1968 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires

The 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M uses three primary tire sizes across the model line: 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, and 590-13 bias-ply. Base and TS models use 155R13 or 560-13, while the Wagon uses 590-13.

That means the first job is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Even though all three sizes are built around a 13-inch rim, they are not the same fitment story, and the choice also affects construction, sidewall style, and the kind of period look or driving setup the car will have.

The tire sizes used on the 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M are all built for a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the radial 155R13 fitment as well as the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply sizes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to confirm the wheel width before choosing a tire. The available products in these sizes do not all use the same rim-width range, and that becomes especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions.

No. The 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M Base and TS share the same fitment choices, using either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires. The Wagon is different and uses 590-13 bias-ply tires.

That difference matters because a 13-inch rim alone does not make every option interchangeable across the range. A Wagon owner should stay focused on 590-13 and its related radial equivalents, while Base and TS owners have a separate decision between radial and bias-ply fitments in their own size range.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M. It is one of the primary fitments used on the Base and TS sub-models, alongside the separate 155R13 radial fitment.

That gives Base and TS owners a real construction choice rather than a single mandatory setup. Bias-ply tires preserve the older sizing format and traditional look, especially with whitewall options, while any move toward a radial alternative should include a careful check of wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 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. The recommended rim-width range associated with those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.

Those choices give different sizing formats and profile conventions rather than a single automatic replacement. A 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M owner should compare the actual wheel width, the car’s current wheel setup, and available clearance before choosing among them, especially if the car has been altered from its original wheel and suspension arrangement.

Start by confirming the exact bias-ply size on the car and then matching it to the proper radial equivalent. On the 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M, 560-13 and 590-13 each have specific 80-series, 75-series, and 70-series radial alternatives tied to a 4 to 5 inch rim-width reference.

Construction changes should also prompt a close look at wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and steering clearance at full lock. It is also worth checking suspension condition and whether the car still has its original wheels, because aftermarket wheels or prior modifications can change what works comfortably on the vehicle.

Start with the exact sub-model, because Base and TS use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply. After size, the next decision is construction, since this car can present very differently depending on whether it stays with a traditional bias-ply or uses a radial fitment.

Appearance and wheel compatibility then become the practical tie-breakers. A blackwall radial gives one look, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires create a more period-style presentation. Comparing rim-width requirements, load figures where relevant, and how the car will actually be driven helps narrow the field.

The available sidewall styles for the 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears on the 155R13 radial choices, while the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply offerings include whitewall treatments.

That makes sidewall style an important appearance choice, especially on a compact 1960s European car where tire presentation is very visible. The best match depends on whether the goal is a simple roadgoing radial look or a more restoration-oriented bias-ply look, with size and wheel fit confirmed before appearance takes over.

Tires for the 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. The radial 155R13 choices come from Michelin and Dunlop, while the bias-ply 560-13 and 590-13 choices come from BFGoodrich and Firestone.

Brand matters mostly as part of a broader selection decision, not as a ranking exercise. It helps to compare each brand’s available series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility in the exact size needed for the car, then choose the option that best suits the vehicle’s intended look and use.

A period-style 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M usually starts with the correct primary size for the sub-model, then leans toward bias-ply construction if a traditional presentation is the goal. That means 560-13 on Base or TS models, or 590-13 on the Wagon, rather than treating all versions the same.

Within that framework, sidewall style becomes the visual detail that changes the car’s character most noticeably. Buyers focused on exact historical presentation should compare the car against marque references or period photos, because a correct size and vintage-style construction do not automatically prove one whitewall treatment is exact for every restored example.

Tire construction has a noticeable effect on the look of a restored 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M. Bias-ply tires keep the car in a distinctly period-style format, especially with narrow or wide whitewall treatments, while the 155R13 radial choices present a more roadgoing blackwall look.

That difference matters even before the car moves, because the sidewall shape and overall visual character can influence how authentic or updated the finished restoration feels. Choosing construction should therefore match the project’s intent, whether that means preserving a vintage presentation or using a radial setup that still suits the car’s era.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M even when the tire size itself is correct for the model or sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or bodywork differences can all affect how a 13-inch tire actually sits and clears.

That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial formats or when evaluating radial equivalents for 560-13 or 590-13. It helps to inspect steering clearance, inner-fender space, and the actual wheel width on the car before mounting new tires, rather than assuming every stock-size option will behave the same way.

Before driving a 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. A quick visual check for rubbing at the fenders and steering components is also worthwhile.

On a collector car, it also pays to look beyond the tires themselves. Worn suspension parts, weak shocks, loose steering components, or old brake hardware can affect how the car feels on the road and can make a fresh set of tires seem at fault when the larger issue is elsewhere.

Collector-car tires in 560-13 and 590-13 sizing should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear. Because many vintage cars are driven infrequently, condition and age deserve as much attention as tread depth.

Storage matters too. Keeping the 1968 Ford-Taunus 12M away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. Regular inspections before each outing are wise, especially on bias-ply tires, since a car that looks fine in the garage may still need attention before road use.