1959 Austin A 40 Tires

The 1959 Austin A 40 uses two primary tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, but they represent different sizing systems and different approaches to how the car is set up for appearance and road use.

That means the first step is not just matching diameter, but deciding which construction the car is meant to use. A radial-format A 40 should be evaluated around the 145R13 size, while a more traditional setup points toward 520-13. On a car that has changed wheels over the years, wheel width and clearance deserve a quick check before ordering.

The tire sizes used on the 1959 Austin A 40 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 145R13 radial size and the 520-13 bias-ply size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions and sizing formats differ.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, especially on a small vintage car. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel width before choosing among available tires, particularly when comparing a radial option to a bias-ply option or considering a radial equivalent for the 520-13 size.

Yes. The 1959 Austin A 40 Base uses the same two primary fitment paths: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. The fitment question for the Base model is therefore about construction and tire style rather than a separate trim-specific wheel diameter.

That simplifies shopping, but it still leaves an important decision. A 520-13 bias-ply tire supports a more traditional visual presentation, while 145R13 reflects a radial-format choice. Looking at the car’s current wheels, overall stance, and intended use will help determine which direction makes the most sense.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Austin A 40. It uses the older numeric sizing system commonly associated with vintage fitments, and it is offered here in bias-ply construction rather than radial construction.

That matters because a 520-13 selection preserves a more traditional construction and appearance than the radial-format 145R13 option. Owners moving away from 520-13 should not assume every 13-inch radial will behave the same way on the car, since wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance still need to be checked carefully.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the 1959 Austin A 40 owner several ways to compare radial-format alternatives to the original numeric bias-ply size.

Each equivalent keeps the 13-inch rim diameter but uses a different radial sizing convention, so the choice is not only about diameter. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is associated with these alternatives, and the final decision should also account for actual wheel width, vehicle stance, and fender or steering clearance.

Either can be appropriate on a 1959 Austin A 40, depending on how the car is being preserved and driven. The 520-13 size keeps the car in a bias-ply format, while 145R13 gives it a radial-format fitment. The decision is less about one being universally right and more about matching the tire to the car’s intended character.

A restoration-minded owner may prefer the traditional look of a numeric bias-ply, especially with whitewall options. An owner planning regular road use may lean toward a radial-format setup. Before changing constructions, it is wise to confirm wheel width, compare the overall setup on the car, and inspect for any clearance issues.

The main considerations are staying with the correct 520-13 size, choosing the sidewall treatment you want, and checking whether the wheel matches the tire’s rim-width needs. Available 520-13 choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from Firestone and Premium Sport.

Selection within this size usually comes down to visual presentation and how closely the tire matches the car’s intended look. Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Premium Sport Lowrider series give the A 40 very different appearances, so it helps to decide first whether the goal is a simple stock-style look or something more stylized but still period-flavored.

Sidewall choices for the 1959 Austin A 40 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and series. The 145R13 radial options are blackwall, while the 520-13 bias-ply options extend into both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations.

That makes sidewall style an important part of the buying decision, especially on a small car where the tire is visually prominent. Blackwall suits a cleaner and simpler presentation, while narrow or wide whitewall choices push the car toward a more restoration-oriented or custom-influenced look without changing the basic 13-inch fitment.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires for the 1959 Austin A 40. Michelin and Firestone cover the 145R13 radial side, while Firestone and Premium Sport are represented in the 520-13 bias-ply size, giving buyers brand choice across both construction paths.

Brand matters mainly because it often comes tied to a specific tire series and appearance. Michelin XAS-FF, Firestone F560 Radial, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Premium Sport Lowrider each bring a different look or fitment emphasis to the same vehicle. It helps to narrow the decision by size and sidewall style before comparing individual products.

For a period-style 1959 Austin A 40, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it uses the vintage numeric format and traditional construction associated with the era. Within that size, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices create noticeably different visual results.

The best direction depends on how closely the car is being restored and what kind of presentation is intended. Owners pursuing exact originality should compare their car against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation. For many drivers, the more practical question is simply which 520-13 sidewall style best suits the finished car.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Austin A 40 more than many buyers expect. A 520-13 bias-ply tire carries the older numeric format and a more traditional look, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style metric presentation even though it uses the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That difference matters on a compact British car because the tire sits in plain view and helps define the car’s stance. A restoration-oriented build often benefits from choosing the construction first, then the sidewall treatment. Once that direction is settled, wheel width and the car’s existing setup should be confirmed before final selection.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Austin A 40 even when the nominal tire size seems correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body modifications can all influence how a 145R13 or 520-13 tire sits within the wheelwell and how it clears during steering movement.

That is especially important when the car has changed hands several times and its current setup may no longer reflect a stock wheel package. A quick check of rim diameter, actual wheel width, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension can prevent choosing a tire that is correct on paper but mismatched to the car.

Before driving a 1959 Austin A 40 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tires are seated correctly, and make sure inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It also helps to verify valve-stem condition and look for any immediate signs of rubbing once the car is back on the ground.

A short, careful first drive is useful for checking steering response, straight-ahead tracking, and any contact at full lock or over bumps. On a collector car, the rest of the chassis deserves attention too, since worn suspension parts or old wheel hardware can affect how even a correctly sized tire performs in real road use.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Austin A 40 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Whether the car wears 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials, look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.

Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber. It is also smart to inspect the spare and to recheck the tires before any longer outing after extended storage.