1958 Singer Gazelle Tires

A 1958 Singer Gazelle uses either a 560-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial tire, and both fitments use a 15-inch rim. The Gazelle Base shares those same two size paths, so the size decision is tied more to construction type than to sub-model differences.

Choosing between them means looking at the car’s current wheel setup and your goals for appearance and road use. A bias-ply 560-15 keeps a more traditional presentation, while a 155R15 gives you a radial format on the same rim diameter. Wheel width, tire clearance, and any past modifications should be confirmed before making the change.

The 1958 Singer Gazelle uses a 15-inch rim with both of its supported tire sizes. That applies to the 560-15 bias-ply fitment and the 155R15 radial fitment, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even when construction changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may have had wheels changed over time. It is smart to verify the actual wheel width before selecting a tire, since the available products do not all share the same width range. That check becomes especially important if the car has aftermarket wheels or mixed components from earlier restoration work.

560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 refers to a nominal 5.60-inch section-width class, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1958 Singer Gazelle, it is the traditional bias-ply fitment and is commonly chosen for a more period-style look.

That size code also tells you that the tire follows an older sizing system rather than a modern metric one. Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the presentation you want, since 560-15 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Wheel width and clearance still need to match the tire you select.

On a 1958 Singer Gazelle, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and represents the traditional construction choice for this car, while 155R15 is the radial size used on the same 15-inch rim diameter.

That distinction matters because construction affects both appearance and how the car feels on the road. Owners trying to keep a period-style visual presentation often stay with 560-15 bias-ply tires, especially when whitewall options are part of the plan. Anyone considering a switch should verify wheel width, tire clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components before mixing old and new fitment ideas.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an equivalent 80-series metric radial, while 560R15 is a bias-look radial intended to preserve a more traditional visual character than a modern-looking metric tire.

Those two options serve slightly different goals even though both are radial alternatives to 560-15. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies when evaluating the equivalents, and the car’s actual wheel width should be checked carefully. Overall dimensions and available clearance at the fenders and steering components also deserve a close look before converting from bias-ply to radial.

That choice depends on what matters most for your 1958 Singer Gazelle. A 560-15 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional tire format and opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations. A 155R15 radial gives you a radial construction option while staying on the same 15-inch rim diameter.

Appearance, driving expectations, and wheel setup usually decide the issue. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward the bias-ply route, while an owner focused on radial construction may prefer 155R15 or a bias-look radial equivalent. Whatever direction you choose, confirm wheel width, inspect suspension condition, and check that the tire’s dimensions and shape work cleanly within the car’s existing clearances.

Start with the correct size path for the car: 560-15 if you want the traditional bias-ply format, or 155R15 if you want the radial option on a 15-inch wheel. After that, compare construction, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and the wheel-width range that matches the tire you are considering.

A collector car often reflects years of repairs, wheel changes, and restoration decisions, so actual setup matters more than assumptions. The right tire is the one that suits the car’s current wheels and the look you want to achieve. Clearance, load capacity, and intended use should all be part of the decision, especially if the car will see regular road miles rather than display duty.

The 1958 Singer Gazelle has meaningful sidewall variety, especially in 560-15 bias-ply tires. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available in that size, while the 155R15 radial selections are offered in blackwall form.

That makes sidewall choice an important part of how the finished car will look. A blackwall usually gives the most restrained presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more distinctly late-1950s visual effect. It is worth deciding on the tire’s appearance early in the process so the sidewall style supports the rest of the restoration rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Tires for the 1958 Singer Gazelle are available from several brands. In 155R15 radial form, choices include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. In 560-15 bias-ply form, available brands include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It makes more sense to compare the tire’s size, construction, series, sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and overall purpose on the car. Some owners are trying to support a restoration-oriented appearance, while others are more focused on maintaining a usable road car. The strongest choice is the one that matches both the wheel setup and the character you want the Gazelle to carry.

For a period-style 1958 Singer Gazelle, the 560-15 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point because it keeps the car in a traditional size and construction format. That size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, giving you room to shape the car’s finished visual character.

The right look depends on how strictly the restoration is being interpreted and what reference material supports the car. If exact originality matters, marque-specific documentation and period photos are worth reviewing before selecting a whitewall width or brand style. A radial can still be considered, but the bias-ply route usually preserves a more authentically vintage tire profile and stance.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1958 Singer Gazelle; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 560-15 bias-ply usually delivers the more traditional presentation, especially when paired with period-style blackwall or whitewall treatments. A 155R15 radial keeps the same wheel diameter but introduces a more modern tire format.

That visual difference matters on a small British saloon where wheel and tire proportions are easy to notice. Owners restoring for events, display, or a strongly vintage road look often weigh construction as carefully as size. Anyone choosing a radial should still check that the stance and sidewall appearance suit the car, rather than focusing on dimension alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Singer Gazelle even when the car is using a correct 15-inch tire size. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body repairs can all influence how a 560-15 or 155R15 actually sits on the car.

A tire size that suits a stock setup may need closer evaluation once those variables change. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space is especially important before moving from bias-ply to radial construction or vice versa. Older restorations can also hide small differences from side to side, so measuring the actual car is more useful than assuming all Gazelles are configured identically.

Before driving a 1958 Singer Gazelle on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size and construction, and confirm inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It also helps to look over the valve stems, wheel condition, and basic balance and seating.

A short collector-car test drive should include checking for rubbing during turns, any pull through the steering, and visible clearance at the fenders and suspension. The suspension and steering system deserve attention as well, since worn bushings or loose components can make a fresh set of tires feel worse than expected. Rechecking pressure after the first drive is a smart final step.

Collector-car tires on a 1958 Singer Gazelle should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. That applies to both 560-15 bias-ply tires and 155R15 radials, since age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage on a lightly used classic.

Proper storage helps preserve the tires between drives. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow visible aging, and maintaining correct air pressure helps the casing hold its shape. A pre-drive check is especially important before longer outings, because a car that sits for extended periods can develop tire issues that are easy to miss at a glance.