1958 Fairthorpe Atomota Tires

The 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota is associated with two tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the key difference is not wheel diameter but the sizing system and tire construction.

That means the first decision is whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply format or set up with a radial tire. Since many collector cars have seen wheel changes over the years, it is smart to confirm the actual rim width and current wheel setup before selecting either size.

The tire fitments associated with the 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 145R13 radial and the 520-13 bias-ply sizes are tied to that same 13-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small sports car that may have had replacement wheels installed. Confirming wheel width matters too, because some radial alternatives are tied to a 4- to 5-inch rim-width range and several bias-ply products also carry specific wheel-width guidance.

The 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota Base is associated with the same two tire-size paths for this model: 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply. In practical terms, the Base sub-model does not introduce a separate rim diameter or a unique third size.

That keeps the fitment question fairly simple, but the construction choice still matters. An owner restoring the car for a more traditional look may stay with 520-13, while a car being set up for regular road use may be evaluated around the 145R13 radial or the listed radial equivalents for the bias-ply size.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota. It uses the older numeric sizing format, with 5.20 indicating the nominal section width and 13 referring to the rim diameter.

Choosing 520-13 keeps the car in a traditional tire construction and opens up appearance options such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That can be especially important on a lightweight British sports car where tire profile and sidewall style strongly influence the car’s visual character as well as its road feel.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 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. Those are equivalent comparison sizes for owners considering a radial alternative to the original bias-ply format.

The recommended rim-width range tied to those radial alternatives is 4 to 5 inches. Even with the correct 13-inch rim diameter, the final choice should be checked against the car’s actual wheel width, available clearance, and the way the owner wants the Atomota to look and drive.

Either approach can make sense, because the 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota is associated with both 520-13 bias-ply and 145R13 radial fitments. The better choice depends less on the model name and more on whether the priority is traditional construction and appearance or a move toward a more modern radial setup.

Bias-ply tires usually suit a restoration-oriented presentation, especially when whitewall styles are part of the plan. Radials may appeal to owners focused on regular road driving, but the decision should include a close look at wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance so the chosen construction works with the actual car rather than just the catalog size.

Start with the two core fitment questions: whether the car is using 520-13 bias-ply or 145R13 radial tires, and whether the wheel setup is still correct for that choice. Since both sizes share a 13-inch rim diameter, the real decision is about construction, appearance, and how the car will be used.

After size and wheel fit are confirmed, compare practical differences such as sidewall style, tire series, rim-width guidance, and load information where it is available. On a compact collector sports car, even a narrow tire change can affect the car’s stance and presentation, so appearance and fitment deserve equal attention.

The available sidewall styles for the 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall depending on the size and product selected. The 145R13 radial options are blackwall, while the 520-13 bias-ply lineup includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments.

That makes sidewall choice one of the biggest visual decisions on this car. A blackwall keeps the presentation simple and sporting, while narrow or wide whitewalls move the look in a more stylized vintage direction, so the best match depends on the restoration theme and the kind of period impression the owner wants.

Tires for the 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone cover the 145R13 radial side, while Firestone and Premium Sport appear in the 520-13 bias-ply range.

Brand matters mainly as part of the overall selection picture rather than as a standalone answer. Once the correct size and construction are settled, compare each brand’s available tire series, sidewall treatments, and wheel-width details to find the option that matches the car’s intended appearance and use.

For a period-style 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric format and traditional construction. That size also gives access to visual treatments such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the look being pursued.

A restoration-oriented choice should balance appearance with the actual wheel setup on the car. When originality matters beyond general period style, it helps to compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific historical material instead of assuming one currently available sidewall treatment is exact for every Atomota.

Tire construction changes both the look and character of a restored 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional visual format, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style radial presentation even though the tire remains narrow and uses the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That difference is often easy to see on a lightweight sports car with modest wheel openings and slim tires. Owners aiming for a more vintage display often focus on bias-ply construction and whitewall options, while owners building a road car may accept a radial look in exchange for the setup they want to run.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota even when the size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence how a 145R13 or 520-13 tire sits in the car.

A narrow-bodied vintage sports car leaves less room for assumptions than many larger classics. Any time the car has non-original wheels or chassis changes, it is worth checking steering clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel dimensions before settling on a bias-ply size or one of the radial alternatives.

Before driving a 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, check that the tires seat properly, and make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock. It also helps to confirm valve condition and the general soundness of the car’s suspension and steering components.

A short, careful road test is a smart next step after installation. Pay attention to air retention, any contact under turning or compression, and the car’s basic straight-line behavior, then recheck pressure once the tires have settled so the setup is ready for normal collector-car use.

Tires on a collector 1958 Fairthorpe Atomota should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread.

Storage has a big effect on a lightly used sports car. Keeping the Atomota away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and periodic pressure checks are important because a small, lightweight car can still suffer from poor ride and handling when tires are underinflated.