1962 Opel 1200 Tires

The 1962 Opel 1200 uses two primary tire sizes: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the choice is centered on tire type and driving goals rather than a change in wheel diameter.

That means the next step is deciding how the car will be used and presented. A 590-13 suits owners who want a more traditional early-1960s look, while 165R13 gives the Opel a radial-format option. Before selecting either one, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure no prior wheel or suspension changes have altered the available fitment space.

The tire fitments for a 1962 Opel 1200 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 590-13 bias-ply size and the 165R13 radial size use that same wheel diameter, so there is no need to change rim diameter when choosing between those two fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply setup with a radial tire. A car that has been modified over the years may no longer have its original wheels, so checking the stamped wheel size or measuring the wheel is worthwhile before settling on either the bias-ply or radial route.

Yes. The 1962 Opel 1200 Base uses the same two primary tire sizes associated with this model: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. The fitment question is consistent at the sub-model level, which keeps the decision focused on construction and appearance rather than trim differences.

That consistency makes selection easier, but the car should still be checked as an individual vehicle. A Base model with replacement wheels, altered ride height, or long-stored original rims may need extra attention before a final choice is made. Once the wheel setup is confirmed, the buyer can compare period-style bias-ply presentation against the blackwall radial alternatives with more confidence.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1962 Opel 1200. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment and uses the same 13-inch rim diameter as the radial alternative, but it follows an older sizing system and delivers a more period-style tire presentation.

That matters most for owners balancing appearance and driving expectations. A bias-ply tire can make more visual sense on a restoration-oriented Opel, especially when paired with a traditional sidewall treatment such as the available wide whitewall. Anyone changing away from 590-13 should verify wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming any radial option will behave exactly the same.

Radial equivalents for 590-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These sizes provide several radial-format comparison points for a 1962 Opel 1200 while keeping the same 13-inch rim diameter.

The difference between them is mainly the sizing convention and profile family rather than a simple one-to-one substitution. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to those equivalents, so the wheel width on the car should be checked first. It is also smart to review fender and steering clearance before moving from the original bias-ply size to any radial alternative.

That depends on what matters most for the car. A 590-13 bias-ply tire preserves a more traditional early-1960s look, while 165R13 gives the 1962 Opel 1200 a radial-format option in the correct rim diameter. Both fitment paths are relevant for this model, but they serve different ownership goals.

A restoration-minded car often leans toward bias-ply because the construction and sidewall presentation support a more vintage appearance. A driver-oriented Opel may lead an owner toward the radial choices available in 165R13 or one of the stated radial equivalents. The safest approach is to match the tire type to the car’s actual wheels, intended use, and the balance desired between visual authenticity and modern road use.

Start with the two valid fitment paths for the 1962 Opel 1200: 590-13 in bias-ply construction or 165R13 in radial construction. From there, the main considerations are wheel width, intended driving use, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style presentation or driven more regularly.

The available products make that choice fairly clear. 590-13 comes as a wide whitewall bias-ply, which suits a restoration-minded look, while 165R13 is offered as a blackwall radial from Michelin and Dunlop in several series. Once size and construction are settled, compare the wheel-width specifications and any load or product details that matter for how the Opel will actually be used.

Two distinct sidewall presentations are available for the 1962 Opel 1200. The radial 165R13 options are offered in blackwall form, while the bias-ply 590-13 option is available with a wide whitewall. That creates a clear visual split between a more understated European radial look and a more decorative period-style bias-ply look.

Sidewall style should be chosen as part of the overall character you want the car to present, not as a separate cosmetic afterthought. A blackwall radial can suit a cleaner driver-oriented setup, while a wide whitewall can reinforce the vintage appearance of a restored compact Opel. It still makes sense to confirm size, construction, and wheel compatibility first, then let the sidewall treatment refine the final choice.

Tires for the 1962 Opel 1200 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich offers the 590-13 bias-ply option in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line with a wide whitewall presentation.

Brand choice matters mainly because it often overlaps with construction, series character, and appearance. Michelin and Dunlop keep the selection centered on blackwall radial products, while BFGoodrich supports the traditional bias-ply route. Rather than trying to rank brands, compare them by the size you need, the look you want on the car, and how the wheel-width specifications line up with the Opel’s actual rims.

For a period-style 1962 Opel 1200, the 590-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It uses the older numeric sizing format associated with the car’s era and is available here as a wide whitewall bias-ply, which gives the Opel a distinctly traditional early-1960s presentation.

That does not automatically make every bias-ply detail historically exact for every individual car, especially when originality matters at a high level. Owners pursuing a precise restoration should compare sidewall appearance and overall presentation against marque references or period photos. For many cars, though, staying with 590-13 bias-ply is the clearest way to retain the visual character expected from this Opel’s era.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1962 Opel 1200 more than many owners expect. A 590-13 bias-ply supports a more traditional profile and is paired here with a wide whitewall option, while the 165R13 radial choices come as blackwalls and give the car a more restrained, later-looking road presentation.

That difference is important because a small European car can look noticeably different once the tire style changes. Restoration-oriented owners often focus on preserving the period impression of the car, while drivers may accept a more modern radial appearance. The better choice depends on whether the Opel is being finished for show-minded authenticity, casual vintage use, or a compromise between the two.

Yes. Even though the 1962 Opel 1200 uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can still affect what works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body repairs around the wheel openings can all influence clearance and make a previously suitable size or construction choice more complicated.

That is especially important when comparing 590-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial options, because a modified car may not react the same way as a stock one. Measuring the actual wheel, checking lock-to-lock steering clearance, and looking for rubbing marks around the inner fenders are worthwhile steps. A careful inspection helps prevent choosing a size on paper that does not suit the car in its current configuration.

Before driving a 1962 Opel 1200 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the wheel width suits the chosen tire, and check that the tires seat properly and hold air. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, tread seating, and visible clearance around the suspension and fenders.

A collector-era car deserves a broader pre-drive check as well. Look for loose steering components, worn suspension bushings, dragging brakes, and anything that could create odd tire wear or contact under load. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the chosen tire, and the first short drive should be followed by another visual inspection to catch any rubbing, shifting, or pressure loss early.

Tires on a collector 1962 Opel 1200 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Low-use cars can develop problems even when tread looks fresh, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss deserve attention whether the car runs bias-ply 590-13 tires or 165R13 radials.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Opel away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to inspect the spare, rotate attention among all four road tires, and check the wheel condition at the same time. A collector car that sits often should have its tires reviewed before every meaningful road outing.