The 1964 MG Midget belongs to the small-displacement British sports car tradition, built around light weight, nimble handling, and simple open-top driving rather than sheer power. That character makes tire choice especially noticeable, because the right size and construction shape both the car’s stance and the way it feels on the road. This MG Midget uses either a 520-13 bias-ply tire or a 145R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, along with classic bias-ply and Euro-metric radial construction. The real decision is whether to preserve a more traditional look and feel or move toward a radial setup after confirming wheel compatibility and overall fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 MG Midget
The 1964 MG Midget uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice comes down to construction rather than rim diameter since both fit a 13-inch wheel. The Base model uses either 520-13 bias-ply or 145R13 radial fitment, so the key step is deciding whether you want a more traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial option with a modern sizing convention.
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 MG Midget, this size represents a radial fitment for owners who want the car on a 13-inch tire in a modern metric format. Available choices include Michelin and Firestone offerings, both in blackwall form, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and Firestone F560 Radial. This size is worth considering when the goal is to keep the Midget on a narrow, period-appropriate-looking radial while still checking wheel width and overall clearance carefully.
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.20 represents the nominal tire width in inches, written without the decimal, and 13 identifies the rim diameter. For a 1964 MG Midget, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and it suits buyers who want a vintage construction and a more classic small-sports-car appearance. Product choices include Firestone and Premium Sport tires, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across different series. This size makes sense when restoration character and traditional presentation matter, but wheel width and the exact intended use should still guide the final selection.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1964 MG Midget Base shares the same two tire-size paths. Checking the sub-model still matters because the decision is really about choosing between the bias-ply and radial setup that best matches the car’s wheels, appearance, and intended use.
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1964 MG Midget Base
The 1964 MG Midget Base uses both the 520-13 bias-ply and the 145R13 radial on 13-inch rims. That gives the owner a clear choice between a traditional bias-ply look and a radial-format alternative, with wheel width and presentation helping narrow the decision.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 MG Midget
For the original 520-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than by serving as identical substitutes. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is the comparison point for these alternatives, and overall dimensions, wheel width, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (520-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (520-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (520-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 Midget Tires for Sale
Available 1964 MG Midget tire choices include Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport offerings in 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply sizes. The product grid lets you compare construction, series, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, and rim-width details where they apply.
Common 1964 MG Midget tire questions usually center on choosing between 520-13 bias-ply and 145R13 radial fitment, understanding radial equivalents, and sorting out sidewall style, wheel compatibility, and road-use checks before driving.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 MG Midget?
The 1964 MG Midget uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the MG Midget Base and both use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and tire style best suits the car.
That means the next step is confirming the actual wheel setup on the car and deciding whether the goal is a more traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial-format alternative. If the car has replacement wheels, suspension changes, or a different stance than stock, wheel width and clearance should be checked before settling on one of the two primary sizes.
What size rim does a 1964 MG Midget use?
The tire fitments used on a 1964 MG Midget are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 520-13 bias-ply size and the 145R13 radial size are 13-inch tires, so there is no split here between different wheel diameters for the covered fitments.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Rim width still matters, especially when comparing a narrow metric radial with a vintage bias-ply tire or when considering a radial equivalent for 520-13. Measuring the wheel already on the car is a smart step, particularly if the Midget has been restored, modified, or fitted with non-original wheels at some point.
What does 520-13 mean on a 1964 MG Midget?
520-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 520 represents a nominal 5.20-inch section width, written without the decimal, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1964 MG Midget, that size identifies a traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial format.
Understanding that format helps when comparing older-style tires with radial alternatives. A 520-13 tire can be selected in blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styles, depending on the look you want. Before making a change to a radial alternative, confirm the wheel width and the available space around the fenders and steering components rather than assuming the tire will behave the same.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 MG Midget?
For the 1964 MG Midget, 520-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is offered in classic bias-ply construction, which suits owners who want a more traditional tire format and a vintage small-sports-car presentation on a 13-inch rim.
That makes 520-13 the size to examine when appearance and period-style character are the priority. Radial alternatives do exist, but they should be treated as equivalents to evaluate rather than automatic substitutes. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance all deserve a close look before changing construction on a lightweight car such as the Midget.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 520-13?
Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. No bias-look radial equivalent appears here, so the available alternatives move the tire into a modern radial sizing format rather than mimicking a bias-ply sidewall shape.
Those options give the owner several ways to compare a radial conversion, but they are not identical in naming convention or profile family. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is the comparison point for these equivalents, and the final decision should also account for the actual wheel on the car, clearance at full steering lock, and the car’s intended mix of show use and road use.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1964 MG Midget?
The answer depends on what matters most to you. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional tire format and supports a more vintage look, while 145R13 gives the 1964 MG Midget a radial option in a narrow Euro-metric size. Both are 13-inch fitments used on this car.
Bias-ply usually appeals more to restoration-minded owners who want a period-style appearance, while radial fitment often appeals to owners focused on regular road use. Either way, the wheel itself needs to be part of the decision. Check rim width, verify the condition of older wheels, and make sure any prior wheel or suspension changes have not altered the space available around the tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 520-13 tire for a 1964 MG Midget?
Start with the role the tire needs to play. A 520-13 tire on a 1964 MG Midget keeps the car in its bias-ply format, so the main considerations are construction style, sidewall appearance, rim compatibility, and the character you want the car to present. Firestone and Premium Sport options give this size more than one visual direction.
After the size itself is settled, compare details that actually affect use and fitment. Some 520-13 products include blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling, and some include specific rim-width or load information. Those differences matter on a light British sports car where stance and wheel fit can be just as important as choosing a tire that looks right beside the body and trim.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 MG Midget tires?
The 1964 MG Midget has several sidewall-style choices across its available tire sizes. Blackwall appears in both the 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply offerings, while the 520-13 bias-ply range also includes narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions for a more styled presentation.
That variety lets the tire do more than simply fill the wheel opening. Blackwall usually keeps the look restrained and sporting, while whitewall treatments create a stronger visual statement that may suit a custom or restoration-oriented build. Sidewall style should still come after confirming the correct size and construction, since appearance alone does not determine whether the tire is the right match for the wheels on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 MG Midget?
Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires for the 1964 MG Midget. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport are available in 520-13 bias-ply fitment, giving the car a mix of traditional and radial-format choices within the correct 13-inch sizes.
Brand should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall treatment, and construction rather than treated as the only decision point. The available assortment includes series such as Michelin XAS-FF, Firestone F560 Radial, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Premium Sport Lowrider. That makes it easier to choose a tire that matches how the MG is being presented, whether the focus is understated road use or a stronger vintage-style look.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 MG Midget?
For a period-style 1964 MG Midget, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric tire format and a traditional construction. That does not automatically make every 520-13 tire historically exact for every restoration, but it keeps the car much closer to an early-1960s visual character than a modern radial profile usually does.
The final choice depends on how exact the restoration needs to be. If the goal is a broadly authentic road-going presentation, a bias-ply tire in the right size often makes the most visual sense. If exact originality matters down to sidewall treatment and brand appearance, checking marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation is the safest way to narrow the choice further.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 MG Midget?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1964 MG Midget more than many owners expect. A 520-13 bias-ply usually gives the car a more traditional small-sports-car stance and presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style metric format that can subtly change how the tire fills the wheel opening and complements the car’s lines.
That visual difference matters most on a compact car with small wheels and minimal body overhang, where the tire is always part of the overall shape. Sidewall choice adds another layer, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments create very different impressions. Matching construction to the intended restoration style usually brings a more coherent result than choosing by size alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 MG Midget?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 MG Midget even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs around the wheel openings can all influence how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits and clears during steering and suspension movement.
That is especially important on a small British sports car with limited space around the tires. A car that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or rebuilt with non-original parts should be measured instead of judged by size code alone. Check wheel diameter and width, then inspect clearance at the fenders and steering components before committing to a tire choice.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 MG Midget on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 MG Midget on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the basic condition of the suspension and steering components. Make sure the tires are properly seated, inflated to the tire maker’s guidance, and free from any obvious interference when the steering is turned from lock to lock.
A short test drive should follow an initial visual check, since noises or rubbing may only appear once the car is moving. Recheck pressure after the first outing and look again for marks inside the wheel wells or around the steering arms. On a collector car that may spend long periods parked, regular inspection matters just as much as the initial installation.
How should 520-13 or 145R13 tires on a collector 1964 MG Midget be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance starts with routine inspection rather than mileage alone. On a 1964 MG Midget, both 520-13 bias-ply tires and 145R13 radials should be checked for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and any signs that storage conditions have hardened or damaged the rubber over time.
Storage habits make a real difference on a lightly used sports car. Keeping the Midget away from prolonged sun, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Pressure should be checked regularly, and the car should not simply be trusted because tread looks deep. Older collector vehicles often age their tires out long before they wear them out.
