1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 Tires

The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses three different primary tire sizes: 760-15, 670-15, and 6.50-15. All three are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims, but they do not apply across the whole model range. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, with the 300 D, 300 SL, and 300 SL Roadster each needing its own fitment to be matched properly.

That means the first step is identifying the exact car before comparing brands or sidewall styles. A 300 D should not be approached the same way as a 300 SL or 300 SL Roadster. If the car has had wheels changed over the years, confirm actual rim diameter and width before selecting a tire, especially when considering any shift away from the original bias-ply construction.

The covered 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 fitments use 15-inch rims. That applies to the 760-15, 670-15, and 6.50-15 tire sizes, all of which share the same basic wheel diameter even though the tire widths and sub-model applications differ. Rim diameter is straightforward here, but correct tire size still depends on the specific version of the car.

A shared 15-inch wheel diameter does not make all three tire sizes interchangeable. Width, overall proportions, and wheel compatibility still matter, especially on collector cars that may have been restored or modified at some point. It is wise to measure the wheel, confirm the sub-model, and inspect for clearance at full steering lock before making a change from one primary size to another or to a radial equivalent.

The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 name covers distinct sub-models, and those sub-models do not share one universal tire size. The 300 D uses 760-15, the 300 SL uses 670-15, and the 300 SL Roadster uses 6.50-15. All are 15-inch bias-ply fitments, but each size reflects the needs of that particular configuration rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

For a buyer, that means the model name alone is not enough. Confirming whether the car is a 300 D, 300 SL, or 300 SL Roadster is the real starting point, then the tire search becomes much narrower and more useful. It also helps explain why product choice varies so much by size, with some sub-model fitments offering many more brand and sidewall options than others.

On the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the original-style construction used for the covered 300 SL fitment, and the available products in that size are bias-ply offerings across several brands and sidewall treatments. Radial alternatives exist for buyers exploring a different construction, but the primary fitment itself remains bias-ply.

That distinction matters because a radial equivalent should be treated as an alternative rather than the same tire in a different construction. If the goal is a traditional driving feel and period-style presentation, staying with 670-15 bias-ply keeps the fitment in its original format. If a radial is under consideration, verify wheel width, physical clearance, and the car’s actual setup before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 760-15 include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial. These options all reference the same primary 760-15 bias-ply fitment, but they represent different sizing systems and tire profiles rather than one identical replacement format.

The practical difference is that the buyer can compare a more traditional-looking bias-look radial against metric and P-metric alternatives that follow modern radial sizing conventions. The recommended rim-width range for this equivalency set is 6-8 inches. Before choosing any one of them, confirm the wheel width on the car and check that section width, overall dimensions, and clearance remain appropriate for the vehicle.

Start by confirming the car’s exact sub-model and original primary size, then match that size to the correct radial-equivalent options where they exist. The 760-15 and 670-15 fitments have radial equivalents, but each equivalent uses its own sizing convention and should be evaluated as an alternative rather than assumed to be interchangeable with the bias-ply tire.

A careful conversion check includes wheel width, rim diameter, suspension condition, steering travel, and fender clearance. It also helps to inspect whether the car still has stock wheels or any prior modifications. On a collector Mercedes, the choice is not only about road feel; it also affects the vehicle’s appearance, so many buyers compare a standard radial with a bias-look radial before deciding.

The first consideration is making sure 670-15 is the correct primary size for the specific 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 sub-model. Once that is confirmed, the meaningful choices are construction format, sidewall style, tire series, brand, and wheel compatibility. In this size, the available selection includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options across several established vintage tire lines.

That broad variety means the best comparison is not just brand name but how each tire fits the intended use of the car. A restoration-oriented SL may call for a different visual presentation than a driver-focused car. Rim-width guidance and load figures can also help narrow the field, especially if the vehicle has non-original wheels or is being prepared for more regular road use.

Sidewall choices for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The 760-15 fitment leans strongly toward whitewall presentations, while 670-15 offers the broadest mix of blackwall and whitewall treatments. Those visual differences can change the character of the car as much as the tire brand or series does.

Selecting a sidewall style usually comes down to how the car is being presented. A formal sedan may suit a fuller whitewall look, while a sports-oriented setup may call for something more restrained. Since the correct sidewall appearance can vary by restoration goal, compare the tire choice against the car’s trim, wheel covers, and the overall period-style presentation you want to achieve.

Tire choices for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, Firestone, US Royal, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, depending on the size. Brand availability is especially broad in 670-15, while 760-15 has a smaller but still useful mix of traditional names and whitewall-focused offerings for period-style replacements.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It helps more to compare which size each brand supports, what sidewall treatments are offered, and whether the tire series matches the look and use of the car. On a vehicle with multiple sub-model fitments, confirming the exact tire size first keeps the brand comparison grounded in what actually belongs on that specific Mercedes.

A period-style choice for a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 760-15, 670-15, or 6.50-15. From there, the decision usually turns to the visual character of the tire, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall treatments where available. Staying with bias-ply construction also preserves the original-style sizing format and look.

That does not mean one brand or whitewall width is automatically correct for every restoration. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-specific references, photos, and restoration documentation for the car itself. Many owners simply want a tire that looks appropriately of the era, and in that case the right size and sidewall style are the most important starting points.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 more than many buyers expect. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its original-style format and usually gives the most traditional sidewall and tread presentation. A radial equivalent can alter that look, even when it shares the same rim diameter, because the sizing system and proportions may differ.

That is why restoration-minded buyers often decide on appearance before deciding on construction. Some prefer a straightforward bias-ply tire for full period character, while others look at a bias-look radial to keep a more traditional visual impression. The choice should always be checked against wheel width and body clearance, but it also needs to suit the level of authenticity the restoration is aiming for.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 760-15, 670-15, or 6.50-15 tire sits in the car. That matters even more when a radial equivalent is being considered.

A car that has been restored over several decades may not still match its original wheel setup. Measuring actual rim diameter and width, then checking clearance at the fender, frame, and steering components, helps avoid costly mistakes. On a low-production collector Mercedes, it is especially smart to inspect both front and rear fitment rather than assuming both ends of the car remain unchanged.

Before driving a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then make sure the tires are properly mounted and inflated for their intended use. It also helps to confirm adequate clearance around the fenders, steering components, and suspension. On a collector car, basic checks should include valve stems, wheel hardware, and signs of any rubbing after installation.

The first few miles are a good time to recheck pressure and look for uneven seating or contact marks. A car that has sat for long periods may also need attention to alignment, bushings, and steering parts before the new tires can do their job properly. Road testing gently at first is a sensible way to confirm that the tire and wheel package is behaving as expected.

Tires on a collector 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, so condition matters just as much as miles driven on a vintage Mercedes.

Storage conditions can make a major difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Moving the vehicle periodically and inspecting the tread and sidewalls before each outing is worthwhile, particularly before a longer trip. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance can still deserve closer attention if it has simply aged in place.