The 1968 MG Magnette IV belongs to the final years of a British saloon that blended compact dimensions, sporting character, and everyday practicality in a way that still appeals to collectors today. Owners often approach this car with two distinct tire paths in mind: preserving a traditional bias-ply look or choosing a more road-oriented radial setup. For this model, both 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial fitments appear on the same 14-inch rim diameter. That creates a meaningful choice between vintage presentation and classic radial manners, with blackwall radial options available in well-known series. The right decision starts with the car's current wheel setup, restoration goals, and how the Magnette will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 MG
The 1968 MG uses two primary tire sizes, both built for 14-inch rims: 165R14 in radial construction and 5.90-14 in bias-ply construction. Because the Magnette IV can be found with either approach, the first step is confirming whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply fitment or moving with a radial setup. Once that is settled, the real comparison becomes construction type, period appearance, and the available tire series within the correct size.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1968 MG, this size represents the radial fitment path and is a familiar choice for owners who want a classic metric radial format on the original 14-inch wheel diameter. 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 the goal is to keep the car on a classic radial with authentic vintage character and proper wheel compatibility.
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size where 5.90 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1968 MG, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and suits owners who want to preserve an earlier tire construction style on the standard 14-inch wheel diameter. Bias-ply sizing like this is especially relevant on restoration-oriented cars where sidewall shape and overall presentation matter as much as the basic fitment itself. This size should be evaluated when maintaining a period-style appearance is more important than changing the car over to a metric radial format.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1968 MG Magnette IV uses the same two primary tire sizes already associated with the model. The important step is deciding whether the car is staying with the traditional bias-ply size or using the radial alternative on the same 14-inch rim diameter.
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1968 MG Magnette IV
The 1968 MG Magnette IV uses both 165R14 radial and 5.90-14 bias-ply fitments on 14-inch wheels. That gives the owner a clear choice between a classic radial approach with available blackwall touring-style options and a more traditional bias-ply presentation for restoration-minded use.
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 1968 MG Tires for sale
Available 165R14 options give the 1968 MG buyer a focused radial comparison across Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The product grid highlights differences in tire series, blackwall presentation, construction details, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load specification where stated.
Owners of a 1968 MG usually want clarity on the two primary tire sizes, the 14-inch wheel fitment, and the choice between traditional bias-ply and classic radial construction. The questions below also cover brand and series selection, restoration-minded appearance, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 MG?
A 1968 MG uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 5.90-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the Magnette IV and both use a 14-inch rim diameter, so the main fitment decision is not wheel diameter but tire construction and sizing format.
That means the right choice depends on how the car is set up and what kind of result you want. A 5.90-14 keeps the vintage numeric bias-ply format, while 165R14 follows a classic Euro-metric radial pattern. Checking the actual wheels on the car is still important, especially if the Magnette has been changed from its earlier setup over the years.
What size rim does a 1968 MG use?
The 1968 MG uses a 14-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 165R14 and the bias-ply 5.90-14 are both built around that same wheel diameter, which keeps the buyer focused on construction and tire type rather than switching to a different rim size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel itself still deserves a closer look before choosing a tire. Width, wheel condition, and any past replacement or aftermarket changes can affect how comfortably a tire seats and how it looks on the car. That matters even more when comparing a traditional bias-ply with a classic radial alternative.
What does 5.90-14 mean on a 1968 MG?
On a 1968 MG, 5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.90 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 14 indicates the rim diameter in inches. It is an older sizing format that suits period-style applications and reflects the traditional bias-ply fitment used on the Magnette IV.
For an owner, that means 5.90-14 is not just another modern metric tire written in a different way. It points to a different construction style and a different visual character than 165R14 radial options. Anyone comparing the two should confirm wheel condition, intended use, and whether preserving a vintage presentation matters more than moving to a radial setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 5.90-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 MG?
For the 1968 MG, 5.90-14 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and represents the traditional construction choice associated with the Magnette IV, while 165R14 is the radial alternative built around the same 14-inch rim diameter.
That distinction matters because construction affects more than the wording on the sidewall. A buyer choosing 5.90-14 is usually preserving an earlier-style fitment and appearance, while a buyer looking at 165R14 is evaluating a classic radial format instead. Before changing from one to the other, it is smart to confirm wheel width, overall wheel condition, and clearance on the specific car.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1968 MG?
A 1968 MG can be approached either way, since both 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial fitments are used on this model. Bias-ply tires suit owners who want a more traditional period-style presentation, while radial tires appeal to owners looking for a classic metric radial setup from established vintage tire series.
The better choice depends on the car's purpose and current wheel setup rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. A restoration-minded Magnette may stay with bias-ply for visual authenticity, while a regularly driven car may be set up around radial products already available in 165R14. Either way, matching the tire to the wheel and confirming clearance remains more important than choosing by construction alone.
What should I check before converting my 1968 MG from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the actual condition of the wheels already on the car. Since the 1968 MG uses a 14-inch rim with both 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial fitments, the conversion question centers on wheel suitability, clearance, and whether the current setup supports the radial size being considered.
It also helps to look at suspension condition, steering clearance, and any changes made during earlier restoration work. A Magnette with replacement wheels, altered ride height, or nonstandard components may respond differently than a stock car. After the fitment side is confirmed, the decision becomes easier: keep the traditional bias-ply character or move to a classic radial construction with the right wheel support.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1968 MG?
Start with the two core fitment questions: whether the car is using 5.90-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial tires, and whether the wheels on the car remain true 14-inch units in suitable condition. On this Magnette, the decision is shaped by construction type, intended appearance, and how the car will actually be used on the road.
Once the fitment path is clear, compare the products in the correct size by tire series, rim-width suitability where stated, and any available load or weight details. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a traditional bias-ply presentation, while a regularly driven car may be better served by choosing among the available 165R14 radial offerings. Matching the tire to the car's purpose keeps the choice focused.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 MG?
In 165R14 radial fitment, the 1968 MG has options from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands appear in classic blackwall radial offerings that suit the Magnette's 14-inch wheel diameter and give buyers several established vintage-oriented tire lines to compare within the same basic size category.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It is better to compare the specific tire series, rim-width range where stated, and the overall look you want on the car. A buyer deciding between Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic is really comparing product character within the correct 165R14 format, not simply choosing a name on the sidewall.
What tire series are available for the 1968 MG?
The 1968 MG has 165R14 radial options in several recognizable series, including Pirelli Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Vredestein Sprint Classic. Each belongs to the same classic radial size family for the Magnette, but they give the buyer a more refined way to compare available products than looking at size alone.
That matters because selecting a tire for a collector car often comes down to more than fitment. Tire series can shape the visual impression of the car and may also differ in published rim-width compatibility, weight, or other product details. Once the correct 165R14 size is confirmed, comparing series helps narrow the choice to the tire that best matches the Magnette's use and style.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 MG?
For a period-style 1968 MG, 5.90-14 bias-ply is the traditional place to start. Its numeric sizing format and bias-ply construction suit owners who want the car to retain an earlier visual character rather than adopting the later Euro-metric radial presentation of 165R14.
That does not automatically make every 5.90-14 choice historically exact for every restoration goal, especially if concours-level originality is the priority. When the objective is a broader vintage look, the bias-ply route usually aligns best with that direction. For exact historical verification, it is worth checking marque references, period photographs, or restoration documentation specific to the individual car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 MG?
Tire construction changes the visual tone of a restored 1968 MG even when the wheel diameter stays the same. A 5.90-14 bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional numeric format, while a 165R14 radial introduces a classic metric look associated with later-style radial fitment and blackwall touring presentation.
That difference is often noticeable on a restoration because the tire contributes so much to stance and sidewall character. Owners chasing a vintage presentation often stay close to the bias-ply format, while owners who prioritize road use may accept the radial look as part of the package. The right answer depends on whether the car is being judged for authenticity or enjoyed as a well-sorted driver.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 MG?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 MG even when the nominal tire size remains within the normal 14-inch range. Replacement wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all alter how a 5.90-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial sits within the wheel opening and steering range.
That is why a modified Magnette should always be checked as an individual car rather than treated like a stock example. Turn the steering from lock to lock, inspect fender and suspension clearance, and confirm the wheel dimensions before selecting a new set of tires. A size associated with the model still needs to make sense on the specific setup now under the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 MG on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 MG on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tire size matches the intended setup, and check that each tire is seated properly and inflated correctly. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.
After installation, pay attention to initial clearance and behavior at low speed before taking the car farther from home. A collector car that has spent time parked may also need a fresh inspection for air retention, wheel fastener condition, and any rubbing marks that appear once the tires are under load. A short shakedown drive can reveal issues early.
How should tires on a collector 1968 MG be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1968 MG should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition even if the car is driven only occasionally. Sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss deserve prompt attention on both 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial tires.
Storage matters almost as much as mileage on a low-use classic. Keeping the Magnette away from prolonged sun, moisture, excess heat, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the tires between drives. It is also smart to inspect the tires before any longer outing, since a car that looks fine in the garage can still develop flat spotting, pressure loss, or age-related weakness over time.
