The 1972 MG MGB sits in the heart of the chrome-bumper British sports car era, combining light weight, simple mechanicals, and the open-road character that made the MGB such a lasting favorite with enthusiasts. Tire choice matters on this car because fitment varies by body style, with the MGB GT Coupe using 165R14 radials while the Roadster appears with either 155R14 radials or 520-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. That creates a meaningful decision between traditional bias-ply presentation and radial road use. Sidewall style, tire series, and brand all shape the final choice, especially when balancing restoration appearance against regular driving needs.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 MG MGB
Three primary tire sizes appear on the 1972 MG MGB, and the right one depends first on the exact sub-model and then on whether the car is set up for radial or bias-ply construction. All of these sizes use a 14-inch rim, so the key question is whether the car is an MGB GT Coupe or a Roadster, and whether it is staying with its present tire type or being evaluated for a period-style alternative.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1972 MG MGB, this size is used on the GT Coupe and gives the buyer a distinctly radial fitment path. Available choices include blackwall offerings from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size is the one to evaluate when the car is a GT Coupe and the goal is a proper 14-inch radial setup with period-minded European character.
155R14 is also a Euro-metric radial size, with a 155-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1972 MG MGB, this size is associated with the Roadster and represents a narrower radial fitment than 165R14. Blackwall options are available from Michelin and Firestone in series such as Michelin X Radial and F560 Radial. This is the size to review when a Roadster is already running a narrower radial package or when the buyer wants to stay with a traditional small sports-car radial presentation.
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 520 indicates an approximate nominal section width of 5.20 inches and 14 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1972 MG MGB Roadster, it represents the bias-ply fitment path rather than a modern radial format. Available products center on Premium Sport Lowrider offerings with narrow whitewall treatments, including different whitewall widths within the same overall series. This size deserves close attention when the goal is a traditional bias-ply look on a 14-inch wheel and the car's wheel width and overall setup suit that style of tire.
Sub-model matters on the 1972 MG MGB because tire fitment is not the same across the range. The GT Coupe follows one radial size path, while the Roadster can be found with either a radial or bias-ply fitment, so identifying the exact version of the car is the first step.
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1972 MG MGB GT Coupe
The 1972 MG MGB GT Coupe uses a 165R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim, making its fitment path more straightforward than the Roadster's. Tire selection then comes down to choosing among the available blackwall radial options and comparing tire series, brand character, and wheel compatibility.
The 1972 MG MGB Roadster appears with either 155R14 radial tires or 520-14 bias-ply tires, both on 14-inch rims. That means tire choice depends on the car's current wheel and tire setup, along with whether the goal is regular radial road use or a more traditional bias-ply presentation.
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 1972 MG MGB Tires for Sale
Available 1972 MG MGB tire choices span radial and bias-ply construction, with brands including Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Buyers can compare blackwall European-style radial series for 155R14 and 165R14 fitments, or narrow whitewall bias-ply options in 520-14.
These 1972 MG MGB tire FAQs focus on the real decisions owners face: identifying the correct sub-model fitment, understanding radial versus bias-ply choices, comparing available brands and sidewall styles, and checking the car carefully before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 MG MGB?
The 1972 MG MGB uses more than one tire size. The MGB GT Coupe uses 165R14 radial tires, while the MGB Roadster appears with either 155R14 radial tires or 520-14 bias-ply tires. All three fitment paths use a 14-inch rim, but the tire construction and size format are not the same.
That means the first step is confirming whether the car is a GT Coupe or Roadster, then checking what wheel and tire setup is actually on the car now. Many older British sports cars have been changed over time, so the safest approach is to verify rim diameter, wheel width, and overall clearance before choosing between the Roadster's radial and bias-ply options.
What size rim does a 1972 MG MGB use?
The 1972 MG MGB uses 14-inch rims across its primary tire fitments. That is true whether the car is fitted with 165R14, 155R14, or 520-14 tires, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire size and construction can vary by sub-model and setup.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an older MGB. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply 520-14 with radial choices such as 155R14 and 165R14. A car with replacement wheels, aftermarket wire wheels, or a long-ago tire conversion should have the wheels measured before a new set of tires is selected.
Why does the 1972 MG MGB have more than one tire size?
The 1972 MG MGB has more than one tire size because fitment differs by sub-model and construction type. The GT Coupe uses 165R14 radials, while the Roadster is associated with either 155R14 radials or 520-14 bias-ply tires. Those sizes reflect different tire formats rather than small variations within one modern sizing system.
For the buyer, that makes identification more important than assumption. A Roadster set up for bias-ply tires should not be treated the same as a GT Coupe on 165R14 radials, even though both use 14-inch wheels. Checking the body style, present wheel setup, and intended driving or restoration goals will usually make the correct direction much clearer.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1972 MG MGB?
Start with the exact fitment path for the car. A 1972 MG MGB GT Coupe uses 165R14 radials, while a Roadster may use either 155R14 radials or 520-14 bias-ply tires. Construction, size format, and wheel compatibility matter more here than simply choosing a tire that happens to fit a 14-inch rim.
After the fitment is confirmed, compare the tire's intended character. Some buyers want a European-style blackwall radial for regular driving, while others want a traditional bias-ply look with a narrow whitewall. Brand, tire series, rim-width specifications, load figures where stated, and the car's actual wheel setup should all be part of the final decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 MG MGB tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size chosen for the 1972 MG MGB. The radial options in 165R14 and 155R14 are available as blackwall tires, while the 520-14 bias-ply choices are offered with narrow whitewall styling. That creates a clear visual difference between the radial and bias-ply fitment paths.
Appearance can change the personality of the car almost as much as the size itself. A blackwall radial suits a clean, sporting presentation, while a narrow whitewall bias-ply tire gives the Roadster a more traditional look. Before choosing on appearance alone, make sure the sidewall treatment is attached to the correct size and construction for the car's setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 MG MGB?
Available 1972 MG MGB tires come from several brands, depending on size. The 165R14 radial fitment includes Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, the 155R14 radial fitment includes Michelin and Firestone, and the 520-14 bias-ply fitment is represented by Premium Sport. Those brands also break out into different tire series within each size group.
Brand choice should follow fitment rather than lead it. A buyer shopping for a GT Coupe will be looking at a different brand set than someone selecting tires for a Roadster on 520-14 bias-ply tires. Once the correct size is established, compare the available series, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width suitability rather than treating all brands as interchangeable.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 MG MGB?
A period-style 1972 MG MGB tire choice starts with the car's actual body style and setup. The GT Coupe follows a 165R14 radial path, while the Roadster may be fitted with either 155R14 radial tires or 520-14 bias-ply tires. Each one gives the car a different visual and driving character within a 14-inch fitment.
For a restoration-oriented result, match the tire to the car's present wheels and the look being pursued rather than selecting by appearance alone. Blackwall radials create one type of traditional sports-car presentation, while the 520-14 narrow whitewall bias-ply options create another. When exact originality matters, marque references and vehicle-specific history should guide the final call.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 MG MGB?
Tire construction changes the appearance of a restored 1972 MG MGB in a noticeable way. The car's radial choices, 165R14 and 155R14, present a more modern radial profile and are offered as blackwalls, while the 520-14 bias-ply option gives the Roadster a more traditional look with narrow whitewall styling.
That visual difference matters when the goal is to capture a certain era or driving impression. A buyer restoring a Roadster may lean toward bias-ply presentation for style, while someone prioritizing a sporting road-use look may prefer a blackwall radial. The best result comes from balancing appearance with the car's wheel setup and intended use, not from construction alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 MG MGB?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 MG MGB even though the primary tire sizes all use 14-inch rims. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, steering components, or body clearance can alter how a 165R14, 155R14, or 520-14 tire sits and moves inside the wheel opening.
That is especially important on a collector-era sports car that may have received replacement wheels over the years. A tire that matches the intended size still needs enough fender, suspension, and steering clearance in real use. Measuring the actual wheel and inspecting the car at full steering lock is a smart step before committing to any new tire set.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 MG MGB on new tires?
Before driving a 1972 MG MGB on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tire-to-car relationship once the tires are mounted. Check that the 14-inch wheels are in good condition, that the tires seat properly, and that there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components.
A road test should begin gently, with attention to air retention, vibration, and clearance through turns and bumps. Collector cars that see limited use also deserve a look at brake condition, suspension wear, and alignment before longer driving. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is ready for regular road use as well.
How should 1972 MG MGB tires be maintained?
1972 MG MGB tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is running 165R14 or 155R14 radials or 520-14 bias-ply tires, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, uneven tread wear, cuts, and slow air loss, especially on a car that is not driven often.
Low-mileage collector use can be harder on tires than steady driving because age and storage conditions become major factors. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and inspect the tires before each outing. Any MGB that has been sitting for long periods deserves an especially careful pre-drive check.
