1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Tires

The 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia uses two primary 15-inch tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Those two sizes give the car a traditional numeric bias-ply option and a classic Euro-metric radial option, both tied to the same rim diameter.

Choosing between them starts with deciding whether the car should keep a more period-style bias-ply presentation or move to a radial format. After that, check the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the wheels are not original, because product fitment ranges vary within both size families.

The tire sizes used on a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia are built around a 15-inch rim. Both 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial tires share that same rim diameter, so the main wheel question is not diameter alone but the actual width of the rim on the car.

That matters because some 155R15 radial options are intended for rims as narrow as 4 inches, while some 560-15 products are centered around 4.5-inch wheels or a broader 4.50 to 5.50-inch range. Measuring the wheel before ordering helps narrow the field and reduces surprises during mounting.

The 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Base can use both of the covered primary sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Rather than pointing to different trim-level fitments, that reflects two accepted approaches for the same covered sub-model.

The practical issue is deciding which setup matches the car and its purpose. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage numeric size and opens up whitewall and blackwall appearance choices, while the radial size shifts the decision toward classic blackwall roadgoing tires and wheel-width compatibility.

On a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, 560-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to the period, and it is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions across several classic bias-ply product lines.

That makes 560-15 the size to consider when the goal is a more traditional look and construction. Buyers should still verify wheel width before choosing among products, because some versions are built around a 4.5-inch rim while others cover a broader width range.

Two radial equivalents are available for 560-15: 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 option is an 80-series metric radial, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent that keeps a more vintage visual character while changing construction type.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalent choices, which makes wheel measurement especially important. Equivalent sizing is a useful guide, but overall tire dimensions, wheel fit, and clearance around the fenders and suspension should still be checked on the car.

Either direction can make sense on a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia because both 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial fitments are available. The bias-ply route keeps the period-style numeric size and opens up whitewall options, while the radial route uses a classic Euro-metric format with several blackwall tire series.

The best choice depends on how the car is used and how closely the finished appearance should reflect a traditional late-1950s presentation. Wheel width, clearance, and the actual condition of the steering and suspension should be reviewed before switching construction, especially on a car with older or modified components.

Start with the correct size family for the car’s intended setup: 560-15 if a bias-ply tire is the goal, or 155R15 if a radial is preferred. After that, compare the product’s construction, sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and the rim-width range it is built to work with.

Appearance matters on an early Karmann Ghia because the tire has a strong effect on the car’s stance and overall presentation. It also helps to review maximum load figures and product type when available, especially if the car sees more than occasional short local driving.

The available sidewall styles for a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear in both the 155R15 radial group and the 560-15 bias-ply group, while the whitewall selections are found in the 560-15 bias-ply size.

That makes sidewall choice a major visual decision rather than just a technical one. A whitewall can shift the car toward a stronger late-1950s touring look, while blackwall tires give a cleaner and often sportier presentation, so the right answer depends on the car’s finish and restoration direction.

Tires for the 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Those brands cover both 155R15 radial and 560-15 bias-ply fitments, with differences in tire series, sidewall styling, and wheel-width compatibility.

Brand comparison is most useful when it helps narrow the tire’s purpose and appearance, not when treated as a ranking exercise. Once the size and construction are settled, compare each tire’s series character, sidewall presentation, and wheel fit to find the option that suits the car you actually have.

For a period-style 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it keeps the vintage numeric format and offers blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That combination aligns closely with the visual language many owners want on a late-1950s coupe.

The final choice still depends on how traditional the restoration needs to be and what look suits the finished car. If exact originality matters, compare the tire decision against marque references, period photos, and vehicle-specific historical documentation rather than relying on size alone.

Tire construction changes more than ride and road feel on a restored 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia; it also affects the way the car reads visually. A 560-15 bias-ply setup keeps the older sizing style and supports whitewall presentations, while 155R15 radial choices lean toward a classic blackwall European look.

That means construction choice should match the restoration goal, not just the wheel diameter. Some owners want the more formal period-style look of a bias-ply tire, while others prefer a radial that still suits the car’s vintage scale without giving up the 15-inch fitment.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, or body and brake changes can all influence how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits and clears.

A car that has been changed from stock should be measured rather than judged by size code alone. Turning clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel are especially important on compact vintage cars, so the actual wheel-and-tire package needs to be checked on the vehicle before regular road use.

Before driving a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and verify that inflation pressure matches the tire being used. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and basic steering and brake condition.

A short test drive should be followed by another check for rubbing, air loss, or unusual behavior at the front or rear of the car. Early collector cars often sit for long periods, so the first miles on fresh tires are the right time to catch clearance issues or mechanical problems.

Collector-car tires on a 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, or unexplained air loss. That applies whether the car is running 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials, since low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a lightly used Ghia. Parking away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and an inspection before each driving season is a smart habit for a car that spends part of the year off the road.