1961 Metropolitan 1500 Tires

The 1961 Metropolitan 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 13-inch rims, and the covered Base sub-model is associated with both sizes rather than a single universal fitment.

That means the first step is checking the tire size already on the car and confirming the wheel setup before selecting a replacement. A Metropolitan that has been changed over the years may not still be on its original wheel width, so matching the tire to the actual rim and available clearance matters more than assuming either size belongs on every car the same way.

The primary tire sizes for the 1961 Metropolitan 1500 are both built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Whether the car is using 520-13 or 560-13, the wheel diameter tied to those primary sizes remains 13 inches.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is worth checking wheel width as well before choosing a tire or considering a radial equivalent. Older cars are often changed over time, and a 13-inch wheel with a different width can affect how a tire sits, how it clears the body and suspension, and which available products make the most sense.

A 520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 520 indicates an approximate 5.20-inch nominal section width, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches, so it is a traditional small-car bias-ply fitment for a 13-inch rim.

For a Metropolitan owner, that size code helps distinguish both the construction type and the general tire footprint the car is set up for. It also separates the 520-13 from the other primary size, 560-13, which uses the same rim diameter but a different nominal width, making it important to verify the existing setup before replacing tires.

On the 1961 Metropolitan 1500, 520-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is part of the car's traditional fitment pattern and is offered in bias-ply construction with several sidewall treatments depending on the product selected.

That matters because a buyer deciding between traditional appearance and a radial alternative is making a construction choice, not just a size choice. If the car is being kept restoration-oriented, staying with a 520-13 bias-ply may suit the visual goal, while any move to a radial equivalent should start with wheel-width and clearance checks rather than assumption.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are radial alternatives associated with the original 520-13 bias-ply size.

Each option keeps the 13-inch rim diameter but uses a different modern sizing convention, so the choice is not purely cosmetic. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and it is smart to compare the actual wheel width on the car, plus fender and suspension clearance, before making a conversion.

Start by confirming which primary size the car is using, since both 520-13 and 560-13 are associated with the 1961 Metropolitan 1500 and each points to the same family of radial alternatives. Then verify that the wheels match the intended radial size and that the car has suitable clearance at the front and rear.

A radial conversion should also include a close look at suspension condition, steering components, and the overall stance of the car. Even when the rim diameter matches, wheel width, tire dimensions, and any prior modifications can influence fitment, so the safest approach is to treat a radial equivalent as an alternative that still needs to be checked on the actual vehicle.

The main factors are confirming that 520-13 is the size on the car, staying with bias-ply construction if a traditional setup is the goal, and deciding which sidewall presentation suits the car best. In this size, available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from Firestone and Premium Sport.

It also helps to compare the wheel width against the tire's intended fitment range and think about how the car will be used. A Metropolitan built around show presentation may benefit from a different visual choice than one driven more regularly, even though both still start with the same basic requirement of correct size and compatible 13-inch wheels.

Available sidewall styles for the 1961 Metropolitan 1500 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on whether the car uses 520-13 or 560-13. Those choices create a noticeable difference in the car's visual character even when the basic tire size remains correct.

That makes sidewall treatment one of the most important selection points after size confirmation. A buyer focused on a cleaner, simpler look may lean toward blackwall, while a restoration-oriented or period-style presentation may call for a whitewall option, but the final decision should still stay anchored to the tire size and wheel setup already on the car.

Tires for the 1961 Metropolitan 1500 are available from Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich across the covered 520-13 and 560-13 sizes. Those brands appear in classic bias-ply offerings with different sidewall presentations and series names rather than one single uniform product style.

Brand comparison is most useful when it is tied to the exact size the car needs and the appearance the owner wants. Instead of trying to rank brands, focus on whether the tire is offered in the right size, whether the sidewall treatment matches the car's intended look, and whether the wheel-width specifications align with the actual wheels on the Metropolitan.

A period-style 1961 Metropolitan 1500 usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 520-13 or 560-13, depending on the setup already on the car. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the traditional tire format, and the available products give room to choose between blackwall and whitewall presentations.

The best visual choice depends on the specific restoration direction rather than a one-size-fits-all answer. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation, while still making sure the selected size matches the wheel and the way the car is currently configured.

Tire construction influences more than ride feel on a restored 1961 Metropolitan 1500; it also affects the visual impression of the car. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage sizing style associated with the car's original era, while a radial alternative introduces a more modern format even when it remains close in intended fitment.

That distinction matters most on a small car where tire profile and sidewall treatment are easy to notice. Owners who want a more traditional presentation often stay with bias-ply and choose the sidewall style carefully, while those considering radial equivalents should weigh the visual change alongside wheel compatibility and overall fitment checks.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Metropolitan 1500 even when the wheel diameter remains 13 inches. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can all influence whether a 520-13, 560-13, or radial equivalent works properly on the car.

That is why the tire decision should be based on the car's current setup, not only on year and model. A quick check of wheel width, inner and outer clearance, and steering movement can prevent ordering a tire that matches the catalog size but conflicts with the way the Metropolitan has been configured over time.

Before driving a 1961 Metropolitan 1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper mounting, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It is also wise to check for any rubbing at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement.

A short inspection of the rest of the running gear is equally worthwhile on a collector-era car. Look over wheel bearings, steering components, suspension wear points, and brake condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated problems, especially if the car has sat for long periods or is returning to regular road use.

Collector-car tires in 520-13 or 560-13 size should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear. A 1961 Metropolitan 1500 often sees intermittent use, so tire condition can matter just as much as tread depth when deciding whether the car is ready for the road.

Good maintenance also means protecting the tires during storage and inspecting them before each driving season or longer outing. Keep the car away from prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and verify pressures and general condition before use so the tires continue to support both safe operation and the car's intended presentation.