1962 Lloyd Arabella Tires

A 1962 Lloyd Arabella uses two recognized tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the choice is not about changing rim diameter first, but about deciding which construction and sizing style matches the car and the owner’s goals.

That distinction matters because a narrow numeric bias-ply tire and a Euro-metric radial do not present exactly the same way on the car. Start by confirming the actual wheel width on the vehicle, then choose the tire type that suits either a more traditional appearance or a radial setup, especially if the car has been updated over time.

The 1962 Lloyd Arabella uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The bias-ply 520-13 and the radial 145R13 are both built around that same rim diameter, which keeps the main fitment decision focused on tire construction and wheel width rather than diameter alone.

Rim diameter is only one part of the check. A 13-inch wheel still needs to be appropriate in width for the tire being considered, and that becomes especially important when comparing a narrow bias-ply tire with a radial equivalent or a 145R13 radial. Any wheel swap or aftermarket wheel should be measured before final tire selection.

Yes. The 1962 Lloyd Arabella Base uses the same fitment choices found on the model overall: 520-13 in bias-ply form and 145R13 in radial form. Both options stay within a 13-inch rim diameter, so the Base model does not introduce a separate tire-size requirement of its own.

That makes sub-model identification simple, but it does not remove the need to verify the car itself. A Base model that still has stock-style wheels may point an owner toward one choice, while a car that has already been converted to radials may be better matched to another. Wheel width and clearance should still be confirmed before installation.

On the 1962 Lloyd Arabella, 520-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system and is the more traditional fitment style for this car, giving it the narrower, upright profile that many owners associate with small early 1960s European sedans.

Choosing 520-13 usually means prioritizing period-style presentation and a classic bias-ply look. Before staying with that construction, check the condition and width of the 13-inch wheels and make sure the rest of the car’s setup still suits a narrow bias-ply tire. That is especially important on a vehicle that may have been modified or driven infrequently.

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 sizes give a 1962 Lloyd Arabella owner several radial-format comparison points while staying within the same general small-car 13-inch fitment range.

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range given for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, so the wheel should be measured first. After that, overall dimensions and body or steering clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.

The 1962 Lloyd Arabella can be approached either way, since 520-13 bias-ply and 145R13 radial fitments are both relevant to this car. Bias-ply tires preserve a more traditional visual presentation, while a radial choice follows a more modern tire construction and sizing path on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

The better choice depends on what matters most to the owner. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward the visual character of 520-13, while a car already set up around radial use may point toward 145R13 or a radial equivalent. Wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance should all be verified before making the switch.

Start with the construction and size that suit the car: 520-13 for a traditional bias-ply approach or 145R13 for a radial setup. From there, compare the actual wheel width, the intended look of the car, and the type of driving the Arabella will see, whether that is occasional shows, local cruising, or more regular road use.

Product differences also matter. Some tires are offered with load figures and rim-width guidance, and the available choices vary by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment. A careful match between tire type, wheel specification, and desired appearance usually matters more on a small vintage sedan than simply choosing the first correct-looking size.

Sidewall choices for the 1962 Lloyd Arabella include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the tire size and series selected. The 145R13 radial options are available in blackwall form, while 520-13 bias-ply choices include blackwall as well as narrow and wider whitewall presentations.

That variety lets the tire influence the car’s personality in a noticeable way. Blackwalls tend to keep the look restrained and utilitarian, while whitewalls add a more decorative vintage touch. The key is choosing a sidewall style that suits the car’s presentation without losing sight of the basics such as correct size, wheel match, and intended use.

Tire options for the 1962 Lloyd Arabella are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial category, while Firestone and Premium Sport cover the 520-13 bias-ply fitment with different series and sidewall styles aimed at distinct appearance preferences.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the rest of the specification, not in isolation. A Michelin or Firestone radial may appeal to an owner staying with a metric radial setup, while Firestone or Premium Sport bias-ply products open up blackwall and whitewall choices in 520-13. Compare construction, series, sidewall style, and wheel suitability before deciding.

For a period-style 1962 Lloyd Arabella, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric tire format and the narrower bias-ply visual character associated with small cars of this era. Within that size, blackwall and whitewall versions allow the appearance to be tailored without leaving the traditional bias-ply presentation.

Exact originality can depend on the car’s market, equipment, and restoration goals, so owners pursuing a highly exact presentation should compare the tire choice with marque-specific historical references. For most restoration-minded drivers, the practical decision is simpler: keep the car in 520-13 and choose the sidewall style that best supports the intended look.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1962 Lloyd Arabella more than many owners expect. A 520-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a distinctly traditional small-sedan stance, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style metric tire format and a different visual impression even though both use a 13-inch rim.

That means construction is part of the restoration decision, not just a driving or maintenance choice. Owners seeking a more period-style presentation often stay with bias-ply, while owners more concerned with running a radial setup may accept the visual change. In either case, sidewall style can further shape the finished appearance of the car.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1962 Lloyd Arabella even when the nominal size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork repairs can all affect how a 520-13 bias-ply or 145R13 radial sits in the wheel opening and clears during steering and suspension travel.

That is why the actual car should always be checked before installation. Measure the wheel diameter and width, then inspect inner and outer clearance at normal ride height and near full steering lock. A car that has been updated over the years may need more verification than one that still retains its original-style wheel and suspension layout.

Before driving a 1962 Lloyd Arabella on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the tires seat properly, and check inflation against the tire’s specification. The rest of the car deserves attention too, especially steering components, suspension wear, brake condition, and any sign that the new tire is contacting body or chassis parts.

A short, careful road test is the best next step. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first miles. On an older compact car, new tires can reveal issues that old tires were masking, so it is wise to retorque wheel hardware as appropriate and inspect the setup again after initial use.

Collector-car tires on a 1962 Lloyd Arabella should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to aging as well as tread wear. Whether the car is on 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials, look for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, and any ongoing air loss before taking the car onto the road.

Storage habits matter on a low-use vintage car. Keep the Arabella away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and move it occasionally so the tires are not sitting in one position for long periods. Tires that still look acceptable can age out in collector service, so condition should be evaluated on time as well as mileage.