply sizes. Those brands appear in classic bias-ply and lowrider-oriented series, with variation in sidewall styling and some rim-width specifications.

Brand choice should come after the correct size is settled, since not every brand appears in both size families the same way. Once the size is confirmed, compare the brand options by sidewall appearance, tire series character, and wheel compatibility details rather than assuming the name alone determines the right fit for the car.

A period-style 1957 Metropolitan 1500 usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 520-13 or 560-13, because those sizes preserve the vintage tire format and overall character of the car. The final choice depends on which size matches the car’s wheel setup and how traditional you want the finished presentation to appear.

Once size is confirmed, sidewall treatment becomes the main appearance decision. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options all create a different visual effect, and each can suit a restored Metropolitan in the right context. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and vehicle history should guide the final appearance choice.

On a restored 1957 Metropolitan 1500, tire construction influences more than road feel. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its original-era sizing language and generally supports the traditional small-car look most buyers expect when viewing a Metropolitan with period-style wheels and trim.

A radial equivalent can still be considered, but it changes the presentation from a strict vintage construction approach to a more modern alternative in a compatible format. That does not make it wrong for the car, but it does make appearance, stance, and wheel fitment worth reviewing before the restoration direction is finalized.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1957 Metropolitan 1500 even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary options. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, replacement suspension parts, or bodywork differences can all influence how 520-13, 560-13, or a radial equivalent sits on the car.

That is why modified cars should be checked physically rather than judged by catalog fitment alone. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel dimensions deserve attention before ordering tires. A small vintage car has less margin for mismatch, so even modest changes can alter what works comfortably.

Before driving a 1957 Metropolitan 1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are properly seated, and verify that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. A short visual check for rubbing at full steering lock is also worthwhile before heading out on the road.

Collector cars benefit from a broader once-over as well. Look at suspension wear, wheel fastener condition, and any signs that the car has uneven stance or clearance issues. After the first few miles, recheck tire pressure and inspect the sidewalls and tread area again so early fitment problems are caught quickly.

Tires on a collector 1957 Metropolitan 1500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition even if the car is driven only occasionally. Whether the car wears 520-13 or 560-13 tires, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss all deserve prompt attention.

Storage habits matter just as much on a low-use vintage car. Keeping the Metropolitan away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. An inspection before each driving season, and before any longer outing, is a smart routine even when tread depth still looks acceptable.