1963 MG MGB Tires

A 1963 MG MGB uses either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tires, depending on the sub-model and tire setup. The GT Coupe uses 165R14, while the Roadster can use 165R14 or 560-14. Both fitments use a 14-inch rim, but the sizes represent different construction types and different overall tire presentations on the car.

Choosing between them starts with identifying whether the car is a GT Coupe or Roadster and then confirming the wheels actually on the vehicle today. Many collector cars have been changed over the years, so wheel width, construction preference, and clearance around suspension and bodywork are all worth checking before settling on one of the two primary sizes.

The 1963 MG MGB uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 165R14 radial or the 560-14 bias-ply size. Even though the wheel diameter stays the same, the two tire sizes differ in construction type and in the wheel-width ranges seen among available products.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width before choosing a tire. Some 165R14 radials are matched to wider rim ranges than 560-14 bias-ply tires, which means an MGB with changed wheels may narrow the best choices even though the car still uses the correct 14-inch diameter.

No, not every 1963 MG MGB sub-model uses the same tire size. The GT Coupe uses 165R14 radial tires, while the Roadster can use either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tires. That makes the MGB a sub-model-sensitive fitment rather than a one-size-across-the-board application.

That difference matters because the buying decision changes once the correct sub-model is confirmed. A GT Coupe owner mainly compares radial tire brands and series, while a Roadster owner may also be deciding between radial and bias-ply construction, traditional sidewall styling, and the wheel setup already on the car.

Start with the correct primary size for the car: 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply, depending on the sub-model and setup. After that, compare construction, wheel-width suitability, sidewall style, and the character you want from the car. A 165R14 choice leans toward classic European radial offerings, while 560-14 centers on a more traditional bias-ply presentation.

The best match depends on whether the MGB is being restored for appearance, driven regularly, or set up as a road car with existing wheels that already favor one construction. Product details such as max load figures, weight, and rim-width range are useful tie-breakers once the correct size and the intended use of the car are settled.

Sidewall choice depends on the tire size selected for the 1963 MG MGB. In 165R14 radial form, the available products are blackwall tires. In 560-14 bias-ply form, the available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That gives the Roadster a broader appearance range than the GT Coupe's radial-only fitment.

For many buyers, sidewall style is less about fitment than about the finished look of the car. A blackwall keeps the presentation restrained and sporting, while a whitewall changes the visual character noticeably. It is worth matching that appearance choice to the car's restoration direction, wheel style, and the kind of period impression you want the MGB to project.

The 1963 MG MGB has available tire options from Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, and BFGoodrich. The 165R14 radial size is offered by Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, while the 560-14 bias-ply size is offered by BFGoodrich. Brand choice here is tied closely to size and construction, not just personal preference.

That means the first decision is still fitment rather than brand. Once the correct size is confirmed, the comparison becomes more meaningful: radial buyers can weigh series differences such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic, while bias-ply buyers can focus on BFGoodrich sidewall presentation and whether a blackwall or whitewall look suits the car.

A period-style direction for a 1963 MG MGB usually starts with matching the car to its appropriate primary fitment path. The GT Coupe centers on 165R14 radial tires, while the Roadster can be approached with either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply depending on the look and driving character you want to preserve.

For a restoration-minded buyer, the real choice is whether the car should present as a traditional bias-ply sports car or as an MGB wearing classic blackwall radials. When exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is wise to compare the tire decision against marque references, photos, and vehicle-specific documentation before committing to a final setup.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1963 MG MGB more than many owners expect. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the Roadster a distinctly traditional look, especially with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while a 165R14 radial presents the car in a more restrained blackwall form associated with classic European road use.

That visual difference should be weighed alongside the rest of the restoration, including wheel finish, trim level, and the era impression you are trying to create. A tire that is right in size can still feel visually out of step if the sidewall style or construction does not match the intended presentation of the finished car.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 MG MGB even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, and body repairs can all influence how comfortably a 165R14 or 560-14 tire works on the car. Collector sports cars often carry changes made decades after they were built.

A careful check should include wheel diameter and width, steering clearance at full lock, and space around fenders and suspension components. That matters especially on the Roadster, where the choice may involve either radial or bias-ply construction. Confirming the actual setup on the car prevents a correct-on-paper size from becoming a disappointing fit in practice.

Before driving a 1963 MG MGB on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tire-to-wheel match, then confirm proper pressure and basic clearance. It is also worth checking suspension bushings, steering components, and wheel bearings, because an older sports car can reveal worn chassis parts quickly once fresh tires are installed and the car returns to regular road use.

A short, cautious test drive is the smart next step. Pay attention to tracking, vibration, rubbing sounds, and any sign of uneven contact during turns or over bumps. On a low-mile collector car, old alignment issues or wheel problems may have been hidden by aged tires, so the first miles on a new set should be treated as a final fitment check.

Tires on a collector 1963 MG MGB should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and occasional close examination for cracking, bulges, cuts, and irregular wear. That applies whether the car is on 165R14 radials or 560-14 bias-ply tires. Low-use classics can age their tires out long before the tread is worn enough to attract attention.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a car like this. Keeping the MGB away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, while periodic movement reduces the chance of long-term flat spotting. An owner who drives only seasonally should inspect tire condition at the start of each driving period, not just before a long trip.