The 1959 DKW Cross Country comes from a period when compact European utility vehicles were built for light-duty versatility, simple mechanicals, and practical road manners on modest-sized wheels. That makes tire choice especially important, because the vehicle sits at the intersection of traditional vintage fitment and later radial thinking. This model uses either a 600-16 bias-ply tire or a 175R16 radial on a 16-inch rim. That opens the door to decisions about traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation, different vintage tire series, and whether period-style bias-ply character or radial construction better suits the vehicle. The right choice starts with matching the intended look, wheel setup, and driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 DKW Cross Country
The 1959 DKW Cross Country uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both sizes mount on 16-inch rims. The first step is deciding whether the vehicle is set up for a 600-16 bias-ply tire or a 175R16 radial, then confirming the actual wheel and overall fitment before choosing among available brands, sidewall styles, and tire series.
175R16 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 175 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1959 DKW Cross Country, this size represents the radial fitment choice and gives the vehicle a more modern sizing convention than the older numeric bias-ply format. The practical question with 175R16 is not sidewall styling variety here, but confirming that the vehicle's wheels and overall setup match the radial size being used. It is the right size to evaluate when the Cross Country is already configured around radial construction.
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 600 indicating an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 16 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1959 DKW Cross Country, it is the traditional vintage-format fitment and carries the period-style construction many restoration-minded owners expect to see on a utility vehicle of this era. This size has broad product variety, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices from brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, Ford Script, STA, and Camac. It is the size to compare closely when appearance, traditional construction, and vintage tire-series selection matter most.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered Cross Country sub-model shares the same two tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, since the real decision is whether the vehicle is using the 16-inch radial setup or the 16-inch bias-ply setup.
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1959 DKW Cross Country Base
The 1959 DKW Cross Country Base uses the same two primary fitment choices found on the model overall: 175R16 radial and 600-16 bias-ply, both on 16-inch rims. That means tire selection centers on confirming the construction and wheel setup already on the vehicle, then choosing the sidewall treatment and tire series that best match its intended appearance and use.
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 DKW Cross Country Tires for Sale
Available 600-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, Ford Script, STA, and Camac, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options across several vintage bias-ply and military-style series. Most also show 16-inch rim compatibility, with many built around 4.00 to 4.50-inch wheel widths.
Owners of a 1959 DKW Cross Country usually need to sort out the difference between 600-16 bias-ply and 175R16 radial fitment, then narrow the choice by wheel setup, sidewall style, restoration goals, and basic pre-drive inspection.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 DKW Cross Country?
The 1959 DKW Cross Country uses two primary tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. Both are 16-inch fitments, so the vehicle does not change rim diameter between those two size paths.
The key is identifying which setup is actually on the vehicle before selecting a tire. A Cross Country that has been kept in a traditional vintage configuration may point toward 600-16 bias-ply options, while one using radial construction should be checked for proper 175R16 wheel and clearance compatibility.
What size rim does a 1959 DKW Cross Country use?
The 1959 DKW Cross Country uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the vehicle is running the 175R16 radial size or the 600-16 bias-ply size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm wheel width before changing tires. Many 600-16 bias-ply products are built around narrow vintage wheel widths, and that makes it important to match the actual wheel on the vehicle to the tire being considered.
Does the 1959 DKW Cross Country Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1959 DKW Cross Country Base follows the same fitment pattern as the model overall, using either 175R16 radial or 600-16 bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims. There is no separate size split within the covered Base sub-model.
That means the buying decision is less about trim level and more about the vehicle's present wheel and tire configuration. Looking at the tires already mounted, confirming construction type, and measuring the wheel if needed will do more to guide a correct choice than the sub-model name alone.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 DKW Cross Country?
On the 1959 DKW Cross Country, 600-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common on many vintage vehicles, with the final 16 referring to the 16-inch rim diameter.
That matters because a 600-16 bias-ply choice is usually tied closely to traditional appearance and vintage wheel fitment. Owners comparing it with the 175R16 radial option should confirm not only rim diameter, but also wheel width, vehicle stance, and the overall presentation they want from the finished Cross Country.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1959 DKW Cross Country?
A 1959 DKW Cross Country can be approached either with 600-16 bias-ply tires or with 175R16 radial tires, since both are primary fitment paths on 16-inch rims. The choice comes down to how the vehicle is equipped and what kind of driving and appearance the owner is trying to preserve.
Bias-ply tires usually suit a more traditional vintage presentation, especially when whitewall or double-whitewall styling is part of the goal. Radial fitment should be treated as its own setup, with close attention paid to wheel dimensions, tire-to-body clearance, and how the vehicle has been maintained or modified over time.
What should I check before converting my 1959 DKW Cross Country from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the vehicle is using 16-inch wheels appropriate for the radial size being considered, since the 1959 DKW Cross Country's radial fitment is 175R16. A conversion should also account for wheel width, tire clearance at the fenders and steering range, and the overall condition of suspension and steering components.
Construction changes should not be treated as automatic just because the rim diameter matches. Looking closely at the actual wheel on the vehicle, checking for past modifications, and comparing how the tire sits in the wheel opening will help avoid problems with clearance, stance, or an appearance that no longer suits the Cross Country.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1959 DKW Cross Country?
Begin with the basics: 600-16 is the bias-ply fitment, it uses a 16-inch rim, and many available options are built around narrow vintage wheel widths such as 4.00 to 4.50 inches. From there, the main differences are tire series, sidewall treatment, and whether the tire has a more passenger-style or military-style character.
A restoration-minded Cross Country may lean toward a traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation, while a utility-focused build may point toward an NDT or truck-style tread. Comparing the wheel width on the vehicle, the intended look, and the tire's basic load and construction details will make the choice much clearer.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 DKW Cross Country tires?
For the 1959 DKW Cross Country's 600-16 bias-ply fitment, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices appear across several different brands and tire series, so appearance can be tailored without changing the primary tire size.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on how a vintage vehicle presents, especially one with upright late-1950s proportions. A blackwall usually gives the Cross Country a more utilitarian look, while whitewall and double-whitewall versions create a more dressed, restoration-oriented appearance that should still be checked against the vehicle's overall theme.
What brands offer tires for the 1959 DKW Cross Country?
The 600-16 fitment for the 1959 DKW Cross Country is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several vintage bias-ply, military-style, and classic touring-oriented series.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of a larger comparison rather than the whole decision. It helps to narrow the tire first by correct size, construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility, then compare the series and specifications that best match how the Cross Country is being restored or driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 DKW Cross Country?
For a period-style 1959 DKW Cross Country, the 600-16 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it uses the traditional numeric format and vintage construction associated with vehicles of this era. That size also offers the broadest appearance range, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options.
The best visual choice depends on the kind of restoration being pursued, from plain utility character to a more dressed presentation. When exact originality matters, it helps to compare the vehicle against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation rather than assuming any one sidewall treatment is universally correct.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 DKW Cross Country?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 DKW Cross Country as much as the size itself. A 600-16 bias-ply tire usually supports a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 175R16 radial introduces a later-style sizing convention and a different overall look on the vehicle.
That difference matters most on a compact utility vehicle where the tire sidewall is visually prominent. Owners focused on historic character often start with the bias-ply format, while those prioritizing a radial setup should make sure the final appearance, wheel proportion, and stance still suit the rest of the restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 DKW Cross Country?
Yes. Modifications can change how either 600-16 bias-ply or 175R16 radial tires sit on a 1959 DKW Cross Country, even though both sizes use 16-inch rims. Wheel width changes, altered offset, suspension work, body repairs, and ride-height changes can all affect clearance and overall fitment.
That is why a modified Cross Country should be checked on the vehicle rather than judged by size code alone. Looking at steering clearance, wheel opening space, and how close the tire runs to suspension and body components is especially important before moving from one construction type to the other.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 DKW Cross Country on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm lug hardware is correct, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for their specification. It also helps to check for interference at full steering lock and to inspect suspension and steering parts for looseness that could affect how the tire tracks.
A collector vehicle that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention before a meaningful drive. Looking for fluid leaks, cracked rubber parts, unusual tire-to-body contact, and any early signs of air loss gives the Cross Country a much better chance of settling in safely on its new tires.
How should 600-16 tires on a collector 1959 DKW Cross Country be maintained?
Collector-use 600-16 tires should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, cracking, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, heat, and ozone sources. A 1959 DKW Cross Country that sees occasional use also benefits from being moved periodically rather than sitting in one position for extended periods.
Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage vehicle. Clean, dry parking conditions and routine pressure checks help preserve both the tire's condition and the vehicle's road manners, while pre-drive inspections are especially important after seasonal storage or long periods without use.
