1959 Singer Gazelle Tires

The 1959 Singer Gazelle uses two supported tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both are 15-inch fitments, so the key difference is not wheel diameter but the tire format and construction style you want on the car.

That means the first decision is whether the Gazelle is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply setup or moved to a radial-format tire. Wheel width, the car’s current wheel and suspension condition, and the look you want from the sidewall should all be confirmed before making the final choice.

The supported tire sizes for a 1959 Singer Gazelle both use a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes the 560-15 bias-ply size and the 155R15 radial size, so either fitment starts with the same basic wheel diameter requirement.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a car like this. It still helps to verify actual wheel width before choosing between the available tires, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or when the car may have had replacement wheels installed over the years.

The 1959 Singer Gazelle Base is covered by the same two tire-size paths used on this vehicle: 560-15 in bias-ply form and 155R15 in radial form. Both are 15-inch fitments, so the choice is centered on construction and presentation rather than a different rim diameter.

That makes sub-model identification less complicated here than on many collector vehicles. The practical step is confirming how the car is currently equipped, then selecting the tire that matches your goals for appearance, driving feel, and wheel compatibility instead of assuming every 15-inch tire will behave the same way.

On a 1959 Singer Gazelle, 560-15 is the bias-ply fitment. It uses the older numeric sizing system, with the 560 portion representing an approximate nominal section width and the 15 indicating the wheel diameter.

Choosing 560-15 keeps the Gazelle in a traditional bias-ply format and opens up appearance choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That route is often attractive for restoration-minded owners, but wheel width and the car’s overall setup should still be checked before settling on a particular tire.

The radial equivalents for 560-15 are 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is a bias-look radial equivalent that keeps a more traditional visual style than a modern-looking metric sidewall.

Those sizes give the Gazelle owner two different radial directions rather than one automatic substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies here, and the final choice should be checked against the actual wheel, tire dimensions, and steering or body clearance before converting from bias-ply construction.

A 1959 Singer Gazelle owner considering a switch from 560-15 bias-ply tires to a radial should first confirm wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the radial size being used, such as 155R15 or 560R15. It also helps to inspect the car’s steering, suspension, and alignment condition before making the change.

Radial-equivalent sizing is useful, but it is not the same as automatic interchangeability. Clearance at full steering lock, suspension travel, and the condition of older wheels matter, especially on a lightly modified or long-stored car. A careful check of the whole setup is more valuable than treating the conversion as a simple size swap.

Start with the two supported fitments: 560-15 if the goal is a traditional bias-ply setup, or 155R15 if the goal is a radial-format tire. Both use a 15-inch rim, so the real decision centers on construction, appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and how the car is expected to be used.

After size and construction are settled, compare details such as sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specifications, and load information where it is given. A Gazelle kept for show-oriented presentation may call for a different choice than one driven regularly, even though both decisions still begin with the correct size.

The sidewall choices for a 1959 Singer Gazelle depend on tire size. The 155R15 radial offerings are blackwall, while the 560-15 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That gives the buyer a clear appearance split between the radial and bias-ply paths. A blackwall radial suits a restrained, road-use-oriented presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply options create a stronger late-1950s visual statement. The right sidewall style depends on the car’s restoration direction and which construction you want to keep on the car.

Tire choices for the 1959 Singer Gazelle include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand availability depends on size, with the 155R15 radial group and the 560-15 bias-ply group offering different mixes of names and tire series.

Brand should be considered alongside size, construction, sidewall style, and the specific tire series rather than in isolation. Some buyers will be focused on a traditional bias-ply presentation, while others will be comparing radial blackwall options. Matching the brand and series to the car’s use and visual goal is more useful than chasing a name alone.

For a period-style 1959 Singer Gazelle, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it preserves the traditional tire format associated with the car’s era. That size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms, giving the owner room to shape the car’s final presentation.

A restoration-minded choice is not always the same as an exact originality claim, so buyers who need precise historical accuracy should cross-check marque references and vehicle-specific documentation. For many owners, the practical decision is choosing the sidewall treatment that best matches the car’s trim level, finish style, and intended visual period.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1959 Singer Gazelle; it also changes how the car looks at a glance. A 560-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional visual character, while a 155R15 radial brings a later tire format and a more modern sidewall presentation.

That visual difference matters on a compact late-1950s British saloon where wheel and tire proportions are easy to notice. Buyers aiming for a stronger period impression usually begin with the bias-ply size, while buyers balancing classic appearance with a radial-format option often study the 155R15 or a bias-look radial alternative more closely.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Singer Gazelle even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork differences can all change how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits and clears the car.

A collector car that has changed hands over many years should never be judged by catalog size alone. Measuring the actual wheel, checking clearance at the fender and steering components, and confirming the car’s current setup are all worthwhile before mounting new tires, especially when switching from bias-ply to radial construction.

Before driving a 1959 Singer Gazelle on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and proper size, verify tire pressure, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension through normal steering movement. It also helps to check alignment, wheel fasteners, and general suspension condition on a low-use collector car.

The tire itself should also be looked over after initial installation for any unusual rubbing, uneven seating, or pressure loss. A short test drive followed by another inspection is a smart step on a car of this age, since long storage and prior modifications can reveal issues only after the tires are in service.

Tires on a collector 1959 Singer Gazelle should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration as well as tread wear. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting from storage, and gradual air loss deserve attention even when the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used classic. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and periodic movement of the vehicle helps reduce standing stress in one spot. Any questionable tire condition should be inspected before road use.