The 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD comes from a period when compact British saloons balanced modest dimensions with distinctly postwar styling, and tire choice still played a major role in both appearance and road feel. For this exact model, the key fitment question is whether the car is being kept on its traditional 560-13 bias-ply size or fitted with the 155R13 radial alternative, both on 13-inch rims. That opens the door to choices in sidewall presentation, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs, along with a few radial-equivalent paths. The right choice depends on how closely the car is being kept to period character versus everyday road use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD
The 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD uses two relevant tire sizes, both built for 13-inch rims, but they represent two different construction types and two different ownership goals. The first step is deciding whether the car is staying with the traditional 560-13 bias-ply fitment or moving to the 155R13 radial format, since that choice affects appearance, wheel compatibility, and how the car presents on the road.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD, this size suits owners looking at a radial-format tire on the original 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is a useful option when road use and radial construction matter, but wheel width and overall clearance should still be checked on the actual car.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 560 represents an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and 13 identifies the rim diameter. This is the traditional bias-ply fitment for the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD and is the size most closely tied to a period-style driving and visual character. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone options, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments available in classic bias-ply series. It is the size to evaluate when preserving vintage presentation matters as much as basic fitment.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered sub-models because the same two tire-size paths appear on the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD Base. The important decision is not trim-level variation, but whether the car is staying with bias-ply construction or moving to a radial format on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
1
1958 Vauxhall FS & FD Base
The 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD Base can be equipped with either the traditional 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size, both for 13-inch rims. That makes the tire decision more about construction, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility than about sub-model-specific size differences.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD
For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series option. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile, rather than serving as automatic substitutes for one another. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent comparison, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 Vauxhall FS & FD Tires for Sale
Available 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD tires span both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitments, with Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone options. The main points of comparison are construction, classic tire series, and sidewall presentation, from blackwall radial styles to narrow and wide whitewalls in bias-ply form.
Common 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD tire questions usually come down to size selection, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for 560-13, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
The 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD uses two relevant tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both are built around a 13-inch rim, but they represent different sizing systems and different approaches to how the car is equipped.
The practical decision is whether the car is being kept with its traditional bias-ply presentation or set up with a radial-format tire. Before choosing between them, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the current wheel and body setup matches the tire style you intend to use.
What size rim does a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD use?
The tire sizes associated with the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD are built for 13-inch rims. That applies to both the 560-13 bias-ply fitment and the 155R13 radial fitment, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture. It is still worth checking the wheel width before selecting a tire, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction, because the available products do not all share the same recommended rim-width range.
Does the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD Base use the same tire size?
The 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD Base follows the same overall fitment pattern, using either 560-13 in bias-ply form or 155R13 in radial form. There is no separate sub-model size split within the covered Base fitment that changes the wheel diameter.
That means the buying choice is centered on tire type rather than trim identification. A period-style restoration may lean toward the numeric bias-ply size, while a road-use-minded owner may compare the radial-format option after confirming the wheels and clearances on the actual car.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD. It uses the older numeric sizing convention and is offered here in classic bias-ply form, including whitewall variations that suit a traditional late-1950s appearance.
That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the look and the driving character of the car differently than a radial. Anyone considering a change should verify wheel width, compare overall tire dimensions carefully, and decide whether appearance or modern radial-format road manners is the higher priority.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalent comparisons.
Those sizes give a buyer several radial-format paths, but they should be treated as alternatives to evaluate rather than automatic substitutions. Wheel width, tire dimensions, steering clearance, and body clearance should all be checked before moving away from the original numeric bias-ply fitment.
What should I check before converting my 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare the intended radial size against the car's available clearance. For a 560-13 conversion, 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 are the equivalent radial sizes to evaluate, but each should still be checked on the actual vehicle.
A conversion also changes the type of tire the suspension and steering will be working with, so it makes sense to inspect front-end wear, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing or prior wheel changes. Cars with replacement wheels or altered ride height deserve especially careful measurement before the switch.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
A 560-13 choice starts with confirming that the car is staying with the traditional bias-ply size on a 13-inch rim. After that, the meaningful differences are sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility, since available products include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.
BFGoodrich and Firestone both appear in this size, but the better comparison is how each tire suits the car's intended presentation and wheel setup. A restoration-oriented car may focus on visual character, while a driver should also pay close attention to the wheel-width range and load figure of the specific tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD include blackwall in the 155R13 radial format, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices in the 560-13 bias-ply size. That creates a clear split between a more understated radial look and a more traditional late-1950s whitewall presentation.
Sidewall style can change the whole visual balance of a collector car, even when the wheel diameter stays the same. Buyers usually narrow the choice by deciding first between radial and bias-ply construction, then selecting the sidewall treatment that best matches the car's restoration direction or personal taste.
What brands offer tires for the 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
Michelin and Dunlop are available in the 155R13 radial size, while BFGoodrich and Firestone are available in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brand choices also line up with different tire series and visual presentations, rather than offering the same tire in only one form.
Brand comparison is most useful after the correct size and construction have been settled. Once that is clear, the next points to compare are sidewall style, rim-width specification, load rating where stated, and whether the tire's overall look suits a more traditional or more road-focused setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
For a period-style 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and supports classic whitewall presentations. BFGoodrich and Firestone options in this size make it possible to keep a distinctly traditional visual character.
The final choice usually comes down to how strongly the car is being guided toward restoration appearance versus regular road use. Anyone pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare tire details with marque references or period photos, since a period-style tire is not automatically the same as a proven original specification.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
Tire construction affects the look of a restored 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD because the bias-ply 560-13 and radial 155R13 create different visual impressions even though both fit 13-inch rims. The bias-ply size supports traditional whitewall styling, while the radial offerings here are blackwall tires with a more restrained presentation.
That difference matters on a small late-1950s saloon, where sidewall treatment contributes a lot to the car's overall stance and character. Owners usually decide first whether the car should read as restoration-oriented or road-oriented, then choose the tire construction and sidewall style that reinforces that direction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD, even when the nominal size remains 560-13 or 155R13. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered suspension height, or body repairs around the arches can all influence clearance and how the tire sits on the car.
A car that has been rebuilt over time should never be judged only by its original fitment path. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before mounting a new set helps avoid rubbing, especially when changing construction type or trying one of the radial equivalents for the bias-ply size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD on new tires?
Inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify tire pressure, and make sure there is no interference at full steering lock or over suspension movement. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being introduced to a car with worn mechanical parts.
A collector-era car often spends long periods parked, so a broader pre-drive check is smart even with fresh tires installed. Brake condition, wheel fastener security, alignment behavior, and any signs of uneven ride height are worth addressing before expecting the car to track and handle properly on the road.
How should 560-13 or 155R13 tires on a collector 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 560-13 or 155R13 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources. Low annual mileage does not stop a tire from aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Routine checks are especially important on a car that spends time in storage between drives or events. Looking over the sidewalls before each outing and giving the car a more careful inspection before longer road use helps catch age-related issues early, whether the car is running bias-ply or radial tires.
