1965 MG Midget Tires

A 1965 MG Midget uses two primary tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes fit a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction style matches the car and the owner’s goals.

That distinction matters because a radial-format Midget and a bias-ply-format Midget can look and feel different even though both stay within the same rim diameter. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel setup on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years, and decide whether traditional appearance or radial-type operation is the higher priority.

The 1965 MG Midget uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 145R13 and the bias-ply 520-13 are both built around that same rim diameter, which helps narrow the fitment decision to tire construction and wheel width rather than diameter alone.

Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint, especially on a collector car that may no longer have its original wheels. Measure the wheels already on the car and compare their width to the tire being considered, since some product options call for specific rim-width ranges and that can influence proper tire selection.

On a 1965 MG Midget, 520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.20 figure refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is the traditional sizing style associated with many small vintage cars and sports cars of the period.

Understanding that format helps separate it from the radial 145R13 size, which uses a metric designation instead. A buyer looking at 520-13 should focus on selecting the right bias-ply presentation, such as blackwall or whitewall styling, and make sure the wheel width and overall vehicle setup remain appropriate for that traditional tire construction.

For the 1965 MG Midget, 520-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention and represents the traditional construction option for this car, while 145R13 is the radial-format primary fitment that shares the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That means the choice between 520-13 and 145R13 is not simply a matter of size wording. It is also a decision about construction type, appearance, and wheel compatibility. Buyers considering a change should confirm wheel width, inspect suspension and steering clearance, and make sure the car’s present setup still suits the tire style being selected.

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. These are alternative radial-format sizes associated with the original 520-13 bias-ply fitment rather than additional primary factory-size listings.

The practical difference is that these equivalents use different radial sizing systems and profile families while keeping the conversation within a 13-inch wheel context. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies here, and the final decision should still account for wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering components.

Start by confirming the exact wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the radial size being considered against the existing bias-ply setup. For a 520-13 conversion path, the recognized radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

A conversion also calls for a close look at steering clearance, suspension condition, and any changes from stock wheel or ride-height configuration. Many Midgets have seen wheel swaps over time, so it is worth checking actual installed hardware rather than assuming the car still matches its original setup before moving from bias-ply construction to radial alternatives.

Start with the basic fitment decision: 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply, both on 13-inch rims. From there, the important comparison points are construction type, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, brand, and whether the tire’s character suits a restoration-minded car or a driver that will see regular road use.

A buyer comparing products should also look at details such as load specification where stated, tire series, and whether the visual presentation is blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall. The right choice depends on the Midget’s purpose, because a traditional-looking bias-ply setup and a vintage-scale radial setup answer different priorities even when both fit the same rim diameter.

Sidewall choices for the 1965 MG Midget include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size and product selected. The 145R13 radial options shown here are blackwall, while 520-13 bias-ply choices open the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations.

That gives the owner room to shape the car’s appearance without changing the basic wheel diameter. A blackwall usually keeps the look simple and understated, while the whitewall options add more visual emphasis. Before choosing on appearance alone, confirm that the selected sidewall treatment is attached to the construction and tire series that make sense for the way the Midget will be used.

The 1965 MG Midget has tire options from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial range, while Firestone and Premium Sport cover the 520-13 bias-ply side with different sidewall treatments and vintage-oriented product lines.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and appearance rather than as a standalone decision. One owner may be comparing a Michelin XAS-FF radial against a Firestone radial for a blackwall road car, while another may be looking at Firestone or Premium Sport bias-ply options to match a more traditional visual theme.

A period-style 1965 MG Midget often starts with the 520-13 bias-ply size because it preserves the traditional numeric sizing format and construction associated with the era. Within that size, available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, which gives the car very different visual character without changing wheel diameter.

The best selection depends on how strictly the restoration is being interpreted and how the car will actually be driven. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-specific documentation and period photos. For a car meant to capture the right general look, staying with the proper bias-ply size is the most important first step.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1965 MG Midget because a 520-13 bias-ply and a 145R13 radial do not present the same way, even though both use a 13-inch rim. The bias-ply size reads as more traditionally vintage, while the radial size introduces a later metric-style designation and a different overall presentation.

That makes construction an appearance decision as much as a driving decision on a small sports car. Owners focused on restoration character usually start by deciding whether they want a traditional bias-ply look or a radial-format approach that still stays in scale with the car. Sidewall style then becomes the finishing detail rather than the first choice.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1965 MG Midget even when the size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all influence how a 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply tire sits and clears the car.

A modified Midget should be checked at the wheel wells and steering stops before assuming any tire choice will behave like it would on a stock car. Pay attention to clearance during turning and suspension movement, and confirm that the wheel dimensions match the tire being considered, especially when switching between bias-ply and radial constructions.

Before driving a 1965 MG Midget on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm the correct rim diameter and width, and verify that each tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to mask worn mechanical parts.

A short test drive should include checking for rubbing, unusual vibration, and any tendency for the car to pull or wander. Recheck tire pressure after the first drive and keep an eye on clearances if the car has nonstandard wheels or suspension changes. Small sports cars are especially sensitive to setup details, so early inspection pays off.

Collector-car tires on a 1965 MG Midget should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car wears 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials, watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a lightly used Midget. Keep the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or compressors. Even tires that look presentable at a glance deserve close inspection before road use, since age-related deterioration can show up before tread wear becomes an issue.