1961 Opel Olympia Tires

The 1961 Opel Olympia uses two primary tire sizes: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with a 13-inch rim, so the basic wheel diameter stays the same even though the sizing systems and tire construction differ.

That means the real fitment question is not just diameter, but which setup the car is using now and which presentation the owner wants. A restoration-oriented car may stay with 590-13 bias-ply, while a radial-equipped car may use 165R13. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should all be confirmed before changing from one size system to the other.

The 1961 Opel Olympia uses a 13-inch rim with both of its covered tire sizes. The radial 165R13 and the bias-ply 590-13 are both built around that same rim diameter, which simplifies one part of the fitment picture.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole choice, though. The available 590-13 bias-ply tire calls for a narrower rim-width range than the available 165R13 radial products, so the actual wheel width should be checked before making a selection. That is especially important on an older car that may have had wheels changed during restoration or regular service over the years.

Yes. The 1961 Opel Olympia Rekord follows the same fitment path as the model covered here, using 590-13 as the bias-ply size and 165R13 as the radial size. Both configurations remain tied to a 13-inch rim.

That consistency makes the sub-model decision fairly simple, but the construction choice still matters. An Olympia Rekord kept in a traditional period-style setup may stay with the bias-ply size, while a car running radial tires should be matched to the radial-size path. Checking the wheel width and the current vehicle setup helps avoid choosing a tire based only on rim diameter.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1961 Opel Olympia. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the 5.90 figure refers to nominal section width in inches and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter.

That makes 590-13 the traditional construction choice for owners who want an older driving feel and a more vintage visual presentation. The available product in this size is a wide whitewall bias-ply, which reinforces that period-style look. Anyone considering a change to radial tires should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance rather than treating the radial path as automatic.

Radial equivalents for 590-13 include 165R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P165/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series alternative, and P175/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series alternative. These sizes represent different radial-sizing conventions tied to the same original bias-ply reference point.

Each of those equivalents should be treated as a comparison option rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to this equivalent path is 4 to 5 inches, and actual fit still depends on the wheel, the car’s current setup, and available clearance. On an older Olympia, those checks matter before moving away from the original-style 590-13 bias-ply size.

That depends on what matters most for the car. A 590-13 bias-ply keeps the Olympia in a more traditional vintage construction, while a 165R13 radial follows the radial-size fitment path covered for this model. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they serve different goals.

A bias-ply setup usually makes the most sense when period-style appearance is the priority, especially with a wide whitewall presentation. A radial setup is the path to consider when the car is already configured for radial tires or when the owner prefers a classic blackwall radial look. Either way, the wheel width and the car’s actual tire clearance should be checked before making the switch.

Start with the correct size path for the car: 590-13 if the Olympia is staying with bias-ply construction, or 165R13 if it is set up for radial tires. From there, the important selection points are wheel width, sidewall appearance, construction type, and the character of the available tire series.

The current setup of the car should guide the final choice. A traditional restoration may lean toward the wide whitewall bias-ply look, while a road-driven car already using radial-compatible wheels may point toward the blackwall Michelin or Dunlop options in 165R13. Comparing rim-width requirements and intended use helps narrow the decision without assuming one style suits every Olympia.

The available sidewall styles for the 1961 Opel Olympia are blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears with the 165R13 radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop, while the 590-13 bias-ply option is offered as a 2.375-inch wide whitewall.

That gives the car two very different visual directions. A blackwall radial keeps the presentation cleaner and more restrained, while the wide whitewall bias-ply creates a stronger period-style look. Sidewall choice should be matched to the way the car is being restored or driven, but it still has to follow the correct tire-size and construction path for the wheel setup already on the vehicle.

Tires for the 1961 Opel Olympia are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment path, while BFGoodrich covers the 590-13 bias-ply path with a Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offering.

Brand choice here is tied closely to size and construction rather than being a separate decision. Someone staying with a period-style bias-ply setup will be looking at the BFGoodrich option, while a radial-equipped car opens the door to Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet choices. It makes sense to compare the brands alongside sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility.

For a period-style 1961 Opel Olympia, the 590-13 bias-ply fitment is the most natural starting point. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply format and is available with a 2.375-inch wide whitewall, which gives the car a distinctly traditional visual character.

That choice is especially appealing when the goal is to preserve the look and construction style associated with an early-1960s compact European sedan. Exact originality, however, can be more specific than size and construction alone, so owners chasing a highly detailed restoration should compare brand, sidewall treatment, and overall presentation against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical sources.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1961 Opel Olympia more than many owners expect. A 590-13 bias-ply gives the car a traditional vintage profile and, in the available wide whitewall version, a noticeably more period-style presentation than the blackwall 165R13 radial choices.

A radial setup can still look appropriate on a nicely finished car, especially if the goal is a clean road-use restoration rather than a strictly traditional appearance. The main point is consistency: the tire’s construction, sidewall style, and size format should suit the way the car is being presented. That visual decision should be made alongside wheel-width and fitment checks, not separately from them.

Yes. Even though the covered tire sizes for a 1961 Opel Olympia use a 13-inch rim, modifications can still change what works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body and fender alterations can all influence tire clearance and overall fitment.

That matters most when moving between the 590-13 bias-ply path and a radial-size alternative. The car may look stock while still carrying different wheels than it originally used. Before mounting tires, check the actual rim diameter and width, then confirm steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel. Those steps are especially important on older cars that may have been updated over time.

Before driving a 1961 Opel Olympia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, then look over the car for any signs of rubbing points around the fenders, suspension, and steering components. Tire pressure should be set properly, and lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel condition should also be checked.

A short initial drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit on a collector car. Recheck for fresh scuffing, unusual vibration, or air loss once the tires have seen some use. On an older Olympia, it also helps to confirm that wheel bearings, steering parts, and suspension components are in sound condition so the new tires are not masking a separate mechanical issue.

Tires on a collector 1961 Opel Olympia should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Pressure checks matter because older cars often spend long periods parked, and low-use storage can hide tire condition problems until the car is back on the road.

Storage conditions also play a role. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also worth looking at tread and sidewalls before any longer outing, even when the tires appear to have plenty of life left. Age and inactivity can be just as important as mileage on a collector Olympia.