The 1964 MG MGB sits at the start of one of Britain’s best-known sports car lines, combining simple roadster charm with the balanced, usable character that made the model such a long-running favorite. For tire selection, this exact year and model centers on two 14-inch fitments: a 165R14 radial and a 560-14 bias-ply, with fitment varying by sub-model. That gives buyers a meaningful choice between a more traditional numeric bias-ply presentation and classic Euro-metric radial sizing from brands such as Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The right direction depends on whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, road manners, or matching the wheel setup already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 MG MGB
The 1964 MG MGB uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and construction you are trying to retain. Both sizes mount on 14-inch rims, but one is a radial fitment and the other is a bias-ply fitment, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a GT Coupe or Roadster and whether it still has its original-style wheel setup.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1964 MG MGB, this size suits buyers looking for a classic radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel, and it appears across both the GT Coupe and Roadster. Available choices include blackwall tires from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to evaluate when the goal is a vintage radial look combined with careful wheel-width and clearance verification.
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 indicates the tire’s nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1964 MG MGB, this size is tied to the Roadster and gives the car a more traditional bias-ply presentation on a 14-inch rim. BFGoodrich offers this fitment in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the size to consider when preserving period-style construction and appearance matters as much as simple dimensional fit.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1964 MG MGB because the covered configurations do not all use the same tire setup. The GT Coupe stays with one radial size, while the Roadster can involve either radial or bias-ply fitment, so identifying the exact version of the car is the first step before comparing tires.
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1964 MG MGB GT Coupe
The 1964 MG MGB GT Coupe uses the 165R14 radial size on a 14-inch rim. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing among classic radial products and confirming that the wheel width matches the tire you plan to run.
The 1964 MG MGB Roadster can be fitted with either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tires, both on 14-inch wheels. That makes the Roadster the more appearance-sensitive decision, since construction type changes both the tire’s look and the setup checks needed before choosing a replacement.
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 1964 MG MGB Tires for Sale
Available 1964 MG MGB tire choices span radial and bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. Buyers can compare Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein blackwall radials in 165R14, or BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in 560-14 with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styling.
Owners usually start with the same questions on a 1964 MG MGB: which size fits the exact sub-model, whether the car should stay bias-ply or radial, and how sidewall style, wheel fitment, and road-use checks affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 MG MGB?
A 1964 MG MGB uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. The 165R14 size applies to the GT Coupe and also appears on the Roadster, while the 560-14 bias-ply size applies to the Roadster.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and deciding whether the car is staying with its present construction type. Both sizes use a 14-inch rim, but radial and bias-ply choices differ in appearance, wheel-width requirements, and how a restoration-oriented owner may want the finished car to look.
What size rim does a 1964 MG MGB use?
The 1964 MG MGB uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 165R14 and the bias-ply 560-14 are both built around a 14-inch wheel diameter, so the tire size change is not a change in rim diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have seen wheel changes over time. It is still important to confirm the actual wheel width on the car before ordering, since the available radial and bias-ply products do not share the same width ranges.
Do all 1964 MG MGB sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the covered 1964 MG MGB sub-models do not all use 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 difference matters because the right tire is not just a size question on this page. A GT Coupe owner is choosing among radial products, while a Roadster owner may also be deciding whether to keep a more traditional bias-ply look or move forward with a radial setup already suited to the car’s wheels.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 MG MGB?
560-14 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1964 MG MGB. It is the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment associated with the Roadster, and the available products in this size are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires.
That gives the Roadster owner a distinctly traditional construction and appearance choice, including blackwall and whitewall sidewall treatments. Before choosing it, check that the car still has a wheel setup suited to the 560-14 product range rather than assuming any 14-inch wheel will automatically suit both primary tire constructions.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1964 MG MGB?
A 1964 MG MGB can involve either bias-ply or radial tires, depending on the sub-model and the direction you want to take with the car. The Roadster can use 560-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial, while the GT Coupe stays with 165R14 radial fitment.
The choice usually comes down to period-style appearance versus staying with a classic radial setup already associated with the car. Matching the tire to the actual wheel width is essential, and any construction change should be treated as a full fitment review rather than just a switch in tread type.
What should I check before converting my 1964 MG MGB from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first checks are wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the exact size you plan to run. On a 1964 MG MGB, both primary sizes use a 14-inch rim, but the available 165R14 radial products and 560-14 bias-ply products are built around different rim-width ranges.
Clearance at the fenders and steering should be verified next, especially on a Roadster that may have had wheel or suspension changes over the years. It also helps to inspect suspension condition before the conversion so the new tire is being matched to a stable, properly sorted chassis rather than worn components.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1964 MG MGB?
Start with the exact sub-model and primary size, because a 1964 MG MGB can involve either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply fitment. From there, compare construction type, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented direction or driven with a classic radial setup.
Product details also help separate the choices. In 165R14, the available options come from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, while 560-14 centers on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with different sidewall looks. Choosing the right tire means balancing fitment, appearance, and how the car will actually be used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 MG MGB tires?
Sidewall choices depend on the tire size and construction selected for the 1964 MG MGB. The 165R14 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-14 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
That makes sidewall style an important part of the buying decision, especially on a Roadster where both radial and bias-ply directions are in play. A blackwall radial keeps the presentation restrained and sporty, while whitewall bias-ply options create a more styled vintage look without changing the wheel diameter.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 MG MGB?
The 1964 MG MGB has tire options from Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, and BFGoodrich. Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein cover the 165R14 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 560-14 bias-ply fitment through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand choice should be viewed alongside size, construction, and intended appearance rather than by name alone. A buyer comparing these options is really deciding between classic radial series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic, or a traditional bias-ply presentation with blackwall or whitewall styling.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 MG MGB?
A period-style 1964 MG MGB choice starts with the construction and sub-model. The Roadster can be fitted with 560-14 bias-ply tires for a more traditional presentation, while 165R14 keeps the car in a classic radial format that still suits vintage sports-car use.
Appearance goals usually settle the question after fitment is confirmed. Bias-ply 560-14 tires from the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line offer the strongest vintage visual cue, especially with whitewall treatments, while blackwall 165R14 radials maintain a cleaner sports-car look. Exact originality questions are best checked against marque references and restoration records.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 MG MGB?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1964 MG MGB as much as the sidewall treatment does. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the Roadster a distinctly traditional profile and opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling, while 165R14 radial options stay blackwall and more understated.
That difference is often enough to change the finished impression of the car even before it moves. Owners aiming for a more restoration-oriented presentation usually look closely at the bias-ply option, while those keeping a classic driver feel may stay with radial construction and choose among the available vintage radial series.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 MG MGB?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 MG MGB even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and fender work can all change how a 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tire sits on the car.
A modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match stock-style fitment. Check the actual wheel diameter and width first, then inspect steering and fender clearance with the suspension at normal ride height. That is especially important when switching construction types or replacing older wheels whose true dimensions may not be obvious.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 MG MGB on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire condition on the 1964 MG MGB. The tires should be properly seated, inflated to the product requirement, and free of visible defects such as cuts, bulges, or shipping damage before the car goes into service.
A collector-era sports car also deserves a quick chassis check before the first drive. Look for worn suspension parts, unusual alignment wear, and any sign of rubbing at full steering lock or over suspension movement. A short, careful test drive can confirm that the new tires and the car’s existing setup are working together properly.
How should 165R14 or 560-14 tires on a collector 1964 MG MGB be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1964 MG MGB should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, cracking, flat spotting, and signs of slow air loss. Low-use cars often age tires differently than daily drivers, so calendar age and storage conditions matter as much as visible tread depth.
Proper storage helps preserve both 165R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply tires. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before each driving season or longer trip. Routine checks are especially worthwhile on a lightweight vintage sports car that may sit for extended periods.
