1960 MG MGA Tires

A 1960 MG MGA uses two primary tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both sizes are 15-inch fitments and apply across the covered MGA 1600 and Twin Cam sub-models, so the basic fitment question is more about construction choice than a different wheel diameter.

That means the next step is deciding how the car will be used and how original-looking you want it to appear. A 560-15 bias-ply keeps a more traditional vintage setup, while 155R15 opens the door to several classic-style radial options. Wheel width, overall clearance, and any past changes to wheels or suspension should still be confirmed before selecting between them.

The 1960 MG MGA uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 560-15 bias-ply fitment and the 155R15 radial fitment, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions and sizing systems are different.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still important to verify actual wheel width before choosing a specific tire. Some 155R15 radial options are suited to narrower 4.0 to 5.5 inch wheels, and radial-equivalent guidance for 560-15 points to a 4 to 5 inch range. A car that has replacement wheels should always be measured rather than assumed.

Yes. The covered 1960 MG MGA 1600 and 1960 MG MGA Twin Cam both use the same two tire-size choices: 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial. There is no separate sub-model-only size difference here, which simplifies the fitment side of the decision.

That shared sizing does not mean every tire is interchangeable without checking details. The real distinction is whether the car will stay with a period-style bias-ply setup or move to a radial, plus which specific tire series and rim-width requirements match the wheel on the car. Sidewall style also matters if the MGA is being finished with a particular restoration look in mind.

On a 1960 MG MGA, 560-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format, and the 560 designation refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section-width class on a 15-inch rim rather than a modern metric radial format.

Choosing 560-15 usually means preserving a more traditional tire construction and vintage appearance. Within that size, there are blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options, so the buyer still has meaningful visual choices. If the goal is radial construction instead, it is better to compare the actual radial fitment path and equivalent sizes rather than assume every 15-inch tire will behave the same way on the MGA.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 as the 80-series metric radial equivalent and 560R15 as the bias-look radial equivalent. Those two options relate back to the original bias-ply size in different ways: one uses a Euro-metric radial sizing system, while the other keeps a more traditional visual theme.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, which makes wheel measurement an important first check. Even when the rim diameter matches, overall tire dimensions, sidewall shape, and clearance around the fenders and steering should be reviewed carefully. An MGA with non-stock wheels or suspension changes deserves especially close fitment confirmation before converting.

The answer depends on what matters most in the way the 1960 MG MGA looks and drives. A 560-15 bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional vintage construction, while 155R15 gives the MGA a true radial fitment option in a narrow classic size that still suits the car’s proportions.

Bias-ply often appeals to restoration-minded owners focused on period-style appearance, while radial buyers may be aiming for a different road-use experience. Either direction should be matched to the actual wheel width on the car and checked for clearance at full steering lock. Mixing goals can also matter, so it helps to decide early whether appearance, originality-inspired presentation, or regular driving use is the higher priority.

Start with the correct size and construction for the result you want. The 1960 MG MGA can use 560-15 bias-ply or 155R15 radial tires, both on 15-inch rims, so the biggest decision is whether you want a more traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup in a classic narrow tire size.

After that, compare wheel-width requirements, sidewall style, tire series, and how the car will actually be driven. A lightly shown car may point toward a period-style bias-ply, while a road-driven MGA may lead you to a radial choice. It is also smart to confirm clearance and check whether the car still has its original wheel setup before finalizing the tire selection.

Sidewall choice depends on which tire size and construction you select. The 155R15 radial options are offered in blackwall form, while the 560-15 bias-ply selection includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives the MGA owner a broad range of visual directions within correct 15-inch fitment paths.

Sidewall treatment changes the look of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on a compact British sports car with visible tire sidewall. A blackwall usually gives the most understated sporting presentation, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more stylized vintage appearance. The best choice depends on the way the MGA is being restored, shown, or driven rather than on size alone.

The 1960 MG MGA has tire choices from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand availability depends on the size and construction being considered, with 155R15 covering several radial series and 560-15 offering multiple bias-ply and appearance-focused options.

Brand should be considered alongside the actual tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability rather than treated as the only decision. Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, and Firestone appear in the radial side of the fitment, while Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac appear in 560-15 bias-ply choices. Comparing those details usually tells the buyer more than the brand name alone.

For a period-style 1960 MG MGA, the 560-15 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point. It keeps the car in a vintage numeric size and allows traditional-looking sidewall choices, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, depending on the appearance you want the finished car to present.

That does not make every 560-15 automatically right for every restoration goal. Sidewall treatment, brand preference, and the visual character of the tire should all be matched to the way the MGA is being finished. When exact originality matters, marque references and period photos are still worth consulting so the final choice supports the car’s intended presentation rather than just its basic fitment.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1960 MG MGA more than the size code alone suggests. A 560-15 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage look, while a 155R15 radial keeps the fitment narrow and classic but introduces a different sidewall profile and overall presentation.

That difference matters because the MGA’s low body and modest wheel openings make tire shape very noticeable. Owners pursuing a restoration-oriented look often start with the bias-ply option, while those balancing period style with radial construction may compare 155R15 or a bias-look radial alternative. The best visual result comes from matching construction, sidewall treatment, and wheel width as one coordinated choice.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 MG MGA even when the nominal size is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowered ride height, or bodywork differences can all change how a 560-15 bias-ply or 155R15 radial sits in the car’s wheel openings.

That is why the actual wheel dimensions and available clearance should be checked on the car before settling on a tire. Turning clearance at the front, body clearance under compression, and the relationship between the tire and the wheel arch all matter. A car that has been changed from stock should be measured directly rather than relying only on the original year-make-model fitment.

Before driving a 1960 MG MGA on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm the tires are seated properly, and make sure inflation pressure matches the tire’s requirements. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, check for any rubbing points, and confirm that the spare-wheel area and wheel nuts are in good condition.

A short, careful road test is the best follow-up once the car is back on the ground. Listen for rubbing during low-speed turns, feel for vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. Collector cars that sit for long periods also deserve an inspection of suspension bushings, steering components, and brake condition, since new tires cannot compensate for age-related mechanical problems elsewhere.

Tires on a collector 1960 MG MGA should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic review of tread and sidewall condition. Whether the car wears 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials, attention should be paid to cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss that may go unnoticed on a low-mileage collector vehicle.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used MGA. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, ozone sources, heat, and damp conditions helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car occasionally or adjust its resting position to avoid prolonged flat spotting, then inspect the tires again before any longer drive after storage.