The 1962 Morgan Plus 4 belongs to a distinctly traditional British sports car lineage, pairing lightweight roadster character with long-running hand-built design cues that still appeal to collectors and weekend drivers. Tire choice on a car like this affects more than road manners; it also shapes stance, steering feel, and overall presentation. The 1962 Morgan Plus 4 uses either a 560-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial, both on 15-inch rims. That opens the door to period-style bias-ply options with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling, as well as several blackwall radial choices and a bias-look radial equivalent. The right decision depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, traditional construction, or more modern radial road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Morgan Plus 4
The 1962 Morgan Plus 4 uses two primary tire sizes, and both fit a 15-inch rim: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Since the Base model is associated with both sizes, the key decision is less about sub-model identification and more about choosing the construction and tire style that best suits the car’s wheels, appearance goals, and intended road use.
155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 denotes nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1962 Morgan Plus 4, this size represents the radial option and gives the car a more modern sizing convention while retaining the correct 15-inch rim diameter. Available choices include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein tires across series such as F560 Radial, Michelin X, XAS, XAS-FF, CR6ZZ, Snow Classic, and Sprint Classic, all in blackwall form. This size is the one to evaluate when the goal is radial construction without moving away from the Plus 4’s narrow traditional tire profile.
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 560 refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and 15 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1962 Morgan Plus 4, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and it preserves the sizing language and construction style associated with many vintage sports cars of the period. Available options include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations across classic bias-ply series. This size makes sense for owners focused on period-style appearance, traditional construction, or comparing classic sidewall treatments on a 15-inch wheel.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1962 Morgan Plus 4 Base is associated with both a 560-15 bias-ply and a 155R15 radial. The real task is confirming which wheel and tire setup is already on the car before choosing between traditional bias-ply styling and radial construction.
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1962 Morgan Plus 4 Base
The 1962 Morgan Plus 4 Base can be fitted with either the 560-15 bias-ply or the 155R15 radial, both on 15-inch rims. That gives the buyer a clear construction choice: stay with a traditional period-style bias-ply tire or evaluate a radial setup that keeps the same wheel diameter while changing the tire format.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Morgan Plus 4
For the original 560-15 size, two radial-equivalent options are available. 155R15 serves as the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent. Those choices separate into a conventional Euro-metric radial and a radial built to preserve a more traditional bias-style appearance. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent fitment, and any change should still be checked against the car’s actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at steering and suspension travel.
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 Morgan Plus 4 Tires for Sale
Available 1962 Morgan Plus 4 tires include 560-15 bias-ply choices from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, plus 155R15 radials from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styling along with several distinct tire series.
These FAQs focus on the 1962 Morgan Plus 4’s two fitment paths: 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial. They also cover rim fitment, radial equivalents, appearance choices, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
A 1962 Morgan Plus 4 uses either a 560-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial tire, and both sizes are built for a 15-inch rim. That gives the car two valid fitment directions: a traditional numeric bias-ply size or a Euro-metric radial size with the same wheel diameter.
The practical choice is deciding which construction suits the car and your goals. A 560-15 keeps the vintage bias-ply format and period-style presentation, while a 155R15 moves to radial construction. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been changed from its earlier setup over the years.
What size rim does a 1962 Morgan Plus 4 use?
The 1962 Morgan Plus 4 uses a 15-inch rim with both of its associated tire sizes, 560-15 and 155R15. Keeping that rim diameter consistent makes it easier to compare a traditional bias-ply fitment with a radial alternative without changing the basic wheel size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still matters when evaluating a specific tire. Radial and bias-ply products in these sizes can have different approved rim-width ranges, and that becomes especially important on a lightweight vintage sports car where clearance and steering feel are sensitive to wheel and tire changes.
What does 560-15 mean on a 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
On a 1962 Morgan Plus 4, 560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 560 indicates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing format commonly associated with vintage vehicles and traditional bias-ply construction.
Understanding that format helps when comparing it to 155R15, which is a radial size written in a different system. The two sizes share the same 15-inch rim diameter, but they represent different construction types and tire conventions. That means the decision is not just about numbers on the sidewall, but also about appearance, driving character, and wheel compatibility.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
For the 1962 Morgan Plus 4, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered in classic bias-ply lines from brands such as Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic, along with blackwall and whitewall sidewall treatments.
That matters because a 560-15 bias-ply choice keeps the car in a more traditional construction style, while 155R15 represents the radial path. If the Morgan has older wheels, restored wire wheels, or a long-established setup, it is worth confirming wheel width and overall condition before changing constructions rather than assuming any 15-inch tire will behave the same way.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-15?
Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial alternative intended to keep a more traditional visual character while using radial construction.
Those equivalents should be treated as alternatives, not automatic substitutions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent fitment, and the car should still be checked for wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and how the new construction fits the way the Morgan is driven and presented.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
A 1962 Morgan Plus 4 can be approached either way because it is associated with both 560-15 bias-ply tires and 155R15 radial tires. Bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional sizing and construction style, while radial fitment uses a modernized casing design in a compatible 15-inch format.
The better choice depends on what matters most for the car. Owners focused on period-style presentation often stay with 560-15 bias-ply tires, while drivers who want a radial option may look at 155R15 or a bias-look radial equivalent. The important step is confirming wheel width, current wheel type, and clearance before making the change.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-15 or 155R15 tire for a 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
Start with the construction type you want on the car. A 560-15 keeps the Plus 4 in a traditional bias-ply format, while 155R15 gives you a radial fitment on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. From there, compare brand, tire series, sidewall style, and the wheel-width range required by the specific tire.
A restoration-minded car may point toward a classic bias-ply with blackwall or whitewall styling, while a road-driven example may lead you toward one of the blackwall radials. It is also smart to compare load figures where they are stated and make sure the tire matches the wheel already on the car rather than selecting by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Morgan Plus 4 tires?
Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for the 1962 Morgan Plus 4. In 560-15 bias-ply form, available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The 155R15 radial options are offered in blackwall form across several tire series.
That means sidewall treatment is one of the clearest visual differences when selecting a bias-ply tire for this car. A blackwall keeps the presentation restrained and sporting, while whitewall choices create a more decorative vintage look. The right pick depends on how the Morgan is being restored, displayed, or driven, not just the tire size itself.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
Tires for the 1962 Morgan Plus 4 are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, depending on the size and construction you choose. The 155R15 radial selection includes Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while 560-15 bias-ply choices include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.
Brand matters mainly as part of the overall package rather than as a ranking exercise. Some lines are centered on classic bias-ply styling, while others are radial offerings with different series names and wheel-width requirements. The smart comparison is size first, then construction, then the specific tire series and sidewall presentation that suit the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
For a period-style 1962 Morgan Plus 4, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and traditional construction associated with vintage cars of this era. It is available in classic bias-ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations.
That does not mean every 560-15 is automatically the right restoration choice. If exact originality matters, compare the sidewall treatment and brand style against marque-club guidance, period photos, and restoration records for the specific car. For many owners, the decision comes down to whether the goal is historically sympathetic appearance or modernized road use.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1962 Morgan Plus 4 as much as it changes the driving experience. A 560-15 bias-ply tire keeps the car in a more traditional vintage format, while a 155R15 radial introduces a later-style sizing convention even though it still fits the same 15-inch rim diameter.
That visual difference is especially important on a narrow-bodied sports car where tire profile and sidewall presentation are highly noticeable. Bias-ply choices also open the door to blackwall or whitewall treatments, while the available 155R15 radials are blackwall only. Owners trying to balance period appearance with radial construction may also consider a 560R15 bias-look radial.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Morgan Plus 4?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Morgan Plus 4 even when the tire size itself is one of the correct options. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, suspension height, spring condition, steering stops, or body clearance can alter how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits and moves through its travel.
That is why a modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match a stock setup. Check actual rim width, verify tire-to-fender and tire-to-suspension clearance at full steering lock, and look closely at how the front tires sit under load. Those steps are especially worthwhile before switching between bias-ply and radial construction.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Morgan Plus 4 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Morgan Plus 4 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure each tire is seated properly and inflated to the pressure appropriate for that tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to look for any interference around the fenders, steering components, and suspension.
A collector sports car deserves a careful first road test after any tire change. Recheck pressure after the initial drive, watch for rubbing at full lock, and inspect for uneven contact or air loss. On a lightly used Morgan, it also makes sense to look over wheel hardware and general chassis condition before putting the car back into regular road use.
How should 560-15 or 155R15 tires on a collector 1962 Morgan Plus 4 be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1962 Morgan Plus 4 should be inspected regularly for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and slow air loss, whether the car wears 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials. Pressure should be checked routinely, especially on a car that spends long periods parked between drives.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a low-use vintage car. Keep the Morgan away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and move or drive the car periodically so the tires are not left sitting in one position for long stretches. Any sign of aging or damage deserves prompt evaluation before highway use.