1961 Austin A 40 Tires

A 1961 Austin A 40 uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both sizes fit a 13-inch rim, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the type of tire and the sizing system used to describe it.

That means the real fitment decision is whether the car will stay with a traditional bias-ply setup or use a radial-format tire. It is still worth confirming the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been modified over time, because wheel width and overall clearance should be checked before changing from one construction type to the other.

The 1961 Austin A 40 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 520-13 bias-ply size and the 145R13 radial size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing formats differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should also be verified before selecting a tire. Some available 145R13 and 520-13 products include rim-width guidance, and that matters when choosing between narrow bias-ply fitments, modern radial construction, or a radial equivalent for the original 520-13 size.

Yes. The 1961 Austin A 40 Base uses the same tire-size choices associated with the model overall: 520-13 in bias-ply form and 145R13 in radial form. Both are built around the same 13-inch rim diameter, so the distinction comes from construction and sizing convention rather than wheel size.

For a buyer, that keeps sub-model fitment simple and shifts attention toward how the car is being used and presented. A period-style restoration may stay with 520-13, while a driver-oriented setup may point toward 145R13 or a curated radial equivalent for the bias-ply size after checking wheel width and clearance.

520-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1961 Austin A 40. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the 520 code representing the tire’s nominal width class and the 13 indicating the wheel diameter in inches.

That makes 520-13 the traditional-looking fitment path for owners who want the car to retain an earlier tire profile and presentation. Choosing it still leaves room for visual preference, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are available, but wheel width and overall vehicle setup should still be confirmed before final tire selection.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent three different radial-sizing approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a lower-profile 70-series P-metric radial.

Each option gives the Austin A 40 owner a different way to move from a numeric bias-ply size into radial construction without changing rim diameter. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is tied to those equivalents, and overall tire dimensions, wheel width, and clearance should all be checked before treating any one of them as the right alternative for a specific car.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the car’s available space at the fenders and steering components. For the 1961 Austin A 40, that often means deciding between the primary 145R13 radial size or a radial equivalent being considered in place of 520-13.

Condition matters as much as size. Check for aged suspension parts, worn steering components, and any wheel changes made over the years, because those can affect how a radial sits and clears compared with a bias-ply tire. The car should also be inspected for current tire-to-body clearance before changing construction.

Choosing a 520-13 tire for a 1961 Austin A 40 starts with keeping the correct bias-ply size, then narrowing the choice by sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility. In this size, available options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from Firestone and Premium Sport.

The best selection process is to match the tire’s look and specification to the way the car is used. A more restoration-oriented car may lean toward traditional bias-ply appearance, while another owner may focus on rim-width guidance, load figures where stated, or simply choosing the sidewall treatment that suits the car’s presentation.

Sidewall choices for the 1961 Austin A 40 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Blackwall appears in both radial and bias-ply offerings, while the whitewall choices are found in the 520-13 bias-ply range.

That gives the owner two separate decisions to make: tire construction and visual presentation. A blackwall radial keeps the look simple and understated, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires create a more overt period-style effect. The right choice depends on the character you want the car to project, not just the size stamped on the sidewall.

Tires for the 1961 Austin A 40 are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport offer 520-13 bias-ply choices with different sidewall treatments and tire series.

Brand is only one part of the decision, so it helps to compare each product’s construction type, sidewall style, series, and any stated rim-width or load information. That approach keeps the selection focused on what suits the car and your goals, rather than treating brand alone as the deciding factor.

For a period-style 1961 Austin A 40, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional tire construction associated with the car’s era. Within that size, blackwall and whitewall choices create different visual effects without changing the basic fitment path.

Appearance priorities vary from one restoration to another, so the next step is deciding how restrained or decorative the finished car should look. If exact originality matters at a very high level, vehicle-specific historical references and marque expertise are still worth consulting before settling on a particular sidewall treatment or brand.

Tire construction changes the overall look of a restored 1961 Austin A 40 more than many owners expect. A 520-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a distinctly traditional presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a more modern visual character even though both sizes remain on a 13-inch rim.

That difference matters because restoration goals are not always the same as road-use goals. Some owners want the car to look as period-appropriate as possible from curbside distance, while others are comfortable with a radial appearance in exchange for a different driving setup. The tire should match the intent of the restoration, not fight it.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Austin A 40 even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, lowered ride height, or body repairs around the wheel openings can all influence how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits and clears.

That is especially important when moving from bias-ply construction to a radial or when considering a radial equivalent for 520-13. A car that has been altered over the years may not behave like a stock example, so steering clearance, fender space, and actual wheel dimensions should be checked before settling on any final tire choice.

Before driving a 1961 Austin A 40 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire seating, then confirm inflation pressure is appropriate for the tire being used. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear that could affect how the car tracks once fresh tires are installed.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual pull or vibration, and recheck the tires afterward for any sign of contact or air loss. On a collector car, fresh tires can reveal issues that old, worn tires were masking, so the inspection should include the vehicle as well as the tires.

520-13 tires on a collector 1961 Austin A 40 should be inspected regularly for cracking, sidewall damage, air loss, tread wear, and any flat-spotting that can develop during storage. Collector cars often cover limited mileage, so age and storage conditions deserve as much attention as tread depth.

Good maintenance also includes keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment during storage, then checking pressure before road use. If the Austin sits for long periods, a pre-drive walkaround is worthwhile every time, because infrequent use can hide tire condition problems until the car is back on the road.