1959 Metropolitan 1500 Tires

The 1959 Metropolitan 1500 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 13-inch rims, so the question is not simply rim diameter, but which of the two period-style sizes best matches the wheel setup and overall look of the car.

A Metropolitan that still has its original-style wheel dimensions may point naturally toward one of these sizes, but collector cars are often changed over time. Checking the actual wheel width, the tire currently on the car, and available clearance around the fenders and suspension helps narrow the choice before selecting sidewall style or considering a radial equivalent.

The 1959 Metropolitan 1500 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 520-13 and 560-13. That shared rim diameter makes wheel size straightforward, even though the car is associated with two different bias-ply tire widths.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question, because individual tire products also have their own wheel-width ranges. Measuring the wheel currently on the car is worthwhile, especially if it has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels, since that can influence whether 520-13 or 560-13 is the more appropriate choice.

The 1959 Metropolitan 1500 is tied to both 520-13 and 560-13, giving it two period-style bias-ply fitment paths on the same 13-inch rim diameter. The difference is mainly in nominal tire width, not in construction type, since both are bias-ply sizes.

That matters because the car may be wearing wheels or tires that reflect an earlier restoration choice, appearance preference, or a practical substitution made years ago. Rather than assuming either size belongs on every example, it makes sense to confirm the wheel width and inspect how the existing tire sits in the wheel opening before deciding.

On the 1959 Metropolitan 1500, 520-13 is a bias-ply primary tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and keeps the car in the traditional tire construction associated with many compact collector vehicles of the period.

That makes 520-13 a natural starting point for buyers who want a period-style look, especially when whitewall treatment is part of the car’s presentation. Anyone considering a change in construction should still verify wheel width, compare the radial-equivalent options available for this size, and make sure the finished setup maintains proper clearance and road-use suitability.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, which is a Euro-metric 80-series radial format, plus P155/75R13 and P155/70R13, which are P-metric radial alternatives. These are equivalent-size options for comparison, not additional primary bias-ply fitments for the 1959 Metropolitan 1500.

The practical difference is that the choices move across older metric and lower-profile P-metric sizing conventions while staying in the 13-inch radial family. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is part of the equivalency guidance, so wheel width, overall fit, and body or suspension clearance should be checked before making the switch.

A conversion from bias-ply to radial tires on a 1959 Metropolitan 1500 starts with confirming the actual wheel diameter and width, then comparing the intended radial equivalent to the current tire size. For 520-13 and 560-13, the radial alternatives include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13.

Clearance should be inspected at the fenders, steering stops, and suspension, especially on a compact car where small dimensional changes can be noticeable. Condition matters too: worn bushings, sagging springs, or replacement wheels can affect the result, so the conversion decision should take the whole tire-and-wheel setup into account rather than size alone.

Start with the correct primary size for the car’s actual wheel setup, since the 1959 Metropolitan 1500 is associated with both 520-13 and 560-13. From there, the main decisions are bias-ply appearance, product rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented presentation or evaluated for a radial alternative.

A narrower 520-13 and a wider 560-13 can create a different visual effect even though both use 13-inch rims. Looking closely at wheel width, current clearance, and how much importance is placed on whitewall style versus a plainer blackwall look helps narrow the field before comparing individual product specifications.

Tires for the 1959 Metropolitan 1500 are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear across the applicable 520-13 and 560-13 bias-ply products, giving the car noticeably different visual personalities without changing the basic vintage fitment theme.

That sidewall decision matters on a Metropolitan because the car’s compact proportions make the tire highly visible in the overall presentation. A blackwall tends to look simpler and more understated, while narrow and wide whitewalls lean harder into late-1950s styling, so the best choice depends on the restoration direction and the look of the wheels and trim.

Applicable tires for the 1959 Metropolitan 1500 are available from Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich. Those brands cover the vehicle’s two primary bias-ply sizes, with choices spread across classic bias-ply and lowrider-oriented series as well as different whitewall treatments.

Brand should be considered alongside size, construction, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility rather than by name alone. One buyer may be focused on a traditional Firestone or BFGoodrich presentation, while another may be drawn to Premium Sport options for a particular whitewall look, so the best comparison is product-by-product within the correct size.

For a period-style 1959 Metropolitan 1500, the starting point is one of the two primary bias-ply sizes, 520-13 or 560-13, rather than a modern radial format. That keeps the car in the vintage construction family and preserves the small-car visual character that suits a late-1950s Metropolitan.

The better choice depends on the wheel setup and the look you want the car to project. Sidewall treatment becomes especially important here, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall each change the car’s presentation, and buyers concerned with exact originality should compare their selection against marque literature or restoration references specific to the vehicle.

Tire construction affects more than ride and handling on a restored 1959 Metropolitan 1500; it also changes the visual language of the car. A bias-ply tire keeps the Metropolitan in a traditional vintage format, while a modern radial equivalent introduces a more contemporary tire profile and overall presentation.

That distinction matters because the Metropolitan’s styling is compact and highly coordinated, so the tires stand out more than they might on a larger car. Buyers aiming for a restoration-oriented look often begin with the primary bias-ply sizes, then refine the result through whitewall width and brand styling rather than changing construction first.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Metropolitan 1500 even when the nominal size appears correct. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, body repairs, or altered ride height can all influence whether 520-13, 560-13, or a radial equivalent has the space it needs.

That is especially important on a smaller collector car, where changes in stance or wheel placement can quickly reduce clearance. Looking at the full setup before choosing tires helps avoid surprises at the inner fender, steering components, or outer wheel opening, and it is worth rechecking fitment any time the car’s chassis or wheel package has changed.

Before driving a 1959 Metropolitan 1500 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and basic clearance around the fenders and suspension. It is also wise to confirm that the tire size matches the wheel setup and that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used.

A collector car deserves a broader pre-drive look as well. Check for uneven ride height, loose steering feel, brake pull, and any signs that old components could let the tire contact the body or suspension once the car is moving, since new tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is in sound operating condition.

Tires on a collector 1959 Metropolitan 1500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to signs of age such as cracking, bulges, tread separation, or persistent air loss. That applies whether the car is running 520-13 or 560-13, since low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging.

Storage conditions matter just as much as driving mileage on a lightly used car. Keeping the Metropolitan away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and occasional movement or careful repositioning during storage can reduce flat spotting on bias-ply tires over longer parked periods.