1967 MG Midget Tires

The 1967 MG Midget is associated with two primary tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the tire format and the type of driving or appearance the owner wants to preserve.

Choosing between them starts with the car’s current wheel setup and the overall goal for the vehicle. A radial choice like 145R13 suits owners looking for a modern tire format, while 520-13 keeps a more traditional bias-ply look. On a restored or modified car, it is smart to confirm actual wheel width, tire clearance, and the condition of the suspension before making the final selection.

The 1967 MG Midget uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 145R13 and 520-13. That shared rim diameter simplifies the first step of fitment, since the decision does not hinge on moving between different wheel diameters for the covered setup.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially if the car has had wheel changes over the years. Width matters too, particularly when comparing a bias-ply tire with a radial equivalent or a current radial fitment. Measuring the wheels already on the car is worthwhile before ordering, because a 13-inch diameter alone does not confirm that every tire option will suit the wheel or the car’s available clearance.

The 1967 MG Midget Base is associated with the same two tire-size paths used on this model: 145R13 in radial form and 520-13 in bias-ply form. Rather than separating by wheel diameter, the fitment centers on whether the owner wants a radial setup or a more traditional bias-ply configuration.

That makes the Base model simpler to shop for, but it still helps to verify what is already on the car. A Midget that has been restored, upgraded, or fitted with replacement wheels may not be wearing the same construction type it started with years ago. Checking the existing tire markings and wheel dimensions prevents confusion before comparing sidewall style, brand, or radial-equivalent alternatives.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1967 MG Midget. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the width is expressed in inches with the decimal omitted, and it keeps the car in a traditional vintage tire format on a 13-inch rim.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the visual character and the way the car feels compared with a radial. Owners often choose 520-13 when period-style appearance is important, especially with blackwall or whitewall options. Before switching away from it, confirm the wheel width and available clearance so any radial alternative is evaluated against the actual car rather than assumed to be interchangeable.

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 formats associated with the original bias-ply size rather than additional primary fitments.

Each option should be considered in the context of the wheel and the car’s actual dimensions. The recommended rim width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel measurement especially important before conversion. It also helps to check front steering clearance and body clearance, since a radial equivalent can be appropriate in size while still needing verification on an individual car.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width already on the car, then compare the intended radial size to the existing bias-ply fitment. For a 520-13 conversion, the recognized radial-equivalent sizes are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended rim width range of 4 to 5 inches.

A conversion also deserves a close look at steering clearance, fender clearance, and the condition of suspension and alignment components. Older sports cars can be sensitive to wheel and tire changes, especially when previous owners have altered ride height or wheel choice. Verifying those details first helps the owner decide whether the change supports the car’s intended use without assuming every equivalent behaves the same on every Midget.

The first decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional 520-13 bias-ply tire or use the 145R13 radial fitment. Both are 13-inch sizes, but they differ in construction, appearance, and the type of tire selection available once the size is chosen.

After size and construction, compare the details that shape the final result on the car. Sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and load specifications all matter, especially on a light vintage sports car. A restoration-focused owner may prioritize the visual presentation of a bias-ply, while a regular driver may prefer the radial format. The best choice depends on how the MG will be used and how original the overall look needs to remain.

Sidewall choices for the 1967 MG Midget include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product line. The radial 145R13 options are blackwall, while the bias-ply 520-13 selection includes blackwall plus whitewall styles in both narrower and wider treatments.

That gives the owner a meaningful appearance choice without changing wheel diameter. Blackwall usually suits a restrained sports-car presentation, while whitewall styles push the car toward a more personalized or restoration-oriented look. Since sidewall treatment does not change the underlying need for correct size and wheel compatibility, it is best treated as the finishing decision after the construction type and rim setup have already been confirmed.

The 1967 MG Midget has tire options from Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport are available in 520-13 bias-ply form with different sidewall presentations and tire series.

Brand choice matters most after the correct size and construction have been settled. At that point, the owner can compare series character, sidewall style, rim-width guidance where stated, and product specifications such as weight or maximum load capacity. Instead of treating brand alone as the answer, it makes more sense to look at which product best matches the MG’s intended use, appearance goal, and wheel setup.

For a period-style 1967 MG Midget, the 520-13 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing system and a traditional tire profile on the car’s 13-inch wheels. Blackwall and whitewall versions are available, giving some flexibility in how restrained or stylized the finished look appears.

The right choice depends on whether the goal is broadly period-style or a more exact restoration target. A bias-ply tire supports the vintage character of the car, but sidewall treatment should still be chosen carefully rather than assumed to be historically exact. When originality matters at a higher level, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photography, or restoration records tied to the individual car.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1967 MG Midget more than many owners expect. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the car in an older sizing and styling language, while a 145R13 radial presents the Midget with a more modern tire format even though the wheel diameter remains 13 inches.

That difference can shape the whole stance of the car, especially on a small British sports car where the tires are visually prominent. Owners restoring for driving enjoyment may accept that tradeoff in exchange for a radial setup, while restoration-minded buyers often prefer the traditional bias-ply look. Deciding early prevents the finished car from sending mixed signals between authentic visual intent and modernized tire presentation.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 MG Midget even when the nominal size remains close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence how a 145R13, 520-13, or a radial equivalent sits within the wheel opening.

A small sports car leaves less room for assumptions, so it is worth checking the actual wheel dimensions and observing clearance at full steering lock and normal suspension movement. Even a car that appears standard may have replacement parts installed over time. Taking those measurements first helps avoid choosing a tire solely by size code when the car’s current setup may no longer match original expectations.

Before driving a 1967 MG Midget on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the lug hardware is correct, and verify that the tires match the intended size and construction for the car. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, worn bushings, or alignment issues that could affect how the new tires behave.

Once the tires are mounted, check inflation, confirm there is no rubbing, and look at clearance with the wheels turned from lock to lock. A brief road test should include attention to vibration, pull, or unusual contact sounds. On a lightly used collector car, this is also a good time to inspect brake components and wheel bearings so the new tires are supporting a roadworthy chassis.

Tires on a collector 1967 MG Midget should be inspected regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use cars often age tires by time and storage conditions rather than by mileage, so visual condition matters as much as tread depth.

Proper inflation and a clean, dry storage environment go a long way toward preserving both bias-ply and radial tires on an older sports car. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources can help slow deterioration. It also pays to look at the tires before every longer drive, since a vintage vehicle that sits for long periods can develop issues that are easy to miss during casual use.