The 1960 Borgward Isabella came from an era when European sedans balanced compact exterior dimensions with a distinctly upscale feel, and the Isabella remains especially appreciated today for its styling, character, and uncommon place in postwar motoring. Tire choice on this car is tied closely to sub-model and construction, with 165R13 and 175R13 radial fitments alongside 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply alternatives, all on 13-inch rims. That creates a meaningful decision between traditional bias-ply presentation and more modern radial sizing, with available choices ranging from Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials to BFGoodrich wide whitewall bias-ply tires. The right pick depends on the exact Isabella model, the wheels on the car, and whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance or regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Borgward Isabella
The 1960 Borgward Isabella uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on the exact sub-model. Base and TS models use 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply, while the SW uses 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply, all on 13-inch rims. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the original-style construction approach or consider a radial alternative that suits the car's current wheels and intended use.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1960 Borgward Isabella, this size serves as a radial fitment for Base and TS applications and gives buyers a more modern construction within the correct 13-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. It is the size to evaluate when the car is set up for radial use and the goal is to preserve a period European tire look.
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 590 representing the tire's nominal section width class and 13 indicating the rim diameter. For the 1960 Borgward Isabella, it is the bias-ply fitment paired with Base and TS models and keeps the car in a traditional construction style. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall treatment, which makes appearance part of the decision as much as fitment. This is the size to consider when maintaining a more restoration-oriented presentation and confirming the wheel matches bias-ply rim-width requirements.
175R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter. On the 1960 Borgward Isabella, this radial size belongs to the SW and differs from the Base and TS fitment, so it should not be selected by model name alone. Product variety in this exact size is more limited on the page than in 165R13, which makes wheel confirmation and overall setup more important before choosing construction. It is the correct radial path to examine when working with an Isabella SW on 13-inch wheels.
640-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number identifying the nominal width class and the final number showing the 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1960 Borgward Isabella, this size is the bias-ply fitment for the SW and should be treated separately from the smaller Base and TS sizes. The available choice in this size is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall sidewall style, giving the wagon a distinctly traditional visual treatment. It is the size to review when preserving bias-ply construction on an SW and checking the car's wheels against the appropriate rim-width range.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1960 Borgward Isabella because the Base and TS share one tire-size pairing, while the SW uses a larger pairing. Identifying the exact Isabella variant comes before choosing between bias-ply and radial construction or comparing product styles.
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1960 Borgward Isabella Base
The 1960 Borgward Isabella Base uses the same tire-size pattern as the TS, with one radial and one bias-ply fitment on 13-inch rims. That gives the buyer a clear choice between a Euro-metric radial approach and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, with wheel width worth confirming before changing construction.
The 1960 Borgward Isabella SW uses a different tire-size pairing than the Base and TS, so wagon fitment should be confirmed before ordering by model name alone. Tire selection here centers on choosing between the SW's larger radial size and its matching bias-ply option, then checking wheel compatibility and desired appearance.
The 1960 Borgward Isabella TS shares its tire-fitment pattern with the Base, using one radial size and one bias-ply size on 13-inch wheels. That makes the decision less about finding a unique TS-only size and more about selecting the construction, sidewall treatment, and tire character that suit the car's use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1960 Borgward Isabella
The 1960 Borgward Isabella has radial-equivalent options for both primary bias-ply sizes. For 590-13, the available equivalents are 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, with a recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches. For 640-13, the equivalents are 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial, with a recommended 4-6 inch rim-width range. Each option should be checked against wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-13)
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (640-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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.
Best 1960 Borgward Isabella Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch choices for the 1960 Borgward Isabella include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 165R13, along with BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply wide whitewall options in 590-13 and 640-13. The main comparisons are construction type, tire series, sidewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility.
These 1960 Borgward Isabella tire FAQs focus on sub-model fitment, 13-inch wheel compatibility, bias-ply versus radial choices, available radial equivalents, appearance differences, and the checks that matter before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Borgward Isabella?
A 1960 Borgward Isabella can use 165R13 and 590-13 on the Base and TS, while the SW uses 175R13 and 640-13. The radial sizes are 165R13 and 175R13, and the bias-ply sizes are 590-13 and 640-13. All of these fitments use a 13-inch rim.
The important step is matching the size to the exact Isabella sub-model before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the decision usually becomes whether to keep a traditional bias-ply setup for appearance or move toward a radial format that suits the car's wheels and driving plans.
What size rim does a 1960 Borgward Isabella use?
The 1960 Borgward Isabella uses a 13-inch rim across its covered tire fitments. That rim diameter stays the same whether the car is using 165R13, 590-13, 175R13, or 640-13. The construction changes between radial and bias-ply, but the wheel diameter remains 13 inches.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should also be checked before changing tire size or construction. That matters especially when moving between the narrower bias-ply sizes and the radial options, because the car may no longer have its original wheels.
Do all 1960 Borgward Isabella sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1960 Borgward Isabella Base and TS share the same tire-size pattern, using 165R13 as the radial fitment and 590-13 as the bias-ply fitment. The 1960 Borgward Isabella SW uses a different pairing, with 175R13 as the radial size and 640-13 as the bias-ply size.
That difference means the sub-model should be confirmed before choosing a tire by size alone. A Base or TS owner can compare radial and bias-ply options within one size family, while an SW owner needs to stay within the larger SW size range and verify wheel width if the setup has changed.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1960 Borgward Isabella?
590-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1960 Borgward Isabella Base and TS. It belongs to the car's traditional numeric bias-ply fitment rather than its radial fitment. The corresponding radial size for those sub-models is 165R13, which uses the same 13-inch rim diameter.
Choosing between them affects both appearance and wheel requirements, so the actual wheel width on the car deserves attention before changing construction. A bias-ply selection keeps the vintage sizing system and traditional look, while a radial route should be checked carefully against the wheel and the car's current setup.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-13?
Radial equivalents for 590-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The recommended rim-width range attached to those equivalents is 4-5 inches. Those sizes provide several radial-format ways to compare against the original bias-ply fitment.
Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic replacement. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and body should be checked before conversion, especially on a collector car that may have had wheel or suspension changes over the years.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1960 Borgward Isabella?
A bias-look radial equivalent is available for the 640-13 fitment used on the 1960 Borgward Isabella SW. That size is 650R13. It gives SW owners a radial-format alternative that keeps a more traditional visual presentation than a modern-looking metric radial.
That option still needs to be checked the same way as any other conversion choice. Wheel width, section clearance, and the car's actual setup should be confirmed before installation, since a bias-look radial remains a radial construction and should not be treated as automatically interchangeable with the original bias-ply size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1960 Borgward Isabella tire?
Start with the exact sub-model, because Base and TS use one size pairing and the SW uses another. After that, decide whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply tire such as 590-13 or 640-13, or use the radial fitment in 165R13 or 175R13. That construction choice shapes both appearance and wheel requirements.
From there, compare the details that matter for the way the car will be used. Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width range, weight, and load capacity can all affect the final selection, especially on a collector vehicle that may see show use, casual touring, or a mix of both.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Borgward Isabella tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1960 Borgward Isabella are blackwall and wide whitewall. The radial choices in 165R13 from Michelin and Dunlop are blackwall tires, while the BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in 590-13 and 640-13 use a wide whitewall treatment. That creates a very visible appearance difference between constructions.
Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's presentation in mind rather than size alone. A blackwall radial keeps a restrained European look, while a wide whitewall bias-ply gives the Isabella a more distinctly vintage visual character, so the final choice often reflects restoration goals as much as road use.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Borgward Isabella?
Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all offer applicable tires for the 1960 Borgward Isabella. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply sizes. That means brand choice is tied partly to size and construction, not just personal preference.
A good comparison starts with the correct fitment for the specific Isabella sub-model, then narrows by tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. Once those basics are aligned, brand becomes one part of the decision rather than the starting point, especially on a car with both radial and bias-ply paths available.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Borgward Isabella?
For a period-style 1960 Borgward Isabella, the bias-ply sizes 590-13 for Base and TS or 640-13 for SW are the most traditional starting points. Those sizes keep the vintage numeric format and are available in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form. They suit buyers who want the car's tire presentation to remain closely tied to its era.
A radial option can still be appropriate if the goal is regular road use with a more modern construction, but the visual effect will differ. When exact originality matters, it is worth comparing the tire choice against marque literature, period photographs, and restoration references for the specific Isabella being restored.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Borgward Isabella?
Tire construction changes both the look of the sidewall and the overall visual character of a restored 1960 Borgward Isabella. A numeric bias-ply size such as 590-13 or 640-13 gives the car a more traditional presentation, especially with the available wide whitewall styling. The radial options use a more modern Euro-metric format and blackwall appearance.
That difference matters because the tire is a highly visible part of the finished car. Buyers restoring for show, preservation, or a distinctly vintage look often focus on construction and sidewall treatment first, while owners prioritizing touring use may accept a different appearance in exchange for a radial setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Borgward Isabella?
Yes. A 1960 Borgward Isabella may still use the correct 13-inch rim diameter, but wheel width, offset, suspension height, and body clearance can all change after years of ownership or restoration work. Those changes matter whether the car is staying with a bias-ply size or moving to a radial equivalent.
A careful check should include wheel size, steering clearance, suspension travel, and the space around the fender openings. Even when the size itself is correct for the sub-model, aftermarket wheels or suspension changes can alter the way that tire sits and behaves on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Borgward Isabella on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Borgward Isabella on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the exact sub-model, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension through steering and normal ride movement. Tire pressure should also be set correctly for the chosen tire.
A collector car deserves a broader walk-around before road use, especially after sitting. Look for loose or damaged valve stems, uneven stance, rubbing marks, air loss, and any signs that the suspension or steering components may affect the way the new tires track once the car is underway.
How should 1960 Borgward Isabella tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1960 Borgward Isabella should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and any sign of contact with the fenders or suspension. Collector cars often accumulate age before they accumulate mileage, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on both radial and bias-ply tires.
Storage habits also affect tire life. Keeping the Isabella away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can help avoid long-term flat spotting. Any car that has sat for an extended period deserves a fresh inspection before returning to regular road use.
