1959 MG Tires

The 1959 MG uses two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 15-inch wheels, so the main fitment choice is not wheel diameter but whether the car will stay with traditional bias-ply tires or move to a radial setup.

That distinction matters because construction changes both appearance and selection options. A 560-15 opens access to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall bias-ply choices, while 155R15 brings in several classic blackwall radial series. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the current setup has adequate clearance.

Both tire sizes used on the 1959 MG are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 155R15 radial and the 560-15 bias-ply size, so the vehicle stays within one wheel diameter even though the tire constructions and sizing systems differ.

Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing a radial to a bias-ply or considering a radial equivalent for 560-15. Many vintage cars have seen wheel changes over the years, so it is worth measuring the wheel on the car instead of assuming it still matches an earlier setup.

The covered 1959 MG TD and TF sub-models share the same tire-size choices. Both can use either a 155R15 radial or a 560-15 bias-ply tire, each mounted on a 15-inch rim.

That makes sub-model identification less about finding a different size and more about confirming how the car is equipped today. A restoration-oriented TD or TF may stay with the 560-15 bias-ply for traditional presentation, while another car may already be running radial-friendly wheels. Checking the wheels and overall stance helps narrow the right direction.

On the 1959 MG, 560-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric sizing format used on many vintage vehicles, and it is separate from the 155R15 radial size that also applies to this fitment.

Keeping 560-15 maintains access to traditional bias-ply choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Moving away from it means comparing radial alternatives carefully, not just matching the rim diameter. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance should all be reviewed before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is a bias-look radial equivalent intended to preserve a more traditional visual character while using radial construction.

Those options are useful comparison points, but neither should be treated as an automatic swap. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, and the owner should still confirm wheel width, tire clearance, and overall compatibility with the car's current suspension and body setup before making the change.

A bias-look radial is available for this fitment in 560R15. That makes it a relevant option for a 1959 MG owner who wants to stay close to the visual character of a traditional 560-15 tire while using radial construction instead of bias-ply.

The appeal is mostly in balancing appearance and construction type, but the fitment still needs to be checked like any other radial conversion. The wheel should fall within the recommended 4 to 5 inch rim-width range, and the tire's dimensions and clearance should be reviewed against the actual car before committing to the change.

Start with the two correct size paths for the 1959 MG: 560-15 in bias-ply construction or 155R15 in radial construction. From there, the most important selection factors are the car's current wheel setup, the look you want, and whether the car is being kept close to period style or driven with a radial preference.

After size and construction are settled, compare the available tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility. A bias-ply 560-15 offers several whitewall and blackwall presentations, while 155R15 opens a broader range of classic radial series. It also helps to compare load figures and intended use before making the final choice.

Sidewall choices for the 1959 MG depend on which size and construction you choose. The 155R15 radial offerings are blackwall, while the 560-15 bias-ply range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options.

That variety matters because sidewall style has a strong effect on the car's visual character. A blackwall tends to suit a more understated sporting look, while whitewalls push the car toward a more decorative period-style presentation. The best choice is usually the one that matches the car's restoration direction, wheel style, and overall finish.

Brands available for the 1959 MG include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Those brands are spread across the two fitments, with radial options concentrated in 155R15 and bias-ply options concentrated in 560-15.

Brand choice should come after size and construction are settled. Once those are locked in, compare each tire by series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and other practical details such as load capacity or intended character. That approach keeps the decision grounded in fitment and vehicle use rather than brand name alone.

For a period-style 1959 MG, the 560-15 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing format and opens access to traditional blackwall and whitewall presentations. It is the fitment most closely aligned with the visual language many owners want on a TD or TF restoration.

That does not make every 560-15 equally appropriate for every car. The final look changes with sidewall treatment, wheel finish, and the car's restoration theme. When exact originality matters, compare your choice against marque references, period photos, and model-specific historical guidance rather than assuming any one brand or whitewall width is automatically correct.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 MG more than many owners expect. A 560-15 bias-ply generally delivers the most traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R15 radial gives the car a more modernized look even though it still stays within a classic 15-inch fitment.

The difference becomes even more noticeable when sidewall style enters the picture. Bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, so the car can be tailored toward a simpler sporting look or a more dressy restoration theme. Construction and sidewall should be chosen together rather than as separate decisions.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1959 MG, even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can alter how a 560-15 or 155R15 sits and moves through steering and suspension travel.

That is especially important on older sports cars that may have changed hands many times. A TD or TF with aftermarket wheels or altered suspension should be checked for inner and outer clearance, steering sweep, and tire-to-body space before new tires go into service. Measuring the car as it sits today prevents costly assumptions.

Before driving a 1959 MG on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then verify that inflation pressure matches the tire being used. It also makes sense to look over steering and suspension components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn mechanical parts.

A short, careful first drive is the best follow-up check. Watch for rubbing, vibration, unusual pull, or contact at full steering lock, and recheck pressure after the initial run. Collector cars often spend long stretches parked, so it is wise to confirm that brakes, wheel bearings, and alignment are also road-ready.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 MG should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and clean, dry storage habits. Whether the car runs 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials, attention should be paid to sidewall cracking, tread condition, cuts, bulges, and signs of slow air loss.

Long periods of inactivity can be just as hard on tires as road mileage. Storing the car away from direct sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to regular road use.