1962 MG MGA Tires

A 1962 MG MGA uses two primary tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both are 15-inch fitments, and the covered MGA 1600 sub-model can use either size depending on whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply setup or a radial alternative in a Euro-metric format.

That means the first decision is not wheel diameter but tire construction and presentation. A 560-15 keeps the vintage numeric bias-ply format, while 155R15 moves to a radial size convention. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel setup on the car, especially if the MGA has been modified or has replacement wheels that may affect width compatibility and clearance.

The 1962 MG MGA uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire-size paths. The 560-15 bias-ply size and the 155R15 radial size are both built around that same 15-inch wheel diameter, so the rim-diameter question is simpler here than on vehicles that changed wheel size by trim or package.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or comparing tire series from different brands. It is worth checking the actual wheels on the car before ordering, since restored and driver-quality MGAs sometimes carry replacement wheels that differ from the original-style setup.

560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, written without the decimal point in the traditional format, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1962 MG MGA, that size represents the period-style bias-ply fitment rather than a modern radial format.

Understanding that code helps separate appearance and construction choices. A 560-15 keeps the car in a classic bias-ply size system, while 155R15 is the radial-format alternative on the same 15-inch rim. Buyers comparing the two should look beyond the size code and confirm wheel width, intended road use, and the kind of sidewall presentation they want on the finished car.

On a 1962 MG MGA, 560-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply format and is available in traditional blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the brand and tire series chosen for the car.

That matters because a 560-15 keeps the MGA in a more traditional construction and visual style, while 155R15 is the radial alternative on the same 15-inch rim diameter. Owners deciding between them should think about how the car will be used, how important period-style appearance is, and whether the current wheel width matches the chosen tire’s specifications.

For a 1962 MG MGA running the original-style 560-15 size, the available radial equivalents are 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for owners who want radial construction with a more vintage-style visual presentation.

Those two options serve different purposes even though both are radial alternatives to 560-15. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalent setup is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width should be confirmed before switching. It is also smart to check overall vehicle setup and clearance rather than assuming any equivalent size will automatically suit every MGA.

Both paths are valid on a 1962 MG MGA. A 560-15 bias-ply tire suits owners aiming for a traditional period-style look, while a 155R15 radial gives the car a radial-format fitment in the same 15-inch wheel diameter. A 560R15 bias-look radial also exists for owners trying to balance vintage appearance with radial construction.

The best choice depends on how the MGA is used and how closely the finished look needs to follow a restoration-minded presentation. A car shown for visual authenticity may lead toward bias-ply, while a road-driven car may prompt closer consideration of radial options. In either case, check wheel width, clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering before changing construction.

Start with the basic fitment split: 560-15 for bias-ply or 155R15 for radial, both on 15-inch rims. From there, the main selection factors are construction type, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, brand, and tire series. Those choices affect how closely the tire matches a restoration-oriented look and how the car presents on the road.

A bias-ply MGA can be styled with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall options, while the radial side centers on blackwall selections from several brands. It also helps to compare load figures where stated, as well as rim-width specifications, especially if the car no longer wears its original wheels. Choosing the right tire is really about matching fitment, appearance, and intended use.

The 1962 MG MGA has meaningful sidewall variety, especially in the 560-15 bias-ply size. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available in that size, while the 155R15 radial offerings are centered on blackwall construction across the available touring and specialty radial series.

That makes sidewall choice part of the overall character of the car rather than a small cosmetic detail. A blackwall usually gives the cleanest sporting presentation, while whitewall options create a more stylized vintage look. The right choice depends on the direction of the restoration or driver build, and it should still be paired with the correct size and wheel-width range.

Tire choices for the 1962 MG MGA come from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand availability depends on size and construction, with the 155R15 radial side featuring Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while 560-15 bias-ply choices include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. It helps to look at the tire series attached to each brand, along with sidewall style, construction, and rim-width specification, because those details shape how well the tire fits the car’s visual goal and wheel setup. The strongest choice is usually the one that aligns size, construction, and intended use rather than brand name alone.

For a period-style 1962 MG MGA, the 560-15 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point because it keeps the car in its vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction. That size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, giving owners several ways to tune the finished look without leaving the bias-ply category.

The most suitable version depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual era the owner wants to emphasize. If exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the intended tire against marque-club guidance, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical references. A 155R15 or 560R15 can still be considered when a more road-oriented driving setup is part of the plan.

Tire construction changes the overall presentation of a restored 1962 MG MGA more than many owners expect. A 560-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a distinctly traditional look tied to vintage sizing and sidewall proportions, while a 155R15 radial introduces a more modern radial format even though it still fits the same 15-inch rim diameter.

That visual difference becomes more noticeable once wheel finish, ride height, and body color all come together on the completed car. Owners who want a classic appearance but also want a radial may find 560R15 worth considering because it preserves more of the older style language. The final choice should support both the restoration goal and the car’s actual driving role.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 MG MGA even when the car stays within the correct 15-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered offset, suspension changes, and body or fender modifications can all influence whether a 560-15 bias-ply or 155R15 radial works cleanly on the car.

That is why an MGA should be checked as it actually sits today, not just as it left the factory decades ago. A car with replacement wheels or a changed suspension may need closer attention to wheel width and clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height. Those checks become especially important when moving from bias-ply construction to a radial alternative.

Before driving a 1962 MG MGA on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated, and confirm that there is no contact with suspension, body, or steering components. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, wheel hardware, and general condition of the suspension and steering system.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step once those basics are covered. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first miles. Collector cars that spend long periods parked can also reveal dried seals, weak shocks, or steering play that may not be obvious until new tires are installed and the car returns to road use.

Tires on a collector 1962 MG MGA should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting from long periods parked, and slow air loss. Those checks matter whether the car wears 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials.

Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage. Keeping the MGA out of prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone exposure helps preserve the rubber, and moving the car periodically can reduce stress from sitting in one place. Any tire that shows visible damage, age-related deterioration, or persistent pressure loss deserves prompt professional inspection.