1961 Goggomobil 700 Tires

The 1961 Goggomobil 700 uses two primary tire sizes: 520-12 in a bias-ply construction and 145R12 in a radial construction. Both sizes are built for 12-inch rims, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the sizing system and tire construction used on the car.

That means the real choice is whether the car should stay with a more traditional bias-ply setup or use a radial-format tire. Before selecting one, confirm the actual wheel width on the vehicle and look at the overall presentation you want, especially if the car has been restored, modified, or converted from one tire type to the other.

The tire sizes used on a 1961 Goggomobil 700 are built around a 12-inch rim diameter. Both the 520-12 bias-ply size and the 145R12 radial size share that same 12-inch wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter simple even though the two tire formats are different.

Rim diameter is only the first check, though. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been adapted for a different construction type. A 12-inch wheel does not automatically make every 12-inch tire appropriate, so it is smart to verify the wheel itself before moving from a bias-ply size to a radial alternative.

On a 1961 Goggomobil 700, 520-12 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 520 format represents a nominal 5.20-inch section width, with the decimal omitted in vintage tire sizing, and the 12 identifies the rim diameter in inches. It is a traditional small-car sizing convention rather than a modern metric radial designation.

For an owner, that matters because a 520-12 tire is part of a period-style bias-ply setup, not just another way of writing a radial size. If the goal is to keep a traditional look, compare the available blackwall and wide whitewall versions. If a radial change is being considered, check the specific equivalent sizes instead of assuming a modern metric size matches automatically.

For the 1961 Goggomobil 700, 520-12 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and is available in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form, including blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That makes it the traditional-construction choice among the primary tire sizes used on this vehicle.

Choosing 520-12 usually comes down to preserving a more period-style look and staying with the older construction type. A buyer considering a change to radial tires should treat that as a separate fitment decision, because even with the same 12-inch rim diameter, wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance still need to be checked carefully.

Radial equivalents for 520-12 include 125R12 and P125/75R12. The 125R12 option is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while P125/75R12 is a P-metric 75-series radial equivalent. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these radial-equivalent options.

These equivalents give the 1961 Goggomobil 700 owner two radial sizing formats to compare against the original bias-ply size. The decision should not be made by rim diameter alone, since section width, overall dimensions, and available clearance still matter on a compact car. Confirm the wheel and vehicle setup before treating either equivalent as a practical alternative.

Start by confirming the wheel itself. A 1961 Goggomobil 700 using the 520-12 bias-ply size can be evaluated against radial equivalents such as 125R12 and P125/75R12, but the wheel should fall within the appropriate width range and the car should have enough clearance for the tire being considered.

Construction change also affects the overall character of a small vintage car, so it helps to decide whether the priority is period-style appearance or a radial-format alternative for road use. Inspect suspension condition, steering movement, and fender clearance at full lock, especially if the car has non-original wheels, altered ride height, or aging chassis components.

Begin with the two primary fitment paths for the 1961 Goggomobil 700: 520-12 bias-ply or 145R12 radial. From there, compare the construction type, sidewall style, and the visual character you want the car to carry. A small vintage car often shows tire choice very clearly, so appearance and fitment both matter.

Beyond size alone, check wheel width, how the car is actually used, and whether it has been changed from its earlier setup. A bias-ply tire suits a more traditional presentation, while a radial option changes the sizing convention and construction. Selecting the right tire means matching the tire to the car’s wheels, condition, and restoration goals.

The available sidewall styles for a 1961 Goggomobil 700 include blackwall and wide whitewall. The 145R12 Michelin MX radial is offered as a blackwall, while the 520-12 BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply is available in both blackwall and a 2.00 inch wide whitewall version.

That gives owners a clear appearance choice within the correct fitment range. Blackwall tends to keep the presentation simple and understated, while the wide whitewall pushes the car toward a more restoration-oriented look. Sidewall style should be chosen after confirming the correct size and construction, since appearance alone should not drive the fitment decision.

Michelin and BFGoodrich both offer tires for the 1961 Goggomobil 700. Michelin covers the 145R12 radial size with the Michelin MX series, while BFGoodrich covers the 520-12 bias-ply size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. The brand choice is tied directly to the size and construction you want to run.

That means brand comparison on this vehicle is really part of a broader fitment decision, not just a name preference. If the goal is a radial-format tire, the Michelin option is the one to review. If the goal is a vintage bias-ply look, BFGoodrich offers the relevant size with different sidewall presentations for the car’s final appearance.

For a period-style 1961 Goggomobil 700, the 520-12 bias-ply size is the more traditional starting point. Its vintage numeric format and bias-ply construction suit the era of the car more naturally than a later radial-format tire. Within that size, blackwall and wide whitewall versions allow the appearance to be tuned without leaving the classic size family.

The right choice depends on how the finished car is meant to look and how strictly originality is being pursued. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the bias-ply route for visual authenticity, while a driver-focused owner may still evaluate a radial alternative separately. When exact historical accuracy matters, consult marque references and vehicle-specific documentation before finalizing the sidewall style.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1961 Goggomobil 700 more than many owners expect. A 520-12 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional small-car presentation, while a 145R12 radial introduces a later-style metric format and a different visual impression even though both use a 12-inch rim.

That makes construction an appearance decision as much as a driving decision. A bias-ply tire usually suits a more era-minded restoration theme, and the available wide whitewall option adds even more vintage presence. A radial may still be appropriate for some builds, but it should be chosen with a clear understanding that it changes the car’s presentation.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Goggomobil 700, even when the car still uses a 12-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence whether a 520-12 bias-ply or 145R12 radial setup remains appropriate on the vehicle.

That is especially important on a compact car where clearances are naturally tight. Even a correct rim diameter does not confirm overall suitability once the original setup has been changed. Check steering clearance, fender space, and the wheel itself before selecting tires, particularly if the car has been restored over time with replacement components of uncertain dimensions.

Before driving a 1961 Goggomobil 700 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Make sure the tire size and construction match the setup you intended, and look over the mounting area for anything that could affect seating, air retention, or safe operation.

A short initial road check is worthwhile on a low-weight collector car. Watch for rubbing, unusual steering feel, vibration, or signs that the tires are contacting bodywork during turns. It also helps to confirm inflation, recheck wheel hardware after the first miles, and keep an eye on the tires for any early air loss or irregular wear patterns.

Tires on a collector 1961 Goggomobil 700 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car runs 520-12 bias-ply tires or 145R12 radials, low annual mileage does not eliminate the need to look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or signs of slow air loss.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so storage conditions matter as much as miles driven. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible. A vehicle that sits for weeks at a time still benefits from periodic inspections before road use, especially on older wheels or a freshly completed restoration.