The 1962 MG MG sits squarely in the era when British motoring offered two very different experiences: compact sporting roadsters and tidy saloons with distinctly European proportions. Tire choice for this year depends first on which MG you have, because the Magnette IV uses 14-inch fitments while the TD & TF use 15-inch fitments, with both bias-ply and radial options appearing across the range. That opens up a meaningful decision between traditional bias-ply presentation and modern radial construction, especially on the 15-inch setup where a radial equivalent is available. For restoration work or regular road use, the right starting point is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 MG MG
The 1962 MG MG uses four primary tire sizes across two different sub-model groups, and the fitment changes by both construction type and rim diameter. The first step is identifying whether the car is a Magnette IV or a TD & TF, then confirming whether it is running 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. From there, the real choice becomes staying with a period-style bias-ply tire or selecting the radial fitment that matches that sub-model's wheel setup.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 MG MG, this is a radial fitment for the Magnette IV and suits buyers looking for a more modern construction on the 14-inch wheel. Available choices include blackwall options from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Cinturato CA67, XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to evaluate when the car is a Magnette IV and the goal is a correct wheel diameter with radial construction.
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.90 representing the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifying the wheel diameter. This is the traditional bias-ply 14-inch fitment associated with the 1962 MG MG Magnette IV, making it relevant to buyers aiming for a more period-style tire construction and appearance. Its meaning is more straightforward than modern metric sizing, but the construction difference is the key part of the decision. This size deserves a close look when preserving the car's earlier tire character matters as much as basic wheel compatibility.
155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size, where 155 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1962 MG MG, this radial fitment applies to the TD & TF and opens the broadest product selection on the page. Blackwall choices are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein in series including F560 Radial, Michelin X, XAS, XAS-FF, CR6ZZ, Snow Classic, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to consider when the car runs 15-inch wheels and the priority is radial construction with several product personalities to compare.
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 560 indicating nominal section width in the older inch-based system and 15 identifying the wheel diameter. On the 1962 MG MG, this is the bias-ply 15-inch fitment for the TD & TF and it carries the strongest traditional appearance options. Products are available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several classic bias-ply series. This size is the natural place to start when keeping a vintage bias-ply look is more important than switching to a radial alternative.
Fitment varies clearly across the covered 1962 MG MG sub-models rather than staying uniform across the range. Checking the exact sub-model matters because it determines both the wheel diameter and whether the relevant tire choice starts with a 14-inch or 15-inch bias-ply or radial setup.
1
1962 MG MG Magnette IV
The 1962 MG MG Magnette IV uses 14-inch tire fitments, with both a bias-ply and a radial path available. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation straightforward, while the real decision becomes whether the car should retain a more traditional tire presentation or move toward radial construction on the same basic wheel size.
The 1962 MG MG TD & TF uses 15-inch tire fitments and can be equipped with either the traditional 560-15 bias-ply size or the 155R15 radial size. For buyers, that creates a useful split between restoration-oriented bias-ply appearance and a radial alternative that should still be checked carefully against the wheel and overall setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 MG MG
For the original 560-15 size, there are two radial-equivalent choices to consider. 155R15 serves as the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent. The first keeps the move in a Euro-metric radial format, while the second is aimed at retaining a more traditional visual presentation. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these alternatives, and either option should be checked against the wheel, overall dimensions, and clearance before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-15)
560R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (560-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 MG MG Tires for sale
Available tire choices for the 1962 MG MG span radial and bias-ply construction across 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. Brands include Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, Firestone, US Royal, Avon, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options depending on size and series.
These FAQs focus on the tire questions that matter most for a 1962 MG MG, including sub-model size differences, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply and radial choices, period-style appearance, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 MG MG?
A 1962 MG MG can use 165R14, 5.90-14, 155R15, or 560-15, depending on the exact sub-model. The Magnette IV uses the 14-inch sizes, with 165R14 as a radial option and 5.90-14 as a bias-ply option. The TD & TF uses the 15-inch sizes, with 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction.
The important step is matching the tire size to the exact car before comparing brands or sidewall style. A 14-inch Magnette IV and a 15-inch TD or TF do not share the same wheel diameter, so the tire decision starts with the sub-model and the wheels currently on the car. On older MGs, it is also smart to confirm that the wheels have not been changed during restoration or long-term ownership.
What size rim does a 1962 MG MG use?
A 1962 MG MG uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Magnette IV is associated with 14-inch tire sizes, while the TD & TF is associated with 15-inch tire sizes. That rim-diameter split is one of the most important fitment differences on this page.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before choosing between bias-ply and radial options, because construction alone does not tell the whole fitment story. A tire that is correct for a 15-inch TD or TF will not belong on a 14-inch Magnette IV wheel. Measuring the wheel and checking the existing tire markings is worthwhile if the car has been modified, restored years ago, or purchased with an unknown wheel setup.
Do all 1962 MG MG sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1962 MG MG sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Magnette IV uses 14-inch sizes, 165R14 in radial form or 5.90-14 in bias-ply form. The TD & TF uses 15-inch sizes, 155R15 in radial form or 560-15 in bias-ply form.
That difference means the buyer should identify the exact sub-model before looking at tire style, brand, or appearance. The wheel diameter changes with the sub-model, and so does the pool of available products. Once the correct sub-model is confirmed, the next question becomes whether the goal is a more traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial tire in the corresponding wheel diameter.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-15?
For a 1962 MG MG using 560-15, the radial-equivalent sizes available are 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent. Those two options give the 15-inch TD & TF owner a choice between a conventional Euro-metric radial format and a radial that aims to preserve a more vintage-looking profile.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with those equivalents, which makes wheel confirmation especially important before changing construction. Radial equivalents should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutes, so it is wise to check the actual wheel, tire clearance, and overall vehicle setup. That matters even more on an older MG that may have seen wheel changes or suspension work over time.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 MG MG?
That depends on the sub-model, the wheel diameter on the car, and the balance between period-style appearance and road-use priorities. The 1962 MG MG has both bias-ply and radial fitments across its covered sub-models: the Magnette IV uses either 5.90-14 or 165R14, while the TD & TF uses either 560-15 or 155R15. Both construction types are relevant to this year and make.
Bias-ply tires are usually chosen when maintaining a more traditional visual character matters most, while radial tires are often considered by owners who want a modern tire construction within the correct wheel diameter. The key is not treating construction as a separate issue from fitment. Wheel size, wheel width, and the actual setup on the car should be confirmed before making the switch from one construction type to the other.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1962 MG MG?
A bias-look radial is available for the 1962 MG MG only in the 15-inch 560-15 fitment family. The equivalent size is 560R15, and it is associated with the TD & TF rather than the 14-inch Magnette IV setup. That makes it a useful option for buyers who want a radial construction while staying closer to a traditional visual presentation.
The main point is to treat 560R15 as an alternative that still needs verification, not as an automatic replacement. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is part of the sizing picture, and clearance should also be checked on the car itself. That combination makes the bias-look radial most attractive when the owner wants a vintage appearance without staying with a full bias-ply tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-15 tire for a 1962 MG MG?
Start by confirming that the car is a 1962 MG MG TD or TF with the 15-inch bias-ply fitment. Within 560-15, the available choices vary by brand, sidewall style, tire series, and some rim-width specifications. Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac all appear in this size, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions depending on the product.
That means the real comparison is not just size, but how the tire suits the car's intended look and use. A traditional whitewall changes the visual character substantially compared with a plain blackwall, and a specialty front-runner serves a different purpose than a classic bias-ply street tire. Buyers should compare wheel compatibility, appearance, and how restoration-oriented or purpose-built the finished setup needs to be.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 MG MG tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size and construction chosen for the 1962 MG MG. The radial options shown in 165R14 and 155R15 are blackwall tires, while the 560-15 bias-ply fitment has the widest appearance range. In that 15-inch bias-ply size, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles are all available.
Appearance is often the deciding factor once the correct size has been established. A blackwall keeps the look understated and more sporting, while a whitewall pushes the car toward a more formal or period-oriented presentation. That styling choice should still come after size and wheel confirmation, since the sidewall treatment only matters once the tire belongs to the correct sub-model and rim diameter.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 MG MG?
Tires for the 1962 MG MG are available from several brands, depending on size. The radial sizes include Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, Firestone, and Avon, while the 560-15 bias-ply size includes Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand choice therefore follows the tire size and construction path that belongs to the specific sub-model.
The practical comparison is less about ranking brands and more about understanding what each size offers in character and presentation. Some sizes focus on blackwall radial touring or classic-road use, while the 560-15 range also includes whitewall bias-ply styles and a specialty front-runner. The best way to narrow the field is to confirm size first, then compare brand, tire series, and sidewall style within that fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 MG MG?
A period-style choice for a 1962 MG MG usually starts with the original construction style for the sub-model's wheel diameter rather than jumping straight to a modern radial. That points Magnette IV owners toward the 5.90-14 bias-ply path and TD & TF owners toward 560-15 bias-ply, especially when preserving a traditional stance and sidewall presentation is part of the goal.
Within those sizes, appearance still varies by brand and sidewall style, especially in 560-15 where blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options exist. A restoration-minded buyer should match the tire's visual character to the car's intended finish, not just its basic dimensions. When exact originality matters, marque-club guidance and vehicle-specific historical references are worth consulting before settling on a final style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 MG MG?
Tire construction changes more than ride and handling feel on a restored 1962 MG MG; it also influences the car's visual character. A bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional period-style presentation, especially on the 560-15 fitment where whitewall and blackwall choices are available. A radial moves the look toward a later, more modern tire appearance even when the wheel diameter remains correct.
That makes construction part of the restoration conversation rather than a purely technical decision. On a driver-oriented car, a radial may be the preferred direction, while a more authenticity-minded build may stay with bias-ply construction and a sidewall style that suits the era. The important thing is to decide whether the tire is supporting a road-use goal, an appearance goal, or a careful balance of both.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 MG MG?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 MG MG, even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all change the amount of clearance available. That matters on this MG range because the car may already differ by sub-model in both tire size and rim diameter.
A car with older restoration work deserves extra attention before any new tire is chosen. The safest approach is to confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle, then check steering, fender, and suspension clearance with the intended tire size and construction. That is especially important when moving from bias-ply to radial, because construction changes can alter how the fitment behaves on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 MG MG on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 MG MG on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. It also helps to verify that the tire size matches the correct sub-model and wheel diameter, since this year can use either 14-inch or 15-inch fitments. On a collector car, long storage can leave hidden issues that only show up once the car is back on the road.
A short initial road test is the smart next step after mounting. Tire pressure should be checked carefully, and the car should be observed for rubbing, pulling, vibration, or unusual clearance issues while turning and braking. Looking over the tires again after those first miles can reveal early signs of interference or mounting problems before they become more serious on a longer drive.
How should tires on a collector 1962 MG MG be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 MG MG should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic review of the sidewalls and tread for age-related deterioration. Low-mileage collector cars are especially prone to problems caused by time rather than distance, including cracking, flat spotting, and unnoticed air loss. That applies whether the car is running a bias-ply tire or one of the radial fitments.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on an older MG. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long-term flat spotting. Any sign of bulges, cuts, severe cracking, or persistent pressure loss deserves attention before the car is taken out for routine driving or touring.
