1965 MG MG Tires

The 1965 MG MG sits squarely in the era when British sporting and touring cars were still closely tied to traditional tire sizing, yet many owners now weigh period-style bias-ply fitment against more modern-feeling radial construction. For this exact MG application, the primary fitments are 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial, both built for 14-inch wheels. That gives the buyer a meaningful choice between vintage numeric sizing and classic Euro-metric radial sizing, with radial options available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The right direction depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road manners, or preserving the wheel and vehicle setup already in place.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1965 MG MG

The 1965 MG MG uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit 14-inch rims. Choosing the right one starts with confirming whether the car is set up for the original-style 5.90-14 bias-ply approach or the 165R14 radial size used on the same application, then matching that choice to your wheels, appearance goals, and intended road use.

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165R14Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Magnette IV
Construction: RadialRim: 14 in

165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On this 1965 MG MG application, it represents the radial fitment choice for owners who want a classic metric radial format on a 14-inch wheel. Available options include Blackwall tires from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size is worth considering when road use, radial construction, and period-minded European tire character all matter in the final selection.

Explore 165R14 Tires
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5.90-14Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Magnette IV
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 14 in

5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.90 indicates the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. Its bias-ply construction suits buyers who want to stay close to a traditional vintage tire format for a 1965 MG MG running a 14-inch wheel. Numeric bias-ply sizing also carries the more classic visual language many restoration-oriented owners expect to see on a mid-1960s British car. This size deserves a closer look when maintaining a period-style presentation is more important than moving to a radial layout.

Explore 5.90-14 Tires

1965 MG MG Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward here because the covered sub-model uses the same two primary tire sizes on the same 14-inch wheel diameter. The key decision is not trim-level variation, but whether the car should stay with a bias-ply presentation or move to the radial option already associated with this application.

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1965 MG MG Magnette IV

The 1965 MG MG Magnette IV uses the same 165R14 radial and 5.90-14 bias-ply fitment choices found in this vehicle grouping. That means tire selection centers on construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than hunting for a different sub-model-specific size.

Associated Tire Sizes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1965 MG MG Tires for sale

Available 165R14 radial choices for the 1965 MG MG include Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein Blackwall tires in classic European series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. These options give buyers meaningful differences in brand, series character, and rim-width specification.

Showing 3 of 3
80 Series Metric Radial

Pirelli Cinturato CA67 | 165R14 84H

Pirelli - Cinturato CA67

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS | 165HR14 84H

Michelin - Michelin XAS

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Vredestein

Vredestein Sprint Classic | 165HR14 84H

Vredestein - Sprint Classic

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH4.0 - 5.5 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1,102 lbs @ 51psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1965 MG MG usually want clarity on the two correct tire sizes, 14-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to choose a tire that suits restoration goals as well as real road use.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1965 MG MG?

The 1965 MG MG uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 5.90-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with this application and both fit a 14-inch wheel, so the basic fitment question is tied more to construction choice than to wheel diameter.

That means the next step is confirming how the car is currently set up and what type of driving or presentation matters most. A car kept close to a traditional period-style look may stay with 5.90-14 bias-ply, while a car already running radial-friendly wheels and suspension condition may be better matched to 165R14.

What size rim does a 1965 MG MG use?

The tire sizes used on a 1965 MG MG are built for 14-inch rims. Both the 165R14 radial size and the 5.90-14 bias-ply size share that same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter consistent even though the construction and sizing format differ.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still smart to inspect the actual wheels on the car before choosing tires. Older vehicles are often changed over time, and wheel width or aftermarket replacements can affect which tire construction and product choice makes the most sense.

Does the 1965 MG MG Magnette IV use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1965 MG MG Magnette IV uses the same two primary tire sizes associated with this application: 165R14 radial and 5.90-14 bias-ply. That keeps fitment straightforward at the sub-model level, since the decision does not shift to a different wheel diameter or a separate size code.

The practical choice for a Magnette IV owner is deciding which construction best suits the car's current setup and intended use. A restoration-minded car may lean toward the traditional numeric bias-ply format, while a car driven more regularly may push the owner to evaluate the radial alternative more closely.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 5.90-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1965 MG MG?

On the 1965 MG MG, 5.90-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to vintage vehicles, where the first number reflects nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 14-inch rim diameter.

Choosing 5.90-14 usually means keeping a more traditional tire format and visual character on the car. Before settling on it, check that the wheels are appropriate for a bias-ply setup and make sure the rest of the car has not already been changed over to favor a radial size and construction.

Is 165R14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1965 MG MG?

For the 1965 MG MG, 165R14 is the radial tire size. In that size code, 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches.

That makes 165R14 the metric radial choice for this application, not just another way of writing the bias-ply size. Owners considering it should still verify wheel width, overall vehicle condition, and clearance around suspension and bodywork, especially if the car has been modified or stored for long periods.

Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1965 MG MG?

Either can be the right direction, because the 1965 MG MG is associated with both 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial fitments. The better choice depends on whether the priority is maintaining a more traditional vintage presentation or using the radial-format option already tied to this application.

Appearance, wheel compatibility, and how the car is actually driven should shape the decision. A careful owner will also inspect suspension condition, steering response, and current wheel setup before changing construction, since an older car may not still be configured exactly as it was when new.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1965 MG MG?

Start with the correct primary size and construction for the car: 5.90-14 if the goal is a bias-ply fitment, or 165R14 if the car is being matched to the radial option associated with this application. Both use a 14-inch rim, so the decision moves quickly from size into construction, wheel compatibility, and intended use.

From there, compare the tire's visual style, brand, series, and any rim-width guidance that applies to the specific product. A restoration-oriented owner may emphasize traditional appearance, while a driver-focused owner may care more about choosing among the available radial products in the correct size.

What brands offer tires for the 1965 MG MG?

The 165R14 radial options available for the 1965 MG MG include Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands appear in classic European-style offerings such as the Pirelli Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Vredestein Sprint Classic, all in Blackwall form for this fitment.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and wheel compatibility rather than as a stand-alone decision. Looking at the full product details helps separate the options by series character, rim-width suitability, and other specifications that can matter on an older MG still using a 14-inch setup.

What tire series are available for the 1965 MG MG?

In the 165R14 radial size used on the 1965 MG MG, the available tire series include Pirelli Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Vredestein Sprint Classic. Each series presents a classic European radial option in the correct size family for this application.

Series matters because it helps distinguish one product's character and specification set from another without changing the basic fitment. A buyer comparing them should stay focused on the correct size, confirm wheel compatibility, and then weigh which series best suits the car's appearance goals and driving plans.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1965 MG MG?

For a period-style 1965 MG MG, 5.90-14 bias-ply is the more traditional-looking starting point because it uses the vintage numeric sizing format associated with older tire presentations. The 165R14 radial remains relevant when the goal is still classic in character but aligned with a radial configuration already associated with this car.

The right answer depends on how strictly the restoration is being interpreted and how the car will be used once finished. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare their tire decision against marque references, build-era photos, or trusted MG restoration guidance before settling on construction and appearance.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1965 MG MG?

Tire construction changes more than driving feel on a restored 1965 MG MG; it also changes the visual language of the car. A 5.90-14 bias-ply keeps the older numeric sizing format and a more traditional presentation, while 165R14 radial moves the car toward a classic metric radial appearance.

That difference can stand out on a compact mid-1960s British car, especially once wheel design and ride height are taken into account. Owners aiming for a restoration-minded look should consider how the tire profile and overall presentation complement the car before making construction the final decision.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1965 MG MG?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1965 MG MG even when the nominal tire size remains correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all influence how either 5.90-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial sits in the wheel opening.

A car that has been changed over the years should be inspected before choosing tires solely by size code. Looking at wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and available room around the fenders helps avoid selecting a tire that matches the application on paper but conflicts with the car's current setup.

What should I inspect before driving a 1965 MG MG on new tires?

Before driving a 1965 MG MG on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, suspension condition, steering components, and the space around the tires at full steering angle. It also makes sense to confirm that the chosen size and construction match the actual wheel setup now on the car.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so a broader safety check is worthwhile before regular road use resumes. Look over alignment-related wear points, verify tire pressure, and check for rubbing once the car is on the ground so the new tires are not compromised by an underlying chassis issue.

How should tires on a collector 1965 MG MG be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1965 MG MG should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if tread wear is minimal. Sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and unexplained air loss matter just as much on a low-mileage vintage car as they do on a daily driver.

Storage habits also have a big effect on tire life, especially for a classic British car that may sit between drives. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources, then rechecking pressures and condition before each outing, helps preserve both fitment and road readiness.