The 1958 Morgan Plus 4 comes from a distinctly traditional British sports car tradition, with lightweight construction, cycle fenders, and road manners that feel closely tied to the car’s mechanical simplicity. Owners usually approach this model with an eye toward preserving that direct, period character rather than modernizing it beyond recognition. Tire fitment follows that same theme, centering on a 500-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. In this size, the available choice leans toward a blackwall Firestone Dirt Track Ribbed Front with a very purposeful vintage presentation. The real decision is less about multiple sizes and more about matching the car’s intended appearance, use, and wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Morgan Plus 4
The 1958 Morgan Plus 4 uses one primary tire size: 500-16. It is a bias-ply fitment built for a 16-inch rim, and the covered Base model uses that same size. That means the main choice is not between multiple primary fitments, but between staying with the traditional bias-ply construction and selecting the product style that best suits the car’s presentation and intended use.
A 500-16 tire uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the 500 indicates an approximate 5.00-inch nominal section width and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1958 Morgan Plus 4, this size preserves the traditional bias-ply construction that matches the car’s vintage character and narrow-rim sports car layout. Available choices in this size include a Firestone Dirt Track Ribbed Front with a blackwall sidewall and Dirt Track series styling. It is the size to evaluate when the goal is maintaining the Morgan’s period-style stance while also confirming wheel width and intended road use.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1958 Morgan Plus 4 sub-models. The Base model uses the same primary size, so the focus shifts from identifying a different fitment to confirming wheel condition, construction preference, and the type of vintage tire presentation you want.
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1958 Morgan Plus 4 Base
The 1958 Morgan Plus 4 Base uses the same 500-16 bias-ply tire fitment that defines this model’s primary setup. That keeps tire selection centered on choosing an appropriate period-style product, while also checking that the wheel still matches the expected 16-inch diameter and usable rim width.
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 1958 Morgan Plus 4 Tires for Sale
Available 500-16 choices for the 1958 Morgan Plus 4 focus on traditional bias-ply construction, with a Firestone Dirt Track series option in blackwall form. The product grid is most useful for comparing rim-width compatibility, load specification, and whether the tire’s vintage racing character suits the car’s intended use.
Common questions for the 1958 Morgan Plus 4 usually center on the 500-16 tire size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, period-style appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a lightly used collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Morgan Plus 4?
The 1958 Morgan Plus 4 uses a 500-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment built around a 16-inch wheel, and it is the primary size associated with the model covered here.
That makes the buying decision fairly focused: the key is choosing a tire in the correct 500-16 size and confirming that the car still has the expected wheel setup. On an older Morgan, it is especially smart to check whether a previous owner changed wheels, suspension height, or overall tire type before selecting a replacement.
What size rim does a 1958 Morgan Plus 4 use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1958 Morgan Plus 4 is built around a 16-inch rim. The available 500-16 product also carries a rim-width range of 4.00 to 5.00 inches, which is useful when checking wheel compatibility.
Rim diameter is the first confirmation point, but width matters too, especially on a narrow vintage sports car. Measuring the actual wheel before replacement helps avoid surprises, particularly if the car has older replacement rims, racing-oriented hardware, or a long restoration history that may have changed the original wheel setup.
Does the 1958 Morgan Plus 4 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1958 Morgan Plus 4 Base uses the same 500-16 bias-ply tire size as the main model fitment. There is no separate primary tire size for the covered Base sub-model.
That consistency keeps the fitment question simple, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual car. A Base model that has seen competition use, wheel changes, or suspension work should still be checked for wheel width, clearance, and overall setup before replacing tires, even when the nominal tire size remains the same.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 500-16 tire for a 1958 Morgan Plus 4?
Start with the basics: correct 500-16 sizing, bias-ply construction, and a 16-inch wheel. From there, look at the tire’s intended character, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and load specification so the choice matches how the Morgan will actually be used.
A lightly driven collector car may call for a traditional look and road feel, while a more purpose-built setup may lean toward a tire with a stronger vintage competition flavor. Wheel condition also matters on a car of this age, so the smartest comparison is not just tire style, but how the tire suits the actual wheels and the vehicle’s present setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Morgan Plus 4 tires?
The available 500-16 option for the 1958 Morgan Plus 4 uses a blackwall sidewall. That gives the car a restrained, functional appearance that fits naturally with traditional sports car and competition-inspired presentations.
Sidewall style affects the car’s visual balance as much as the mechanical fitment does. On a Morgan, where the tires are very visible around the cycle-fender bodywork, a blackwall tends to emphasize a leaner and more purposeful look. It is still worth checking that the tire’s overall character matches the restoration theme or driving use you have in mind.
What tire series are available for the 1958 Morgan Plus 4?
The available 500-16 product for the 1958 Morgan Plus 4 comes from Firestone’s Dirt Track series. It is also described as a Ribbed Front design, which gives it a distinct vintage competition-style personality within the correct size.
Series names matter because they help signal the tire’s visual and use-oriented character, not just its dimensions. For a Morgan owner, that means looking beyond the size stamp and deciding whether a Dirt Track-style presentation suits the car’s restoration direction, event use, and wheel setup, especially if the car will see road miles rather than static display.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Morgan Plus 4?
A 500-16 bias-ply tire is the right starting point for a period-style 1958 Morgan Plus 4 because it preserves the vintage sizing format and construction associated with the car’s traditional character. In the available selection, the blackwall Firestone Dirt Track Ribbed Front offers a distinctly old-world sporting presentation.
Appearance should still be balanced against intended use and the actual wheels on the car. A Morgan restored for shows, road tours, or vintage events may call for slightly different priorities, so it helps to compare the tire’s visual style with photographs, marque references, and the car’s broader restoration goals before making the final choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1958 Morgan Plus 4 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1958 Morgan Plus 4 because the car’s narrow body, exposed fenders, and traditional stance make tire proportions highly visible. The proper 500-16 size helps preserve the visual balance and mechanical character expected of this type of British sports car.
Restoration-minded buyers usually look at more than simple diameter. Construction type, sidewall appearance, wheel width, and overall presentation all influence whether the finished car feels authentically vintage. When exact historical accuracy is important, the tire decision is best checked against marque-club guidance, period photos, and the car’s specific restoration objective.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Morgan Plus 4?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 500-16, modifications can change whether a given tire setup suits a 1958 Morgan Plus 4. Wheel replacements, altered rim width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body and fender adjustments can all affect usable fitment.
That is especially relevant on older specialist cars, where decades of repairs or owner preferences may have changed the setup from original form. A careful check of wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and clearance around the fenders and suspension is worthwhile before mounting replacement tires, even when the size itself appears straightforward.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Morgan Plus 4 on new tires?
Inspect the wheels, valve stems, and tire seating first, then confirm air pressure, sidewall condition, and clearance at full steering lock. On a 1958 Morgan Plus 4, it is also wise to look closely at suspension wear, wheel bearings, and brake condition before putting fresh tires into regular use.
A new tire cannot compensate for problems elsewhere in the chassis. Collector cars that have sat for long periods often need a broader once-over, including checking for rubbing, uneven ride height, loose steering components, and any signs of fluid contamination on the tires. A short local test drive is a sensible way to confirm everything is settling correctly.
How should 500-16 tires on a collector 1958 Morgan Plus 4 be maintained?
500-16 tires on a collector 1958 Morgan Plus 4 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for routine inspection.
Collector cars often age their tires through time rather than tread wear. Rolling the car periodically, keeping the chassis in good alignment, and watching for slow air loss will help preserve both tire condition and road manners. Before any longer drive, it is smart to recheck pressure and give each tire and wheel a close visual inspection.
