1959 Lloyd Arabella Tires

A 1959 Lloyd Arabella uses either a 145R13 radial tire or a 520-13 bias-ply tire. Both sizes are associated with the Arabella on a 13-inch wheel diameter, so the main fitment difference is construction type and sizing format rather than a change in rim diameter.

That means the first step is deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial-format tire. It is still smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car, since collector vehicles are sometimes changed over the years. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance should all be reviewed before committing to one size.

The 1959 Lloyd Arabella uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 145R13 and 520-13. That shared wheel diameter simplifies selection because the decision is centered on tire size format and construction, not on switching between different wheel diameters.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a compact European car with narrow tires. A radial equivalent may call for a different rim-width range than a bias-ply tire, so measuring the wheel is still worthwhile before making a change. That check becomes even more important if the car has replacement wheels or has been altered from its original setup.

The 1959 Lloyd Arabella Base uses the same two recognized tire-size paths for this model: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate rim diameter change for the Base, since both sizes use a 13-inch wheel.

That makes the Base model easier to shop for, because the main question becomes how the car is being equipped rather than hunting for a trim-specific wheel size. Owners should still compare the tires already on the car, inspect the wheel width, and decide whether the goal is a traditional period-style look or a radial-format setup for regular driving.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Lloyd Arabella. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the nominal section width is expressed in inches and the final number refers to the 13-inch rim diameter.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and setup decisions differently than a radial tire does. Owners pursuing a more traditional presentation often stay with 520-13, especially when whitewall styling is important. Anyone considering a switch should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and available clearance instead of assuming that another 13-inch tire will behave the same way.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 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 bias-look radial equivalent is not present for this size, and the recommended rim-width range for these radial equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.

Those equivalent sizes give several ways to move from a vintage numeric bias-ply format into radial sizing, but they are still alternatives rather than automatic replacements. Checking the actual wheel width is especially important here, and overall dimensions should be compared before installation. Clearance at the fenders and steering should also be reviewed if the car has been lowered, modified, or fitted with non-original wheels.

A 1959 Lloyd Arabella can be equipped with either 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radial tires, so the choice depends on how the car is being used and presented. Bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage sizing format, while the radial option keeps the same 13-inch wheel diameter in a more modern tire construction.

Owners focused on restoration-minded appearance often start with the 520-13 path, especially when sidewall styling is part of the car's finished look. A radial route may appeal more for regular road driving, but the wheel itself still needs to be checked carefully. Tire width, rim-width compatibility, and body or steering clearance deserve attention before changing construction.

Start with the correct size path for the car: 520-13 if the goal is a traditional bias-ply format, or 145R13 if a radial setup is preferred. Since both sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter, the bigger decision is construction, sidewall appearance, and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered.

Brand and tire series also matter because they shape the look of the finished car. The Arabella has blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Firestone, plus bias-ply options from Firestone and Premium Sport with different whitewall treatments. It helps to decide early whether the priority is vintage appearance, regular road use, or a balanced compromise between the two.

1959 Lloyd Arabella tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size and construction. The 145R13 radial offerings are blackwall, while 520-13 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That variety allows the tire to influence the car's visual character quite a bit, especially on a compact late-1950s European sedan. A blackwall tends to keep the appearance simple and restrained, while whitewall options add a more decorative period-style presentation. Sidewall choice should be made alongside the correct size and construction so the look and fitment stay aligned.

Tires for the 1959 Lloyd Arabella are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial category, while Firestone and Premium Sport offer 520-13 bias-ply choices in different sidewall treatments and tire series.

Brand selection should come after the correct size and construction have been narrowed down. Once that is settled, the useful comparisons are sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification when shown, and whether the tire supports the car's intended appearance. The best choice is usually the one that matches the Arabella's wheel setup and the owner's restoration or driving priorities.

For a period-style 1959 Lloyd Arabella, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it keeps the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction associated with small cars of the era. That size is also available in several presentation-focused sidewall treatments, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall.

A restoration-minded choice still depends on how historically exact the car needs to be. When originality matters at a high level, details such as sidewall treatment should be checked against marque-specific references or period photos for the specific car. For many owners, the practical decision is choosing the 520-13 tire that best matches the intended visual character of the finished Arabella.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1959 Lloyd Arabella as much as it changes the sizing language on the sidewall. A 520-13 bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional late-1950s format, while a 145R13 radial introduces a more modernized tire style even though it keeps the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That difference becomes more noticeable when sidewall styling is part of the restoration plan. Whitewall bias-ply options create a distinctly vintage presentation, while the available radial choices are blackwall and visually simpler. Owners trying to preserve an era-appropriate look often decide on construction first, then refine the final appearance through sidewall treatment and tire series.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Lloyd Arabella even when the tire size itself appears correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body adjustments can influence how a 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply tire sits and clears the car.

A 13-inch diameter match alone is not enough to settle the issue. The actual wheel width should be measured, and steering, fender, and suspension clearance should be checked with the car at normal ride height. Any owner evaluating a radial equivalent for the 520-13 should be especially careful, since equivalent sizing still needs to be verified against the vehicle's real-world setup.

Before driving a 1959 Lloyd Arabella on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. The new tires should also be checked for proper seating, inflation, and visible clearance around the fenders and steering range, especially on a narrow-bodied car with small-diameter wheels.

A short test drive at modest speed is a smart way to confirm that the car tracks properly and that nothing rubs under turning or road movement. It also helps to recheck air pressure after installation and keep an eye on any signs of uneven wear as the tires settle in. Small collector cars often reveal fitment issues quickly once they are back on the road.

Tires on a collector 1959 Lloyd Arabella should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 145R13 radials or 520-13 bias-ply tires, it is important to watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a seldom-driven car. Keeping the Arabella away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before any longer drive, since age-related issues may appear even when tread depth still looks acceptable on a lightly used collector vehicle.