1962 MG Midget Tires

The 1962 MG Midget uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both are associated with the MG Midget Base and both use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about trim differences and more about choosing the tire type that suits the car's setup and intended presentation.

That means the next step is confirming whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply look or moving to a radial tire. Wheel width, actual wheel condition, and any past modifications should be checked before selecting either size, especially on a small sports car where tire proportions and clearance can affect both appearance and road manners.

The 1962 MG Midget uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 520-13 and 145R13. The rim diameter stays consistent even though the car can be fitted with either a bias-ply or radial tire, which makes construction choice more important than wheel diameter when narrowing down options.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so the wheel's actual width should still be verified before ordering tires. Some products also carry specific rim-width guidance, and that matters when comparing a radial against a bias-ply size or evaluating a radial equivalent for a car that may no longer have its original wheels.

On a 1962 MG Midget, 520-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 520 code represents an approximate nominal section width of 5.20 inches, while the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is the traditional bias-ply sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.

Understanding that format helps when comparing it to radial alternatives, because a modern radial will usually use a different naming system even when it serves the same general role. Anyone replacing 520-13 tires should check wheel width, sidewall preference, and overall vehicle setup instead of assuming that any 13-inch tire with a similar width will suit the car.

For the 1962 MG Midget, 520-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment associated with the car's period-style presentation, while 145R13 represents the radial option in the primary fitment range.

That distinction matters because construction affects both how the tire looks on the car and how an owner approaches replacement. A bias-ply selection keeps the original-style sizing language and opens the door to blackwall or whitewall choices, while a change to radial construction calls for a closer check of wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series equivalent, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series equivalent. Those are the available radial comparison sizes tied to the original 520-13 bias-ply fitment on the 1962 MG Midget.

Each one represents a different sizing convention or profile, so the choice is not just about picking any radial with a 13-inch rim diameter. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, and the car's wheel width, body clearance, and overall setup should be confirmed before changing from the original bias-ply size.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width, then compare the intended radial size against the car's present 520-13 bias-ply setup. On a 1962 MG Midget, likely radial alternatives include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the recommended rim-width range tied to those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.

Beyond the wheel itself, inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension condition before making the switch. A car that has been stored for long periods or modified over the years may sit differently than expected, so checking dimensions and clearances on the actual vehicle is more useful than relying on size names alone.

The biggest decision is whether the car should stay with the 520-13 bias-ply format or use the 145R13 radial size. After that, compare the available tire series, sidewall style, rim-width guidance where given, and any load or weight figures that matter to how the car will be used and presented.

A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward the bias-ply size for its traditional proportions and sidewall choices, while a driver-focused owner may prefer a radial format. Either way, confirm the wheel width and inspect the car for non-original wheels or suspension changes before settling on a final tire choice.

Sidewall choices for the 1962 MG Midget include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall depending on the tire size and series. The 145R13 radial offerings are blackwall, while 520-13 bias-ply choices include blackwall as well as whitewall treatments in both narrow and wider presentations.

That makes sidewall style an appearance decision closely tied to construction choice. A blackwall radial keeps the look restrained and simple, while a whitewall bias-ply changes the car's visual character more noticeably. The best match depends on whether the goal is understated sports-car style or a more customized vintage presentation.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires for the 1962 MG Midget within the available 145R13 and 520-13 fitments. Michelin appears in the radial range, Firestone spans both radial and bias-ply offerings, and Premium Sport is present in the 520-13 bias-ply selection with whitewall-focused options.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the actual tire format and series rather than in isolation. A buyer comparing these options should look at whether the tire is radial or bias-ply, what sidewall style it carries, and whether its rim-width specifications line up with the wheels currently on the car.

For a period-style 1962 MG Midget, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the car's vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction. Within that size, blackwall and whitewall choices create different visual effects, so the final decision depends on how authentic or personalized the finished look is meant to be.

A restoration-minded owner should focus first on the correct primary size and overall tire character rather than chasing modern alternatives too early. When exact originality matters, marque references, photos, and period vehicle documentation are worth consulting, since appearance details such as sidewall treatment can vary from one finished car to another.

Tire construction changes how a restored 1962 MG Midget presents even before the car moves. The 520-13 bias-ply option gives the car a more traditional small-sports-car look, while the 145R13 radial introduces a later-style metric appearance and a different visual impression despite sharing the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That means construction choice is part of the restoration story, not just a driving decision. Owners aiming for a distinctly vintage presentation often start with bias-ply sizing, while those prioritizing radial use may accept a less period-specific appearance. Sidewall style then fine-tunes that result, especially if the car is being built with a strong visual theme.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 MG Midget even when the chosen tire is one of the proper primary sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all change how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits in the wheel opening.

A car with non-original parts should be measured on the vehicle rather than treated like a stock example. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and the space around the fenders is especially important on a compact car, because small changes in stance or wheel specification can have a noticeable effect on usable tire clearance.

Before driving a 1962 MG Midget on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the rim diameter and width suit the chosen size, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn components.

A short, careful road test helps reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual clearance issues before the car goes on a longer trip. Since collector cars often sit for extended periods, checking the spare, watching for air loss after installation, and rechecking visible sidewall condition after initial use are sensible added steps.

Collector-car tires on a 1962 MG Midget should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread depth. Whether the car wears 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials, cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss deserve prompt attention.

Storage conditions matter just as much on a lightly driven car. Keeping the MG away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone-producing equipment can help protect tire condition between drives. The tires should also be inspected before any extended outing, since a car that looks fine in the garage may still have age-related issues.