1959 Morris Oxford Tires

A 1959 Morris Oxford can use 155R15, 560-15, 165R15, or 590-15, depending on the covered sub-model and construction choice. The Oxford III uses 155R15 as its radial size and 560-15 as its bias-ply size, while the Traveller IV uses 165R15 as its radial size and 590-15 as its bias-ply size.

The important step is confirming whether the car is an Oxford III or a Traveller IV before choosing tires. Once that is settled, the decision becomes whether to stay with the period bias-ply fitment or move to the corresponding radial size, while also checking wheel width, tire clearance, and the overall look you want the car to have.

The covered tire fitments for the 1959 Morris Oxford all use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies across the radial and bias-ply sizes associated with both the Oxford III and Traveller IV, even though the exact tire size itself changes by sub-model and construction.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still wise to verify the actual wheel on the car before ordering tires. Older vehicles are often changed over the years, and wheel width can matter just as much as diameter when comparing 155R15, 560-15, 165R15, or 590-15 options.

No. The 1959 Morris Oxford III and 1959 Morris Oxford Traveller IV do not share the same tire sizes. The Oxford III uses 155R15 or 560-15, while the Traveller IV uses 165R15 or 590-15, so there is a real fitment difference between the covered sub-models.

That difference means a buyer should not choose tires by year and model name alone. Checking the exact sub-model first prevents mixing the smaller Oxford III fitment family with the larger Traveller IV fitment family, and it also helps narrow the choice between period-style bias-ply construction and the corresponding radial alternative.

560-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Morris Oxford, specifically within the Oxford III fitment range. Its radial equivalent is 155R15, and there is also a 560R15 bias-look radial alternative for buyers who want radial construction in a size that maintains a more traditional visual character.

Choosing between those options depends on how the car will be used and how important period-style construction is to the overall project. It is smart to confirm wheel width and available clearance before changing from 560-15 to a radial alternative, since matching rim diameter alone does not settle every fitment question.

Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. On the 1959 Morris Oxford, those alternatives relate to the Traveller IV bias-ply fitment rather than the Oxford III setup.

Each of those sizes uses a different sizing convention, so the decision is not simply radial versus bias-ply. The 590-15 equivalency references a 4-5 inch rim-width range, and any alternative should be checked against the car's wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance before making the switch.

Start by matching the radial choice to the correct bias-ply fitment family. A 560-15 Oxford III points to 155R15 or 560R15, while a 590-15 Traveller IV points to 165R15, P165/75R15, or P175/70R15. The wheel still needs the correct 15-inch diameter, and rim width should suit the radial being considered.

After that, compare the actual wheel setup on the car and inspect for any modifications that could affect clearance. Radial alternatives should be evaluated with attention to wheel width, suspension condition, steering travel, and body clearance so the conversion supports the way the car sits and drives rather than creating a surprise once mounted.

The first decision is the exact sub-model, because the Oxford III and Traveller IV use different tire-size families. After that, choose between the period bias-ply fitment and the matching radial fitment, then narrow the options by sidewall appearance, tire series, brand, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size.

A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a traditional bias-ply look, while a regularly driven Oxford may point you toward one of the radial sizes available in the same 15-inch wheel diameter. It also helps to compare load figures, rim-width recommendations, and overall presentation so the tire matches both the car's use and its visual character.

Sidewall choices for the 1959 Morris Oxford include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size selected. The radial 155R15 products are blackwall, while 560-15, 165R15, and 590-15 open up additional whitewall treatments in certain brands and series.

That makes sidewall style an important appearance decision once the correct size is established. A blackwall can give the Oxford a more restrained presentation, while narrow or wide whitewalls move it toward a more dressy period-style look, so it is worth deciding whether visual balance or understated originality matters more for your particular car.

Tires for the 1959 Morris Oxford are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, American Classic, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, depending on the exact size. Brand choice changes with the tire size, so the Oxford III and Traveller IV do not necessarily draw from the same product mix.

The practical way to compare brands is to start with the correct fitment, then look at construction, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width suitability rather than treating brand name alone as the answer. Once the proper size is confirmed, brand preference becomes one part of a larger decision about look, use, and compatibility.

For a period-style 1959 Morris Oxford, the natural starting point is the correct bias-ply size for the sub-model: 560-15 for the Oxford III or 590-15 for the Traveller IV. Those sizes preserve the traditional construction and visual character that many restoration-minded owners want from a late-1950s British family car.

From there, the finer decision usually becomes sidewall presentation, especially where blackwall or whitewall choices are available in the proper size. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is worth checking marque-club references or historical vehicle documentation so the final look aligns with the way your particular Oxford is being restored.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling feel on a restored 1959 Morris Oxford; it also influences the car's visual stance and period impression. A bias-ply tire usually supports a more traditional late-1950s look, while a radial in 155R15 or 165R15 brings a later-style presentation even when the wheel diameter stays at 15 inches.

That does not mean one choice is automatically right for every restoration. Some owners want the classic appearance of a bias-ply or a whitewall treatment, while others prefer the cleaner blackwall look of a radial, so the best result comes from matching construction and sidewall style to the intended character of the finished car.

Yes. Even though the covered 1959 Morris Oxford fitments all use 15-inch wheels, changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, or body clearance can affect whether a given tire works comfortably on the car. That matters whether the Oxford is staying with bias-ply construction or moving to one of the radial alternatives.

A modified car should be checked as it actually sits, not as it left the factory decades ago. Looking at wheel dimensions, steering sweep, fender clearance, and suspension condition before mounting tires helps avoid selecting the correct nominal size but ending up with rubbing, clearance issues, or a wheel-width mismatch.

Before putting a 1959 Morris Oxford back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and make sure there is no visible interference at the fenders or steering components. Tire pressure should also be set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup.

It is also wise to give the rest of the running gear a careful look, especially on a collector car that may sit for long periods. Worn suspension parts, weak steering joints, or old alignment issues can affect how fresh bias-ply or radial tires behave, so road use starts with the whole setup being sound.

1959 Morris Oxford tires should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and signs of air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation matters, and collector vehicles benefit from periodic pressure checks because they often sit long enough for small losses to go unnoticed.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older car. Keeping the Oxford away from prolonged sun, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect both bias-ply and radial tires, and a quick inspection before each drive is a good habit because time and environment can age collector tires even when tread wear remains low.