1960 Opel Olympia Tires

The 1960 Opel Olympia uses two recognized tire sizes: 590-13 in a bias-ply format and 165R13 in a radial format. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch wheels, so the main difference is the tire construction and the style of fitment rather than a change in rim diameter.

That means the first decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use a radial tire in a classic Euro-metric size. It is also smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored or modified over the years, since wheel width and clearance still matter even when the rim diameter is correct.

The tire fitments associated with the 1960 Opel Olympia both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 590-13 bias-ply option and the 165R13 radial option, which keeps the wheel diameter consistent even though the tire sizing systems and constructions are different.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel's width should also be checked before selecting a tire. A narrow original-style wheel may suit the bias-ply choice differently than a radial, and a car with replacement wheels may need closer review of sidewall clearance, steering clearance, and the wheel's actual dimensions before tires are mounted.

590-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.90 portion refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, while 13 refers to the wheel diameter. On a 1960 Opel Olympia, this size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern radial format.

This matters because a numeric bias-ply tire has a different construction and appearance from a radial, even when the wheel diameter is the same. Owners choosing 590-13 are often looking for a more period-style look, especially with a wide whitewall option, while anyone considering a radial alternative should compare the wheel width and overall setup before changing construction.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1960 Opel Olympia. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and serves as the traditional construction choice for this application, while 165R13 represents the radial fitment path on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That distinction affects both appearance and selection. A buyer leaning toward restoration-style presentation may stay with the bias-ply size, while a buyer interested in a radial format may look at the available radial fitment or one of the equivalent radial sizes tied to 590-13. Either way, wheel width and vehicle clearance should be reviewed before changing tire construction.

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. These are alternative radial sizing formats associated with the original bias-ply size rather than additional primary factory-style fitments.

Each option should be treated as a fitment to evaluate, not an automatic substitute. The recommended rim width range for the radial equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and the car should also be checked for wheel compatibility, suspension condition, and clearance at the fenders and steering before moving away from the original-style bias-ply sizing approach.

That depends on how the 1960 Opel Olympia is being used and presented. The car has both a bias-ply option in 590-13 and a radial option in 165R13, so the choice is not about forcing one size to work but about selecting the construction that best suits the car's goals.

Bias-ply tires usually make more sense when a traditional look is the priority, especially with a wide whitewall presentation. Radials are the better path to explore when regular driving and a more modern tire format matter more. A car that has been fitted with different wheels over time deserves an extra check of wheel width and clearances before the construction is changed.

Start with the correct size and construction. The 1960 Opel Olympia uses either 590-13 in bias-ply form or 165R13 in radial form, both on 13-inch rims. From there, the important differences are sidewall style, tire series, brand, and whether the wheel width suits the tire being considered.

A wide-whitewall bias-ply creates a much different result than a blackwall radial, even before the car moves. It also helps to compare practical details such as rim-width range, load figure where stated, and intended use. A car shown for period presentation may call for a different choice than one that sees regular road miles.

The available sidewall styles for 1960 Opel Olympia tires include blackwall and wide whitewall. The radial 165R13 choices from Michelin and Dunlop are blackwall tires, while the 590-13 bias-ply option is offered with a 2.375-inch wide whitewall for a more traditional visual presentation.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on how the car reads at a glance, especially on a compact European sedan from this period. A blackwall radial tends to look cleaner and more understated, while a wide whitewall gives the car a stronger vintage accent. The best choice depends on whether the priority is restoration-oriented appearance or a more restrained road-use look.

Tires for the 1960 Opel Olympia are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich provides the 590-13 bias-ply option in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with a wide whitewall treatment.

Brand choice matters less than matching the right size, construction, and appearance to the car. Once that baseline is set, the useful comparison points become tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel compatibility. Looking at the Olympia's current wheels and deciding how the car will actually be used usually narrows the field quickly.

For a period-style 1960 Opel Olympia, the 590-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing format and supports a traditional visual presentation. The available option in this size also uses a wide whitewall, which gives the car a distinctly early-1960s look.

That does not make every 590-13 tire automatically correct for every restoration goal, especially if exact originality matters at a show level. Buyers pursuing that level of accuracy should compare the tire choice with marque-specific references or historical documentation. For many restorations, though, the right bias-ply size and a period-style sidewall treatment set the tone well.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1960 Opel Olympia more than many owners expect. A 590-13 bias-ply presents the car in a traditional vintage format, especially with a wide whitewall, while a 165R13 radial in blackwall form gives the Olympia a cleaner and more modern-looking tire profile.

That means tire choice should support the story the restoration is trying to tell. A car being finished in a period-style direction may look more cohesive on the bias-ply size, while a driver-oriented Olympia can make visual sense on a blackwall radial. Matching the tire's sidewall treatment and construction to the car's overall presentation usually matters as much as the size itself.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Opel Olympia even when the car stays within the usual 13-inch wheel diameter. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or body and fender work can all alter the space available for either a 590-13 bias-ply tire or a 165R13 radial.

That is why the actual car should be checked before selecting tires solely by catalog size. A wider wheel, altered ride height, or changed steering geometry can influence sidewall clearance and turning clearance. On a restored or modified Olympia, confirming the current wheel dimensions is one of the smartest steps before committing to either construction.

Before driving a 1960 Opel Olympia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire pressure is appropriate for the tires being used, and look over the suspension and steering for looseness that could affect the way the car tracks. Lug hardware and valve stems also deserve a close look.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so it is also wise to check for fluid leaks, brake condition, and any rubbing marks that suggest clearance issues. A short, careful road test can reveal vibrations, pulling, or contact at full steering lock. Catching those issues early is especially important when changing from bias-ply to radial construction.

Tires on a collector 1960 Opel Olympia should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and irregular wear, and protected from long periods of heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Cars that are driven only occasionally still need routine tire attention because age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.

It also helps to move the car periodically so the tires are not parked in one position for months at a time. Before any longer drive, check for air loss and look closely at the sidewalls and tread. Even a correctly sized vintage tire should be reevaluated if its condition no longer matches the demands of road use.