The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 sits in a distinctive place among hand-built German luxury cars, combining formal styling, advanced engineering for its day, and the kind of road manners that still matter to collectors who drive their cars. Tire choice on this model is especially important because it carries both a 7.50-13 bias-ply fitment and a 195R13 radial fitment on 13-inch wheels. That gives owners a real decision between traditional construction and a more modern radial format in the correct overall fitment family. The right choice depends on how the car is used, how original-looking the presentation needs to be, and whether the wheel and chassis setup remains true to stock dimensions.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300
The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is centered on construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit 13-inch rims. The first step is confirming whether your car is set up for the radial 195R13 or the bias-ply 7.50-13, then choosing the tire style and driving character that best matches your restoration goals and road use.
195R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300, this size reflects a more modern radial sizing convention while remaining within the vehicle’s 13-inch rim fitment. The radial construction can appeal to owners who want a period-appropriate European size format rather than an older numeric bias-ply designation. It is the size to evaluate when the car is already equipped with radial-compatible wheels and the goal is road use with a classic European tire presentation.
7.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.50 representing the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and suits owners who want to stay closer to the construction style common to the era. Its sizing format will look more familiar to restoration-minded buyers working with vintage wheel and tire conventions. This size is worth choosing when preserving period-style appearance and original-type tire behavior matters more than moving to a radial construction.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 sub-model, since both supported tire sizes apply within the same 13-inch wheel diameter. The important step is deciding whether the car should remain on a traditional bias-ply setup or use the radial alternative.
1
1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe & SE/SEL Conv.
The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe & SE/SEL Conv. uses either 195R13 radial tires or 7.50-13 bias-ply tires. That gives the owner a choice between a classic Euro-metric radial format and a traditional numeric bias-ply fitment, with wheel condition and overall vehicle setup worth checking before making a construction change.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 usually want clarity on the two supported tire sizes, the difference between radial and bias-ply fitment, and what to inspect before putting a collector Mercedes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses two primary tire sizes: 195R13 in radial construction and 7.50-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes fit a 13-inch rim, so the choice is not about moving to a different wheel diameter but about selecting the construction and sizing format that suits the car’s setup.
That matters because a collector car may have been changed over the years. A 300 that has long been driven on radials may be best evaluated around the 195R13 format, while a more restoration-oriented car may remain with 7.50-13 bias-ply tires. Checking the actual wheel, tire clearance, and overall condition of the suspension before choosing between the two is the practical next step.
What size rim does a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 use?
The supported tire sizes for the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the radial 195R13 and the bias-ply 7.50-13, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions and sizing systems differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, especially on a vintage Mercedes. The actual wheel width, bead-seat condition, and any past wheel changes should still be confirmed before mounting new tires. That becomes even more important when moving from a bias-ply setup to a radial one, because matching the tire to the wheel and the car’s clearance is just as important as matching the 13-inch diameter.
What does 7.50-13 mean on a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
On a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300, 7.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 7.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches, while 13 identifies the wheel diameter. Unlike modern metric radial sizes, it does not include a metric width, aspect ratio, or an R designation for radial construction.
That older sizing format is part of why many restoration-minded owners keep it on the car. It preserves the traditional tire designation and the visual character associated with vintage fitment. Buyers considering 7.50-13 should still verify that the car is staying with bias-ply construction and that the wheel condition, suspension condition, and intended road use all support that choice.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 7.50-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
For the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300, 7.50-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to many vintage vehicles, and it represents the traditional construction choice for this model alongside the alternative 195R13 radial fitment.
Choosing 7.50-13 usually comes down to preserving period-style construction and appearance. Bias-ply tires can change the car’s steering feel and response compared with radials, so the decision should reflect how the Mercedes will be used. A car intended for restoration-focused presentation may point one way, while a car driven more regularly may lead the owner to compare the radial option more closely.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
A 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 can be fitted with either 7.50-13 bias-ply tires or 195R13 radial tires. The bias-ply size keeps the car in a traditional vintage construction, while the radial size uses a later Euro-metric format that may better suit owners who prioritize road use over a strictly period-style tire setup.
The right direction depends on the car itself and how it is driven. Owners focused on restoration character often stay with bias-ply construction, while owners who want a more modern driving feel may evaluate the radial option. Wheel compatibility, tire clearance, suspension condition, and any previous modifications should all be confirmed before changing from one construction type to the other.
What should I check before converting my 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Before converting a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 from 7.50-13 bias-ply tires to 195R13 radial tires, confirm that the car is using the correct 13-inch wheels and that the wheels are suitable for radial service. It is also important to compare the current tire setup with the intended radial size rather than assuming any 13-inch tire is appropriate.
Beyond wheel diameter, inspect wheel width, suspension condition, steering components, and clearance at the fenders and inner wheelhouses. A collector car that has sat for long periods may also have worn bushings or alignment issues that become more noticeable after a construction change. Checking the full setup first helps keep the conversion focused on fitment, not just on the tire label.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 tire?
Start with the two supported sizes for the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300: 195R13 radial and 7.50-13 bias-ply. The key decision is whether the car should stay with traditional bias-ply construction or use the Euro-metric radial size, since both fit the same 13-inch wheel diameter but represent different tire formats and driving expectations.
After that, consider how the car is used. A restoration-oriented Mercedes may call for the look and character of the bias-ply size, while a touring-oriented car may make the radial option more appealing. Wheel condition, suspension health, and whether the car still has its original-type wheel setup should all be checked before choosing the final tire.
How do I choose between the available 195R13 and 7.50-13 tires for a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
The choice between 195R13 and 7.50-13 on a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 begins with construction. A 195R13 is a radial tire in Euro-metric format, while a 7.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire. Both belong to the vehicle’s fitment range, but they serve different ownership priorities.
A buyer should decide whether the car’s mission is closer to restoration presentation or regular road use, then confirm that the wheel setup supports that direction. It also helps to inspect the current tires and note whether the car has already been converted in the past. That avoids selecting a tire based only on size code when the wheel and chassis may already reflect a different setup.
What construction choice matters most when selecting tires for a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Construction is the most important decision because the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 supports both a bias-ply and a radial fitment. The 7.50-13 size keeps the car in a traditional vintage tire format, while the 195R13 radial reflects a different construction approach within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
That choice affects more than the sidewall marking. It influences the car’s overall presentation, how closely it follows a period-style setup, and what should be checked on the wheels and chassis before installation. Once the construction direction is settled, the buying process becomes much simpler because the remaining decision is about matching the chosen format to the car’s actual wheel and road-use condition.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
For a period-style 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300, the 7.50-13 bias-ply tire is the more traditional starting point. Its numeric vintage sizing and bias-ply construction align more closely with the tire conventions of the era than a later-style Euro-metric radial designation such as 195R13.
That does not automatically make every 7.50-13 the exact historical match for every restored car, especially when originality matters at a very detailed level. Buyers pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare tire details against marque references, build documentation, and recognized Mercedes-Benz restoration guidance. For many owners, though, the broader decision begins with staying in the proper bias-ply size family.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Tire construction changes the presentation of a restored 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 because a 7.50-13 bias-ply carries an older sizing format and period-style character, while a 195R13 radial reflects a more modern European radial convention. Even when both fit the same 13-inch wheel diameter, they do not communicate the same visual era.
That is why restoration-minded owners often decide on construction before anything else. A bias-ply setup usually supports a more traditional vintage look, while a radial setup may better suit a car restored for frequent road use. The best result comes from matching the tire construction to the restoration goal, then verifying wheel condition and chassis fit before mounting new tires.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all influence whether a 195R13 or 7.50-13 sits properly within the available space.
A collector car should be checked as it exists today, not only as it left the factory decades ago. Tire clearance at full steering lock, wheel-to-suspension spacing, and fender room are all worth confirming before installation. That is especially important when changing between bias-ply and radial construction, because wheel and chassis changes from past ownership may not be obvious at first glance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct diameter, then check that the tires are seated properly and inflated to the appropriate service pressure for the application. A careful look at the suspension, steering linkage, and brake components is also wise on a vintage luxury car that may have seen long periods of limited use.
Road test preparation should also include checking for rubbing, uneven ride height, and any pulling or vibration once the car is moving. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection can reveal clearance issues or mechanical problems that were hidden by the old tires. That simple routine helps protect both the new tires and the car itself.
How should tires on a collector 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even a car that is driven sparingly can develop cracking, flat spotting, bulges, air loss, or tread issues over time, especially when it spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Mercedes away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect them before every outing and after any extended storage period, since collector vehicles often accumulate age before they accumulate wear.
