The 1959 Austin A 35 comes from a period when small British sedans were valued for simplicity, economy, and tidy dimensions rather than outright size or power. Today, the A 35 appeals to owners who want an honest postwar compact with light, nimble character and unmistakable late-1950s charm. Tire choice centers on two 13-inch fitments: the period-style 520-13 bias-ply and the 145R13 radial alternative. That opens the door to different sidewall presentations, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, while also changing the feel and look of the car. The right choice depends on whether appearance, driving character, or a balance of both matters most.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Austin A 35
The 1959 Austin A 35 uses two primary 13-inch tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Since both sizes apply to the A 35 Base, the main decision is not wheel diameter but whether you want the traditional presentation of a bias-ply tire or the more modern radial sizing format, along with the sidewall and product differences that come with each.
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1959 Austin A 35, it represents the radial side of the fitment choice while keeping the correct 13-inch rim diameter. Available options include Michelin and Firestone blackwall radials in 80-series metric form. This size is worth considering if the car already runs radial-compatible wheels and the goal is a tidy, understated look in a more modern tire format.
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.20 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1959 Austin A 35, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and the one most closely aligned with a period-style tire presentation. Product choices include Firestone and Premium Sport, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across distinct tire series. This size makes sense when preserving vintage appearance is a priority, but wheel width, load needs, and overall vehicle setup still deserve a careful look.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the covered 1959 Austin A 35 range. The A 35 Base uses the same 13-inch tire choices, so the key decision is construction and appearance rather than sorting through different trim-specific sizes.
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1959 Austin A 35 Base
The 1959 Austin A 35 Base can be fitted with either the 145R13 radial or the 520-13 bias-ply, both built around a 13-inch rim. That gives the buyer a clear choice between a more traditional period-style tire presentation and a radial option with a more modern sizing convention.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1959 Austin A 35
For the original 520-13 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 equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series radial alternative. These options differ mainly by sizing convention and profile approach rather than serving as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (520-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (520-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (520-13)
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 1959 Austin A 35 Tires for Sale
Available 1959 Austin A 35 tires cover both 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply fitments, with choices from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. The product range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across radial and classic bias-ply series.
Common 1959 Austin A 35 tire questions usually come down to choosing between 520-13 and 145R13, understanding radial alternatives, and deciding how much period appearance matters. Rim fitment, sidewall style, and basic road-use checks are also important on a small collector car like the A 35.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 Austin A 35?
The 1959 Austin A 35 uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, and both apply to the A 35 Base, so the choice is centered on tire type and presentation rather than different trim-specific wheel diameters.
That means the next step is deciding whether the car should keep a more traditional bias-ply look or move to a radial format. Checking the actual wheel width on the car is still important, especially if the vehicle has been altered over the years or is no longer running its original wheel setup.
What size rim does a 1959 Austin A 35 use?
The 1959 Austin A 35 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 520-13 and 145R13. Even though the construction changes between bias-ply and radial, the wheel diameter remains the same, which keeps rim diameter confirmation relatively straightforward on this car.
Diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, particularly when comparing a narrow vintage bias-ply tire to a radial alternative, so it is wise to verify the actual wheels on the car before ordering tires for regular road use.
What does 520-13 mean on a 1959 Austin A 35?
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.20 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1959 Austin A 35, it represents the period-style bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial designation.
Understanding that format helps separate a traditional vintage tire from later radial sizing systems such as 145R13. Anyone comparing the two should look beyond the matching 13-inch rim diameter and confirm wheel width, tire proportions, and clearance before deciding which construction suits the car best.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 Austin A 35?
520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Austin A 35. It is the traditional numeric vintage fitment and appears in period-style offerings with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, making it the more appearance-driven of the two primary A 35 tire paths.
Bias-ply construction affects more than the sidewall look, so the decision should match how the car will be used. Owners keeping a restoration-oriented presentation often stay with 520-13, while anyone considering a different road feel may want to compare radial options after checking wheel width and vehicle clearance.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 520-13?
Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. A bias-look radial equivalent is not part of the available 520-13 equivalent group.
Each of those equivalents should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic replacement. The recommended rim-width range tied to these radial equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and the car's wheel width, tire clearance, and overall setup should all be confirmed before making the switch.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1959 Austin A 35?
The choice depends on what matters most for the car. A 520-13 bias-ply tire keeps a more traditional late-1950s presentation, while 145R13 gives the Austin A 35 a radial-format option on the same 13-inch rim diameter. Both are valid fitment paths for the A 35 Base.
Owners focused on vintage appearance often lean toward bias-ply, especially when sidewall styling is part of the restoration goal. Radial choices deserve a closer wheel check, since matching rim diameter alone does not settle compatibility, and any car with replacement wheels or suspension changes should be measured before converting.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1959 Austin A 35?
Start with the two correct primary fitments: 520-13 bias-ply and 145R13 radial. From there, the important factors are construction type, wheel width compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented period presentation or set up for more casual road driving.
The product range gives meaningful variety rather than just duplicate choices. A buyer can compare blackwall versus whitewall appearance, Firestone and Premium Sport bias-ply offerings, or Michelin and Firestone radial options, while also reviewing load and rim-width details where those specifications are stated.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Austin A 35 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1959 Austin A 35 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears in both 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply options, while the whitewall treatments are part of the 520-13 bias-ply selection, giving the car a much more vintage visual character.
That makes sidewall style one of the biggest appearance decisions on this page. A plain blackwall keeps the presentation understated, while narrow or wide whitewalls move the car toward a stronger period look, so the right pick depends on how original-looking or personalized the finished A 35 should appear.
What brands offer tires for the 1959 Austin A 35?
Tires for the 1959 Austin A 35 are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone cover the 145R13 radial side, while Firestone and Premium Sport appear in 520-13 bias-ply offerings with different series and sidewall presentations.
Brand choice should be considered alongside construction, styling, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. Some buyers will focus on the radial-versus-bias decision first, while others will narrow the choice by sidewall treatment or tire series once they know which size path best suits the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Austin A 35?
For a period-style 1959 Austin A 35, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing format and supports traditional sidewall treatments. It is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, depending on the presentation you want.
That does not make every 520-13 identical from a restoration standpoint, since sidewall treatment can change the car's visual tone quite a bit. Anyone chasing exact historical accuracy should compare the chosen tire style against marque references, period photos, or other Austin-specific documentation before making the final call.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 Austin A 35?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Austin A 35 as much as it changes the fitment language. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional numeric vintage format, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style metric designation and a more modern tire presentation.
That distinction matters on a small British sedan where the tires are visually prominent against relatively modest body dimensions. Buyers restoring for show-field authenticity often prefer the look of bias-ply construction, while those restoring for regular use may accept the radial appearance in exchange for a different ownership balance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Austin A 35?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Austin A 35 even when the tire size itself is correct. Replacement wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, or body repairs around the wheel openings can all change how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits on the car.
A modified A 35 should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before settling on a tire. Clearance to the fenders and suspension matters just as much as nominal size, especially on a compact vintage car where small wheel-and-tire changes can have a noticeable effect.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Austin A 35 on new tires?
Before driving a 1959 Austin A 35 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the car's actual wheel setup. It is also smart to verify inflation, look for clearance at the front and rear, and check that the suspension and steering components are in sound condition.
A short, careful test drive is a good follow-up after installation. Pay attention to rubbing, pull, vibration, or any sign of air loss, because collector cars often spend long periods parked and may reveal unrelated chassis issues only after fresh tires are fitted and back on the road.
How should tires on a collector 1959 Austin A 35 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1959 Austin A 35 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources. That applies whether the car runs 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials.
Low annual mileage does not eliminate tire aging, so condition matters more than tread depth alone on many hobby cars. Regular visual checks, periodic pressure checks, and attention to how the car is stored can help preserve both appearance and roadworthiness between drives.
