1958 Borgward Isabella Tires

A 1958 Borgward Isabella can use 165R13, 590-13, 175R13, or 640-13, depending on the exact sub-model and whether the car is set up for radial or bias-ply construction. The Base and TS use the smaller fitment family, while the SW uses the larger one. All of these sizes are built around a 13-inch rim.

The important next step is confirming whether the car is a Base, SW, or TS before choosing a tire. A buyer also needs to decide whether the goal is to keep a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial-size alternative, then verify wheel width and clearance so the selected tire matches the actual setup on the car.

The 1958 Borgward Isabella uses a 13-inch rim across the fitments covered here. That remains true whether the car is using 590-13 or 640-13 bias-ply sizing, or 165R13 or 175R13 radial sizing. Rim diameter is consistent, even though the model line uses more than one tire size.

Knowing the rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because width still matters when comparing bias-ply and radial options. Many collector cars have had wheels changed over time, so it helps to confirm both the actual wheel width and the sub-model before assuming that any 13-inch tire associated with the Isabella is the right choice for that specific car.

No. The 1958 Borgward Isabella Base and TS share one size group, using 590-13 in bias-ply form and 165R13 in radial form, while the SW uses 640-13 bias-ply and 175R13 radial sizing. All of them fit 13-inch rims, but the tire dimensions and fitment group are not the same across every sub-model.

That difference matters because choosing by model name alone can lead to the wrong tire even when the wheel diameter looks correct. The safest approach is to confirm the exact sub-model first, then compare the existing wheel and tire setup on the car. That is especially important on restored or modified vehicles where the current construction may not match the original style.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1958 Borgward Isabella Base and TS. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format rather than a modern metric radial format, and it represents the traditional construction style associated with the car’s smaller fitment group. The radial counterpart associated with that fitment is 165R13.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire and a radial tire can call for different wheel-width considerations and can change the way the car feels on the road. A buyer choosing 590-13 is usually leaning toward period-style appearance, while someone considering 165R13 or another radial equivalent should confirm the wheel setup and overall dimensions before making the change.

For 590-13, the radial equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. For 640-13, the radial equivalents are 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a lower-profile 70-series P-metric radial format.

The practical difference is not just construction, but also sizing convention and intended appearance. The 650R13 option is useful for buyers who want a radial built in a more traditional visual style, while the metric and P-metric sizes follow more modern labeling. Each alternative should be checked against wheel width, tire clearance, and the actual setup on the specific Isabella before conversion.

Start by confirming the exact sub-model and original bias-ply size, because the Base and TS use 590-13 while the SW uses 640-13. Then compare the radial equivalent being considered, the actual 13-inch wheel width on the car, and the available rim-width range tied to that equivalent. Construction choice should follow the fitment, not the other way around.

A conversion also deserves a close look at fender clearance, steering clearance, suspension condition, and any signs that the car has aftermarket wheels or ride-height changes. That is especially important on a low-use collector car that may have been altered over time. The goal is to make sure the radial alternative suits the wheel and vehicle setup rather than assuming equivalency means automatic interchangeability.

The first consideration is the exact sub-model, because the Base and TS use a different tire-size group than the SW. After that, the main decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply format such as 590-13 or 640-13, or move to the associated radial sizing in 165R13 or 175R13. All of the fitments here use 13-inch rims.

Once size and construction are narrowed down, compare the tire’s sidewall style, brand, series, and wheel-width compatibility with the way the car will be used. A restoration-oriented Isabella may call for a wide whitewall bias-ply look, while a road-driven car may point toward a blackwall radial. Tire choice makes more sense when appearance and actual wheel setup are considered together.

The available sidewall styles for the 1958 Borgward Isabella include blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear in the radial 165R13 offerings from Michelin and Dunlop, while the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply selections shown here use wide whitewall styling in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line from BFGoodrich.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on the car’s visual character, especially on a late-1950s European sedan or wagon. A blackwall radial gives a more understated road-use presentation, while a wide whitewall bias-ply pushes the car toward a more traditional restoration look. The best choice depends less on trend and more on how the specific Isabella is being finished and driven.

Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all have applicable tire options within the 1958 Borgward Isabella fitments covered here. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 radial category, while BFGoodrich covers the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply sizes through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Those brands serve different construction and appearance needs rather than duplicating the same tire type.

Brand comparison makes the most sense after confirming the correct size and whether the car is being kept on bias-ply construction or moved to radial. A buyer should also compare sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width suitability instead of choosing on brand name alone. On a collector car like the Isabella, appearance and setup often matter just as much as the label on the sidewall.

For a period-style 1958 Borgward Isabella, the natural starting point is the correct bias-ply size for the specific sub-model: 590-13 for the Base and TS, or 640-13 for the SW. Those sizes preserve the car’s vintage tire format and traditional construction. They also align more closely with the visual language of a late-1950s European collector car than a modern-labeled radial.

Appearance goals still need to be balanced with how the car will be used. A show-oriented or restoration-focused Isabella may benefit from staying with bias-ply construction, while a regularly driven car may lead its owner to compare radial alternatives more seriously. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and period photos can help confirm whether the chosen presentation matches the car’s intended look.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1958 Borgward Isabella; it also changes the visual character of the car. A bias-ply tire in 590-13 or 640-13 keeps the vintage numeric sizing style and supports a more traditional presentation, especially with the available wide whitewall options. A radial presents the car with more modern sidewall labeling and a different visual impression.

That makes construction part of the restoration decision rather than just a mechanical choice. Some owners prioritize period-style stance and sidewall appearance, while others want radial road manners and are comfortable with a less vintage presentation. The best result usually comes from deciding early whether the car is being restored for authenticity of look, routine driving, or a careful balance of both.

Yes. Modifications such as aftermarket wheels, changed wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Borgward Isabella even when the car still uses a 13-inch rim. That matters because the Isabella already has different size groups by sub-model, so a modified car can move farther away from the fitment it originally used.

A careful check should include wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the current tire size already mounted on the car. Small collector cars are especially sensitive to setup changes that crowd the wheel opening. Verifying the actual hardware on the vehicle before selecting bias-ply or radial replacements helps prevent choosing a size that is correct on paper but mismatched to the car.

Before driving a 1958 Borgward Isabella on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the installed tire size matches the car’s sub-model and wheel setup. It also helps to check for rubbing at full steering lock and to verify that the tires are evenly seated and holding pressure properly after installation.

A road-ready inspection should also include the broader condition of the car, especially on a collector vehicle that may have been parked for long periods. Look at suspension wear, steering play, brake function, and any signs of air loss after the first short drive. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is stable enough to support proper contact and predictable handling.

590-13 and 640-13 tires on a collector 1958 Borgward Isabella should be checked regularly for pressure retention, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age-related deterioration. That is especially important on low-mileage cars, because tires can decline from time, storage conditions, and inactivity even when the tread still looks usable.

Good storage habits make a difference as well. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the sidewalls and finish. Periodic inspection is also a good time to confirm that the wheel condition remains sound and that the car has not developed alignment or suspension issues that could shorten tire life before the next road outing.