1963 MG Midget Tires

The 1963 MG Midget uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in a bias-ply construction and 145R13 in a radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the MG Midget Base and both are built for 13-inch wheels, so the key difference is the tire format rather than wheel diameter.

Choosing between them starts with the car's current wheel setup and the owner's goals for appearance and road use. A 520-13 keeps the car in a traditional bias-ply format, while 145R13 moves into a radial size convention. Confirm the actual wheel width and inspect for any prior wheel or suspension changes before selecting either size.

The 1963 MG Midget uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is running the 520-13 bias-ply size or the 145R13 radial size, so rim diameter itself is consistent across the fitments covered here.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially when switching between bias-ply and radial tires. Some products also call for specific rim-width ranges, and that can matter just as much as the 13-inch diameter. Measure the wheel before ordering, particularly if the car has older replacement rims or aftermarket wheels.

520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.20 figure refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1963 MG Midget, it represents the traditional bias-ply format rather than a modern radial sizing system.

That matters because a 520-13 is selected differently than a metric radial size such as 145R13. Buyers often choose it for a more traditional look and older-style tire construction, but wheel width and overall vehicle setup still need to be checked. If a radial alternative is being considered, compare the equivalent radial sizes and verify clearance before changing formats.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1963 MG Midget. It uses the vintage numeric sizing format, and the available products in this size are bias-ply tires rather than radials. The car also has a radial primary size, but 520-13 itself remains a bias-ply fitment.

That distinction affects both appearance and selection. Bias-ply tires keep the car in a more traditional construction, and the available 520-13 choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Before staying with or returning to this size, confirm the actual wheel dimensions and make sure the car has not been set up around a different tire format.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial. They are radial alternatives to the original bias-ply size, not additional primary factory-style fitments.

Each equivalent uses the same 13-inch rim diameter, but the recommended rim-width range for these radial alternatives is 4-5 inches. That makes wheel measurement especially important before changing over from 520-13. Compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering before treating any of these radial sizes as a workable option.

A 1963 MG Midget can be set up with either a 520-13 bias-ply tire or a 145R13 radial, so the best choice depends on how the car is being used and presented. Bias-ply keeps the traditional construction and look, while the radial options move the car into a more modern tire format on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

Appearance goals usually drive the decision first, especially on a small British sports car where tire profile is visually noticeable. Regular road use may push some owners toward a radial format, while restoration-oriented cars may stay bias-ply. Check wheel width, current tire-to-body clearance, and any suspension changes before changing construction on an existing setup.

Start with the fact that 520-13 is a bias-ply size for the 1963 MG Midget. Once that size is confirmed, the main selection factors are sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel compatibility. Available choices include Firestone and Premium Sport products in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms.

A restoration-minded owner may focus on traditional bias-ply appearance, while another buyer may simply want the cleanest look for the car's stance. Product details such as rim-width specification, weight, and load capacity can also help narrow the field. Matching those details to the actual wheel and intended use is more important than choosing by appearance alone.

1963 MG Midget tires are available with several sidewall treatments depending on size and product line. The radial 145R13 choices are offered as blackwalls, while the 520-13 bias-ply options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That creates a noticeable visual difference even when rim diameter stays the same.

Sidewall treatment should be chosen with the car's presentation in mind rather than as a fitment shortcut. A blackwall keeps the look simple and sporting, while whitewall variations push the car toward a more stylized or restoration-oriented appearance. Once the style is selected, make sure the tire still matches the correct size, construction, and wheel dimensions.

Tires for the 1963 MG Midget are available from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport offer 520-13 bias-ply choices. The brand mix therefore changes depending on whether the car is being kept in bias-ply form or fitted with a radial size.

Brand alone should not drive the decision. The more useful comparison is how each option matches the correct size, the intended construction, the desired sidewall style, and any wheel-width requirement. Looking at tire series alongside those details helps narrow the choices without assuming that one brand is automatically more suitable for every MG Midget.

For a period-style 1963 MG Midget, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction. Within that size, available options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, giving owners room to shape the car's presentation without leaving the bias-ply category.

Exact originality can depend on the car's history, market, and restoration standard, so appearance decisions should be checked against marque references when authenticity matters closely. For many owners, the practical goal is a tire that looks right for the era and fits the car properly. Keeping the correct size and wheel relationship matters more than chasing a generic vintage look.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1963 MG Midget more than many buyers expect. A 520-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional tire presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style metric format and a different overall visual impression. Sidewall treatment then adds another layer to the final look.

That makes construction choice part of the restoration decision, not just a mechanical one. An owner pursuing a period-style result will often begin with the bias-ply size and then choose the sidewall style that best suits the build. A radial can still be appropriate for road-focused use, but it changes the car's appearance as well as the tire format.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 MG Midget even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can all influence how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits and clears the car during steering and suspension movement.

A modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match stock fitment. Check wheel diameter and width first, then inspect inner and outer clearance at full steering lock and under load. That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial construction, because the car may have been adjusted around the tires already on it.

Before driving a 1963 MG Midget on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm that there is no contact with suspension or bodywork. Tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, valve stems, and any signs of irregular wheel damage should also be checked before the first road test.

A short, careful initial drive is a smart follow-up, especially on a collector car that may have spent long periods parked. Recheck pressure afterward and look for fresh rubbing marks or uneven clearance. Older British sports cars can have wear in steering and suspension components, so any vibration or pull should be investigated promptly.

520-13 tires on a collector 1963 MG Midget should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, abnormal wear, or slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently. A collector car can age its tires significantly even when tread wear remains minimal.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between outings. Periodic inspections of the wheels and suspension are also worthwhile, since alignment or mechanical issues can shorten tire life before the problem is obvious from casual driving.