The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 sits at the meeting point of traditional British sports-car craftsmanship and more modern postwar road manners, with its ash-framed body structure and long-running enthusiast appeal. For owners, tire choice is part of preserving that character because this model uses both period-style bias-ply sizing and Euro-metric radial sizing on 15-inch rims. The Base and Plus sub-models do not share the same primary sizes, so identifying the exact version matters first. Available choices range from blackwall and whitewall bias-ply tires to several radial series from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Coker Classic. That makes the decision less about finding any 15-inch tire and more about matching appearance, construction, and wheel setup to the way the car will be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Morgan Plus 4
The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 uses four primary tire sizes across its covered fitments, and all of them mount on 15-inch rims. Size choice depends first on the exact sub-model, then on whether the car is staying with its period-style bias-ply fitment or using the radial size associated with that version. Once that is settled, the next decisions are appearance, tire series, and whether a radial equivalent is being considered for one of the bias-ply sizes.
155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1968 Morgan Plus 4, this radial size is associated with the Base fitment and gives the buyer a more modern sizing convention than the older numeric bias-ply code. Available choices are largely blackwall and span series such as Firestone F560 Radial, Michelin X, Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, Avon CR6ZZ, and Vredestein classics. It is the right size to evaluate when the car is set up for the Base radial fitment and the goal is to compare traditional touring and sport-oriented radial offerings.
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size where 560 refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and 15 identifies the wheel diameter. This is the period-style bias-ply fitment associated with the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Base, making it especially relevant for owners who want the car to retain a more traditional driving and visual character. Product choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic, along with a Pro-Trac Front Runner option. It is the size to focus on when preserving a vintage presentation matters more than moving to a radial-style alternative.
165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1968 Morgan Plus 4, this radial size belongs to the Plus sub-model and represents the larger of the two radial fitments used across the model range. Product selection is broad, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options from Firestone, Michelin, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Coker Classic across several radial series. This is the size to compare when the car is a Plus model and the owner wants meaningful choice in both sidewall treatment and radial tire character.
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 590 represents an approximate 5.90-inch nominal section width and 15 remains the rim diameter. This bias-ply fitment is associated with the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Plus sub-model and keeps the car in a distinctly vintage tire format. Available tires include blackwall and wide whitewall offerings, with series such as BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Avon Turbospeed Mk4. It is the right size to evaluate when a Plus model is staying with its traditional bias-ply specification and the buyer wants to compare period-style appearance against the option of a radial equivalent.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 because the Base and Plus versions do not use the same tire sizes. Both versions use 15-inch rims, but the correct tire choice depends on confirming which sub-model the car is and whether it is staying with its bias-ply fitment or radial fitment.
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1968 Morgan Plus 4 Base
The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Base uses either 155R15 in radial construction or 560-15 in bias-ply construction. That gives the owner a clear split between a Euro-metric radial path and a more traditional numeric bias-ply path, so appearance goals and wheel setup should be considered before making the final choice.
The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Plus uses either 165R15 in radial form or 590-15 in bias-ply form. Tire selection therefore starts with the Plus-specific size rather than the Base fitment, then moves to choosing between vintage bias-ply presentation and the broader radial product choices available in the corresponding radial size.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Morgan Plus 4
The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 has radial-equivalent options for both primary bias-ply sizes. For 560-15, the available equivalents are 155R15 as an 80-series metric radial and 560R15 as a bias-look radial. For 590-15, the equivalents are 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These choices range from traditional metric radial sizing to a lower-profile P-metric alternative, and the recommended rim-width range shown for the bias-ply conversions is 4-5 inches; wheel fit, overall dimensions, and clearance should still be checked before changing setups.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-15)
560R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (560-15)
165R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-15)
P165/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-15)
P175/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
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:
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 Morgan Plus 4 Tires for Sale
Available 1968 Morgan Plus 4 tire choices span bias-ply and radial construction in all four primary sizes, with offerings from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Pro-Trac. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several tire series and rim-width specifications.
Common questions for the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model tire size, understanding bias-ply versus radial choices, and checking wheel, clearance, and condition details before the car goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 uses four primary tire sizes across its covered fitments: 155R15, 560-15, 165R15, and 590-15. The Base sub-model uses 155R15 as its radial size and 560-15 as its bias-ply size, while the Plus sub-model uses 165R15 as its radial size and 590-15 as its bias-ply size.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a Base or a Plus, not simply choosing any 15-inch tire. After the sub-model is confirmed, the next question is whether the car is being kept in its bias-ply fitment or matched to its radial fitment, since size format, appearance, and product choices differ between those two paths.
What size rim does a 1968 Morgan Plus 4 use?
All four primary tire sizes used on the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 are built for a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes the radial sizes 155R15 and 165R15 as well as the bias-ply sizes 560-15 and 590-15, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizes and constructions vary by sub-model.
A shared 15-inch rim diameter does not mean every tire choice is automatically interchangeable. Wheel width, the car's actual sub-model, and whether the car has been fitted with non-original wheels should still be checked, especially when moving between narrow bias-ply tires and radial sizes that may have different recommended wheel-width ranges.
Do all 1968 Morgan Plus 4 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Base and Plus sub-models use different primary tire sizes. The Base uses 155R15 in radial form or 560-15 in bias-ply form, while the Plus uses 165R15 in radial form or 590-15 in bias-ply form.
That difference matters because the correct tire decision begins with the exact sub-model, even though both versions use 15-inch wheels. A buyer looking at period-style bias-ply tires, radial alternatives, or whitewall versus blackwall options should make those appearance and construction choices only after confirming whether the car is a Base or a Plus.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
560-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Base. It is the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment associated with that sub-model, while 155R15 is the radial size tied to the same version of the car.
Choosing between those two formats affects more than the size code on the sidewall. A buyer comparing 560-15 with a radial alternative should confirm wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering, since staying with bias-ply preserves the traditional format while moving to a radial changes the construction type and sizing convention.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-15?
Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those options give the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Plus owner several ways to compare a traditional bias-ply size with modern radial sizing formats.
The practical difference is that the alternatives move from a classic Euro-metric radial convention to progressively more modern P-metric profile choices. Each one should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic swap, so wheel width, section fit, and available clearance around the Morgan's front and rear wheel openings should be checked before converting.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
A bias-look radial equivalent is available for the 560-15 size used on the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Base. That equivalent is 560R15, which keeps a more traditional visual presentation while using radial construction rather than a true bias-ply build.
This kind of option is useful for an owner who wants a vintage-style appearance without staying in the original bias-ply construction format. The wheel still needs to be appropriate for the conversion, and the vehicle should be checked for tire dimensions and clearance just as carefully as it would be with any other radial-equivalent change.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R15 tire for a 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
A 155R15 choice for a 1968 Morgan Plus 4 starts with confirming that the car is the Base sub-model using the radial fitment. After that, compare the available radial series, blackwall presentation, rim-width suitability, and product details such as load figures or speed-designated versions where they appear.
The available 155R15 range includes Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein options, so the main decision is less about basic fitment and more about the kind of radial tire you want on the car. Buyers should still verify the wheel width on the vehicle and consider whether the goal is touring use, sporting road use, or a more restoration-oriented appearance.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Morgan Plus 4 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The radial sizes are mostly blackwall, although 165R15 also appears with narrow and wide whitewall treatments, while the bias-ply sizes include blackwall and whitewall options as well.
That variety matters because sidewall treatment changes the look of the car even when the size stays correct. A buyer trying to preserve a restrained British sports-car presentation may lean toward blackwall, while a more restoration-oriented or custom visual direction may call for one of the available whitewall treatments in the matching size and construction.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
Brands available across the 1968 Morgan Plus 4 fitments include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Pro-Trac. Brand availability depends on the size, with some choices appearing only in certain radial or bias-ply fitments.
That means the brand decision should come after the correct sub-model and tire size are confirmed. Once the size is narrowed down, compare the brands by construction type, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility rather than assuming that every brand offers the same style or the same type of fitment for this Morgan.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
A period-style 1968 Morgan Plus 4 usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and, in many cases, the corresponding bias-ply format. That means 560-15 for the Base or 590-15 for the Plus if the goal is to retain the traditional numeric sizing style associated with the car's vintage character.
From there, the appearance decision becomes more specific, including blackwall versus whitewall treatment and how closely the finished look matches the owner's restoration direction. Exact originality can vary by market and prior history, so owners pursuing a very precise restoration should compare their tire choice with authoritative Morgan references and marque-specific documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
Tire construction changes the restored appearance of a 1968 Morgan Plus 4 because the car was offered in both vintage bias-ply sizing and Euro-metric radial sizing. A numeric bias-ply size such as 560-15 or 590-15 gives the car a more traditional visual language, while 155R15 or 165R15 presents a more modern radial format.
Sidewall treatment builds on that difference, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are not distributed evenly across every size. Owners balancing drivability with a vintage look may also consider a radial alternative or, for the Base bias-ply size, a bias-look radial, but the final choice should still suit the car's wheels and restoration goals.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Morgan Plus 4?
Yes. A 1968 Morgan Plus 4 may have the correct nominal tire size on paper and still run into fitment problems if aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications have been made over the years. This matters especially when moving between the original bias-ply sizes and radial alternatives.
The safest approach is to verify the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then check steering travel and fender clearance with the suspension loaded. Cars that sit lower than stock or use different wheel offsets deserve extra attention, because even a correct-size tire can become a poor choice if the wheel and chassis setup have changed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Morgan Plus 4 on new tires?
Before putting a 1968 Morgan Plus 4 back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tire size matches the car's exact sub-model fitment, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to check for rubbing at full steering lock and through suspension movement.
A broader road-use check should include brake condition, steering play, suspension wear, and the general condition of the spare if one is carried. Classic cars that see limited mileage benefit from a cautious first drive, because noises, pulling, or contact marks can reveal wheel or clearance issues before they become a larger problem.
How should 1968 Morgan Plus 4 tires be maintained on a collector car?
Tires on a collector-driven 1968 Morgan Plus 4 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and signs of age-related hardening. Low-mileage cars often spend long periods parked, so condition matters just as much as tread depth whether the car is running bias-ply tires or radials.
Storage habits also affect service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the car periodically can help avoid long-term flat spotting. A brief visual inspection before each drive is a smart routine, particularly on a lightweight vintage sports car that may sit between outings.