The 1959 Opel Kapitan came from a period when European full-size sedans were balancing American-influenced styling with practical road manners and efficient packaging. For collectors today, that makes the car appealing not only as a distinctive postwar Opel, but also as a restoration project where the right tire choice has a visible effect on stance and character. The 1959 Opel Kapitan uses either a 6.70-13 bias-ply tire or a 175R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims. That gives owners a meaningful decision between a traditional period-style presentation and a more modern radial format. The right choice depends on the car's restoration direction, wheel setup, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Opel Kapitan
The 1959 Opel Kapitan uses two primary tire sizes on the same 13-inch rim diameter: 6.70-13 in bias-ply construction and 175R13 in radial construction. Since both sizes apply to the Base model, the main decision is not sub-model identification but whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply look and feel or moving to a radial tire format that still suits the vehicle's dimensions.
175R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 175 refers to the tire's nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1959 Opel Kapitan, this size represents the more modern of the two primary fitment formats while still using the correct 13-inch wheel diameter. Buyers often look at this size when road use and radial construction are part of the plan. It is a strong comparison point when the goal is to retain the car's overall proportions while choosing a radial tire format.
6.70-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.70 indicating the tire's nominal section width in inches and 13 indicating the rim diameter. This is the traditional construction style associated with many vehicles of the late 1950s, and it suits a Kapitan owner who wants a more period-style tire presentation. Its appeal is often visual as much as mechanical, since construction choice affects the car's overall character. This size is worth evaluating when restoration priorities lean toward original-era appearance and a classic driving feel.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1959 Opel Kapitan. The covered Base model can use either the 175R13 radial or the 6.70-13 bias-ply size, so the real choice is construction style rather than trim-specific sizing.
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1959 Opel Kapitan Base
The 1959 Opel Kapitan Base accepts both primary tire formats used on this vehicle: 175R13 in radial construction and 6.70-13 in bias-ply construction. That gives the owner room to choose between a more traditional period-style tire approach and a radial setup, while still confirming wheel condition, wheel width, and overall clearance before final selection.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of a 1959 Opel Kapitan usually want clarity on the difference between 6.70-13 and 175R13, how 13-inch rim fitment works, and what to check before choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 Opel Kapitan?
The 1959 Opel Kapitan uses two primary tire sizes: 6.70-13 in bias-ply construction and 175R13 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter, and both apply to the 1959 Opel Kapitan Base rather than being split by separate trim-specific fitments.
That means the key choice is construction style instead of sub-model identification. A buyer should first confirm whether the car still has its intended wheel setup, then decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial tire format that remains appropriate to the Kapitan's overall dimensions.
What size rim does a 1959 Opel Kapitan use?
The 1959 Opel Kapitan uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 175R13 and the bias-ply 6.70-13 are both built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter, so the rim diameter itself does not change between the two fitment paths.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width, actual wheel condition, and any past wheel changes should still be checked before mounting tires, especially on a collector car that may have been modified or may no longer be wearing its original-style wheels.
What does 6.70-13 mean on a 1959 Opel Kapitan?
On a 1959 Opel Kapitan, 6.70-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.70 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, while 13 refers to the rim diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system commonly associated with period vehicles and traditional bias-ply construction.
Understanding that format helps when comparing it with the Kapitan's 175R13 radial alternative. Even though both are used on 13-inch wheels, the construction and sizing conventions differ, so the buyer should evaluate wheel compatibility, intended appearance, and the car's overall setup before deciding between them.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.70-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 Opel Kapitan?
For the 1959 Opel Kapitan, 6.70-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format and represents the more traditional construction choice for this vehicle, while 175R13 is the radial-format alternative that also applies to the Kapitan on a 13-inch rim.
That distinction matters because the construction choice changes more than the lettering on the sidewall. A buyer comparing the two should look at the car's restoration goals, present wheel setup, and how the Kapitan will actually be driven rather than assuming that any 13-inch tire choice serves the same purpose.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1959 Opel Kapitan?
A 1959 Opel Kapitan can be equipped with either 6.70-13 bias-ply tires or 175R13 radial tires. Bias-ply suits an owner aiming for a stronger period-style presentation, while the radial option gives the car a more modern tire format without changing away from the 13-inch rim diameter used by the vehicle.
The better choice depends on priorities rather than one construction being universally right. Restoration-minded owners may prefer the traditional look of bias-ply, while drivers planning more frequent road use may want to evaluate the radial option after checking wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at full steering lock.
What should I check before converting my 1959 Opel Kapitan from bias-ply to radial tires?
Before converting a 1959 Opel Kapitan from 6.70-13 bias-ply to 175R13 radial tires, confirm that the car is using the correct 13-inch wheels and that the wheel width and condition suit the radial tire being considered. It is also important to compare the actual tire dimensions and intended use of the car.
A careful check should include fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and any prior wheel or ride-height changes. Older collector cars often carry decades of small modifications, so a radial conversion should be treated as a full fitment decision rather than simply matching the rim diameter and moving ahead.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.70-13 tire for a 1959 Opel Kapitan?
Choosing a 6.70-13 tire for a 1959 Opel Kapitan starts with confirming that the goal is a bias-ply fitment rather than the 175R13 radial alternative. This size suits buyers who want a more traditional late-1950s tire presentation and who prefer to keep the car aligned with an earlier construction style.
Selection should then focus on wheel compatibility, the car's intended use, and how closely the overall look needs to follow a restoration-oriented direction. It also helps to inspect the current wheel and suspension setup, since even a correct-size bias-ply tire should still be matched to the actual condition and configuration of the vehicle.
What should I consider when choosing a 175R13 tire for a 1959 Opel Kapitan?
A 175R13 tire for a 1959 Opel Kapitan is the radial-format primary fitment, so the first consideration is whether a radial tire aligns with the car's intended use and appearance. It keeps the Kapitan on a 13-inch rim while moving into a Euro-metric radial size convention rather than the older numeric bias-ply format.
From there, the important checks are wheel suitability, tire dimensions, and clearance around steering and suspension components. This matters especially on a collector sedan that may have seen wheel replacement or suspension work over time, because a radial choice should be evaluated against the car's current setup, not just its nominal size.
How do I choose between the available 1959 Opel Kapitan tire sizes?
The 1959 Opel Kapitan presents a construction-based choice rather than a complicated trim-based one. The decision is between 6.70-13 bias-ply and 175R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims, so the buyer is really choosing the tire format that best matches the car's use, visual character, and restoration direction.
A practical approach is to decide first whether period-style appearance or radial-format road use matters more. After that, verify the actual wheel setup on the car, since width, condition, and prior modifications can influence which of the two primary Kapitan fitments makes the most sense for a particular vehicle.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Opel Kapitan?
For a period-style 1959 Opel Kapitan, the 6.70-13 bias-ply tire is usually the more natural starting point. Its older numeric sizing format and bias-ply construction align more closely with the visual language of late-1950s passenger cars than a modern radial-format size, even though both primary fitments use the same 13-inch rim diameter.
That does not automatically make every 6.70-13 tire the right restoration answer. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare tire details against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation, while owners aiming for a broadly authentic presentation may simply prioritize the correct size and traditional construction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 Opel Kapitan?
Tire construction has a noticeable effect on the appearance of a restored 1959 Opel Kapitan because bias-ply and radial tires present the car differently even when both fit the same 13-inch rim diameter. The 6.70-13 bias-ply choice generally supports a more traditional visual impression, while 175R13 introduces a more modern tire format.
That appearance difference matters on a large late-1950s sedan where tire shape contributes to the overall stance. Buyers should think about whether the goal is a restoration-oriented look, a road-driven touring setup, or a balance of both, then confirm that wheel details and overall proportions still suit the finished car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Opel Kapitan?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Opel Kapitan even when the car is using one of its primary sizes, 6.70-13 or 175R13. Changes to wheels, suspension height, steering components, or body clearance can alter how a tire sits and moves, particularly on an older vehicle that has passed through multiple owners.
A Kapitan with aftermarket wheels or suspension work should be checked carefully before new tires are chosen. Rim diameter may still be 13 inches, but wheel width, offset, and clearance at full turn can change the outcome, so fitment should be verified on the car's actual current configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Opel Kapitan on new tires?
Before driving a 1959 Opel Kapitan on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, verify proper inflation, and make sure the tires clear the fenders and steering components through the full range of motion. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering parts on a car of this age.
A new tire cannot compensate for worn mechanical parts or a damaged wheel. After installation, the owner should watch for uneven clearance, vibration, or irregular wear and recheck pressure after the first drives, especially if the car has been stored for long periods or recently returned to road use.
How should tires on a collector 1959 Opel Kapitan be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1959 Opel Kapitan should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even a car that sees limited mileage can develop age-related problems such as sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or deterioration caused by long exposure to heat, sunlight, or ozone sources.
Maintenance should include checking tread and sidewalls before every meaningful drive rather than relying on mileage alone. A collector car often sits more than it travels, so tire age, storage conditions, and the condition of the spare deserve the same attention as the visible tires mounted on the car.
