The 1962 Borgward Isabella sits in a distinctive place among imported compact cars of the early 1960s, blending crisp European styling with the kind of road manners that made German sedans and wagons especially appealing to enthusiast owners. Tire selection on this car is more configuration-specific than many buyers expect, because the Isabella appears with both 13-inch bias-ply sizes, 590-13 and 640-13, and 13-inch radial sizes, 165R13 and 175R13. That opens the door to traditional wide-whitewall bias-ply options as well as blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop. The right decision starts with confirming the exact sub-model, then balancing period-style appearance, construction preference, and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Borgward Isabella
Four primary tire sizes appear on the 1962 Borgward Isabella, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model rather than wheel diameter, since all of them use a 13-inch rim. The Base and TS use 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply sizing, while the SW uses 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply sizing. The first step is identifying the exact Isabella version, then deciding whether to stay with the original construction style or evaluate a radial alternative.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 Borgward Isabella, this size serves Base and TS applications that use a modern-style radial format on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials across series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for an owner prioritizing radial construction while keeping the fitment aligned with the Isabella configurations that use the narrower radial setup.
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 590 indicating an approximately 5.90-inch nominal section width and the 13 identifying the rim diameter. This format reflects a traditional bias-ply construction and appears on 1962 Borgward Isabella Base and TS applications that retain the period-style tire presentation. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall, which gives the car a distinctly early-1960s visual character. It is the size to evaluate when appearance and traditional construction matter as much as basic fitment.
175R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, meaning the tire carries a 175-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1962 Borgward Isabella, this radial size is associated with the SW and represents the wider of the two radial fitments used across the model line. Product choices are not shown here for this size, so the main role of the code is fitment identification rather than comparing sidewall or series variations. It should be considered only for Isabella configurations that use the SW tire setup and have the correct wheel and clearance relationship.
640-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 640 represents an approximately 6.40-inch nominal section width and 13 denotes the wheel diameter. This traditional bias-ply fitment belongs to the 1962 Borgward Isabella SW and pairs period-style construction with the wider of the Isabella's two bias-ply sizes. The available offering is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall, giving wagon owners a restoration-oriented appearance choice. It is the right size to review when the goal is to keep an SW on its proper 13-inch bias-ply format rather than converting it to a radial equivalent.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1962 Borgward Isabella because the Base and TS share one tire-size family, while the SW uses a larger set of sizes. Checking the exact sub-model first keeps the search focused on the right radial or bias-ply path before comparing sidewall style or product series.
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1962 Borgward Isabella Base
The 1962 Borgward Isabella Base uses the same fitment family as the TS, with a choice between 165R13 radial and 590-13 bias-ply sizing. That gives Base owners a clear decision between a more traditional wide-whitewall bias-ply presentation and a radial format that changes the tire type while keeping the 13-inch wheel diameter.
The 1962 Borgward Isabella SW uses its own larger tire-size family, built around 175R13 radial and 640-13 bias-ply fitment. SW owners should stay focused on that setup, then compare whether a period-style bias-ply look or a radial-based driving and sizing approach better matches the car's intended use.
The 1962 Borgward Isabella TS shares its tire-fitment pattern with the Base, using 165R13 in radial form or 590-13 in bias-ply form. Tire selection for the TS comes down to whether the car is being kept in a more traditional visual style or moved toward radial construction while retaining the correct 13-inch application.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Borgward Isabella
For the 1962 Borgward Isabella, 590-13 has three radial-equivalent choices, while 640-13 has four. For 590-13, the equivalents are 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. For 640-13, the equivalents are 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. Recommended rim width ranges are 4-5 inches for 590-13 and 4-6 inches for 640-13, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing sizes or construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-13)
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (640-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1962 Borgward Isabella Tires for Sale
Available 1962 Borgward Isabella tires include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 165R13, along with BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply wide whitewalls in 590-13 and 640-13. The main comparisons are construction type, tire series, sidewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility.
These 1962 Borgward Isabella tire FAQs focus on sub-model-specific sizing, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for the numeric sizes, and the practical checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Borgward Isabella?
The 1962 Borgward Isabella uses more than one tire size. Base and TS models use either 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply sizing, while the SW uses either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply sizing. All of those fitments use a 13-inch rim, but the correct size family changes with the sub-model.
That means the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base, SW, or TS before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the next decision is whether to stay with the sub-model's bias-ply size for a more traditional presentation or use the corresponding radial size that belongs to that same Isabella configuration.
What size rim does a 1962 Borgward Isabella use?
Every primary tire size used on the 1962 Borgward Isabella fits a 13-inch rim. That includes the radial sizes 165R13 and 175R13 as well as the bias-ply sizes 590-13 and 640-13. Rim diameter is consistent across the model, even though the tire widths and construction types vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter alone does not finish the fitment decision, because wheel width still matters when moving between bias-ply and radial choices. A car with replacement wheels should have both diameter and width checked before selecting a tire, especially if the goal is to use a radial equivalent in place of a traditional numeric bias-ply size.
Do all 1962 Borgward Isabella sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1962 Borgward Isabella Base and TS share the same tire-size family, using 165R13 in radial form or 590-13 in bias-ply form. The SW uses a different and larger fitment family, with 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply sizing.
That difference matters because a buyer cannot assume that any 13-inch Isabella tire works across the entire model line. The SW should be matched to its own radial or bias-ply size family, while Base and TS owners should stay within theirs before comparing sidewall style, construction preference, or possible radial-equivalent options.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Borgward Isabella?
590-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1962 Borgward Isabella. It is used on the Base and TS, while the radial counterpart within that fitment family is 165R13. The available 590-13 option shown here is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply wide whitewall, which keeps the traditional numeric sizing format.
That makes 590-13 the choice for owners who want the earlier construction style and a more period-oriented appearance. Anyone considering a change to radial construction should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance before moving to an equivalent radial size rather than treating the change as automatic.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-13 and 640-13?
For 590-13, radial equivalents 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. For 640-13, the equivalents are 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent.
Those options give Isabella owners several radial sizing formats to compare without changing away from the basic 13-inch wheel diameter. The recommended rim-width ranges are 4-5 inches for 590-13 and 4-6 inches for 640-13, so wheel width, section width, and clearance should be reviewed carefully before choosing an equivalent.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 Borgward Isabella?
Either construction can be appropriate on a 1962 Borgward Isabella, depending on the sub-model and the owner's priorities. Base and TS can be kept on 590-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial sizing, while the SW can use 640-13 bias-ply or 175R13 radial sizing. The choice is less about one format being universally right and more about matching the tire to the car's setup and intended presentation.
Bias-ply tires usually appeal to owners pursuing a more traditional look, especially with wide whitewalls, while radial choices suit buyers who want a radial-format fitment on the same 13-inch wheel diameter. Before changing construction, check wheel width, actual wheel condition, and tire clearance so the conversion is evaluated as a fitment decision, not just a styling decision.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1962 Borgward Isabella tire?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1962 Borgward Isabella does not use one universal tire size. Base and TS use 165R13 or 590-13, while the SW uses 175R13 or 640-13. From there, the main considerations are construction type, sidewall appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept closer to a traditional bias-ply look or fitted with a radial-format tire.
Product details can help narrow the choice further. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial options in blackwall form, while BFGoodrich covers the bias-ply sizes with wide whitewalls in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Matching the tire to the car's use, wheel setup, and desired visual character usually leads to a much better decision than choosing by size alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Borgward Isabella tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1962 Borgward Isabella tires include blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear in the 165R13 radial offerings from Michelin and Dunlop, while wide whitewalls appear in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options for 590-13 and 640-13.
That difference makes sidewall style closely tied to construction and size family rather than simply appearance alone. A buyer choosing between blackwall radial and wide-whitewall bias-ply options should first make sure the tire belongs to the correct Isabella sub-model, then decide which sidewall presentation best suits the car's intended visual direction and road use.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Borgward Isabella?
Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all have applicable tires for the 1962 Borgward Isabella. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich appears in the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply sizes. The brand choice therefore depends in part on which Isabella sub-model and construction type are being considered.
Brand comparison is most useful after the fitment path is narrowed down. A radial buyer in the 165R13 size can compare Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, while a buyer staying with traditional numeric bias-ply sizing will be looking at BFGoodrich wide-whitewall choices in the corresponding 13-inch size family.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Borgward Isabella?
A period-style 1962 Borgward Isabella usually starts with the correct bias-ply family for the specific sub-model. Base and TS align with 590-13 bias-ply sizing, while the SW aligns with 640-13 bias-ply sizing. Those sizes preserve the traditional numeric format and can support the car's early-1960s visual character more closely than a modern radial-coded replacement.
The available bias-ply options also use wide whitewalls, which can significantly shape the car's finished appearance. For owners aiming at stricter historical accuracy, exact tire branding and sidewall treatment should still be checked against period photos, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific historical references before treating any current production tire as a definitive restoration match.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Borgward Isabella?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1962 Borgward Isabella more than many owners expect. Numeric bias-ply sizes such as 590-13 and 640-13 carry a traditional early-1960s presentation, especially when paired with wide whitewalls. Radial sizes like 165R13 and 175R13 introduce a more modern tire format, even when they remain within the correct 13-inch rim diameter.
That means construction is part of the restoration decision, not just a mechanical choice. A buyer who wants the car to read as period-style from curbside often leans toward the bias-ply path, while someone prioritizing a radial fitment may accept a different visual character. The right answer depends on the car's purpose, judging standards, and how original the finished look needs to be.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Borgward Isabella?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Borgward Isabella even when the tire size itself is correct for the model or sub-model. Replacement wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension repairs, or bodywork changes can all influence how a 13-inch tire sits and clears the car under steering and suspension movement.
That is especially important when considering a radial equivalent for a numeric bias-ply size, because construction and section shape may differ from the traditional fitment. An Isabella with aftermarket wheels should have actual wheel width and clearance checked at the front and rear before choosing a tire, rather than assuming the original fitment path still applies unchanged.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Borgward Isabella on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Borgward Isabella on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, check that the tires seat properly, and confirm there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. It also helps to verify valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation pressure so the new tire installation begins from a sound baseline.
Collector cars deserve a broader walk-around as well. Look for uneven ride height, worn steering parts, brake drag, and old suspension bushings that could affect how the new tires behave on the road. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection for rubbing, pressure loss, or mounting issues is a sensible final step before regular use.
How should 1962 Borgward Isabella tires be maintained?
1962 Borgward Isabella tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and periodic review of tread and sidewall condition. Low-use collector cars need extra attention because age, storage environment, and long periods of sitting can damage tires even when tread wear appears minimal. Cracking, bulges, cuts, and persistent air loss all deserve prompt attention.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Isabella away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect both radial and bias-ply tires over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before any longer drive, since a collector car that feels fine around town may reveal age-related issues only after more sustained road use.
