The 1979 MG Midget arrived at the end of a long-running British roadster tradition, pairing compact dimensions and simple, open-air character with the kind of direct driving feel that keeps these cars appealing decades later. For many owners, tire choice plays a big role in preserving that light, nimble personality. The 1979 MG Midget uses a 145R13 radial on a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is straightforward. The real choice comes down to selecting the right radial within that size, including options from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form. That makes it important to balance period-style appearance, wheel compatibility, and the condition of the car before regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 MG Midget
The 1979 MG Midget uses one primary tire size: 145R13, a radial fitment for a 13-inch rim. The Base sub-model uses that same size, so the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 145R13 tire best matches the car's appearance, intended road use, and wheel setup.
A 145R13 size uses a nominal section width of 145 millimeters, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. In this older Euro-metric format, the aspect ratio is not written into the size, though it is commonly associated with an 80-series profile. On a 1979 MG Midget, this keeps the fitment in the correct radial category, with available choices including Michelin and Firestone blackwall tires in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and F560 Radial. For most owners, the key is choosing the 145R13 that suits the car's restoration style, wheel width, and driving plans.
Sub-model fitment is simple for the 1979 MG Midget. The covered sub-model shares the same 145R13 radial size, so tire selection is centered on product choice and wheel compatibility rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
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1979 MG Midget Base
The 1979 MG Midget Base uses the same 145R13 radial fitment as the overall model range covered here. That makes the selection process more about choosing between available blackwall radial options and confirming the actual wheel setup on the car before installation.
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 1979 MG Midget Tires for Sale
Available 145R13 tires for the 1979 MG Midget include radial choices from Michelin and Firestone. The product grid lets you compare blackwall offerings across the Michelin XAS-FF and F560 Radial series, along with details such as rim-width specification, weight, and load information where applicable.
These FAQs focus on the 1979 MG Midget's 145R13 radial fitment, 13-inch rim compatibility, available tire choices, and the checks that matter before putting a lightly used classic roadster back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 MG Midget?
The 1979 MG Midget uses a 145R13 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model year, and the covered Base sub-model uses the same size, so there is no need to sort through multiple original tire sizes for this application.
That simplicity shifts the decision toward choosing the right 145R13 tire rather than identifying between different fitments. It is still smart to confirm that the car still has 13-inch wheels and that no previous owner changed the wheels or suspension, because an altered setup can affect clearance and tire selection.
What size rim does a 1979 MG Midget use?
The 1979 MG Midget uses a 13-inch rim with its 145R13 tire size. The size code itself confirms the 13-inch wheel diameter, and available tires in this fitment are built around that rim diameter rather than a larger or smaller wheel.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, so the next step is checking the actual wheel width and overall condition of the wheels on the car. A 145R13 tire needs the correct wheel dimensions to seat properly, and older steel wheels should also be inspected for damage, corrosion, or previous repairs.
Does the 1979 MG Midget Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1979 MG Midget Base uses the same 145R13 radial tire size as the covered model fitment. That makes sub-model identification less of a concern here than it would be on vehicles with several wheel and tire packages.
Since the Base uses the shared fitment, the more useful comparison is between the available 145R13 tire choices. Focus on construction, brand, tire series, and any wheel-width details that apply to the product you are considering, especially if the car has not remained completely stock over the years.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 145R13 tire for a 1979 MG Midget?
Start with the correct size and construction: the 1979 MG Midget uses a 145R13 radial. From there, compare the available tire series, brand, blackwall presentation, and product details such as rim-width specification, weight, and load information where those figures are given.
The right choice depends on how the car is used. A restoration-minded owner may focus on traditional appearance and period-style road manners, while a driver putting regular miles on the car may pay closer attention to wheel compatibility and the overall setup. Matching the tire to the actual wheel is especially important on a small, lightweight roadster.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 MG Midget tires?
The available 145R13 options for the 1979 MG Midget are offered in blackwall form. That gives the car a clean, understated look that suits the compact British sports-car character without introducing whitewall or raised-letter styling that would change the overall presentation.
Because the sidewall treatment is consistent, the main visual differences come from the tire series itself rather than a stripe or lettering package. Owners trying to keep a more traditional appearance can focus on tread style and overall tire profile, while still confirming that the selected 145R13 matches the wheel and intended driving use.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 MG Midget?
The 1979 MG Midget's 145R13 fitment is available from Michelin and Firestone. Those choices include the Michelin XAS-FF series and the Firestone F560 Radial series, giving owners more than one period-appropriate radial option within the correct size category.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It is more useful to compare each tire's specifications and presentation, including blackwall styling, wheel-width suitability where stated, and how the tire fits the car's purpose. A Midget used for shows may call for a different emphasis than one driven regularly on secondary roads.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 MG Midget?
A period-style approach for a 1979 MG Midget starts with the correct 145R13 radial size. Staying in that size preserves the basic fitment character of the car, and available blackwall options from Michelin and Firestone keep the visual presentation in line with a traditional late-production Midget look.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is road use, show presentation, or a balance of both. Exact originality questions should be checked against marque references or historical vehicle documentation, but keeping the proper radial size and a restrained sidewall appearance is a sound starting point for a restoration-oriented tire selection.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 MG Midget restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 MG Midget restoration because the car's stance, proportions, and driving character are closely tied to its compact wheel and tire package. Using the proper 145R13 radial size helps maintain the look and balance expected from a small British roadster.
Fitment also affects how naturally the finished car presents itself. Even when the goal is not concours judging, an oversized or mismatched tire can make steering clearance, ride height, and overall appearance look off. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and suspension condition helps keep the restoration visually coherent and mechanically sensible.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 MG Midget?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 MG Midget even when the original tire size is straightforward. If the car has aftermarket wheels, changed ride height, non-stock suspension parts, or body alterations, those changes can influence clearance, wheel-width suitability, and the way a 145R13 tire sits on the car.
A modified Midget should be measured rather than assumed. Verify wheel diameter and width first, then check steering clearance, fender clearance, and the space around suspension components at full lock and full travel. That is especially important on a small car, where even modest changes can have a noticeable effect on tire fit.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 MG Midget on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 MG Midget on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating. Check inflation pressure, look for any signs of interference at the front and rear, and make sure the suspension and steering components are in sound condition before putting regular road miles on the car.
A short test drive should include listening and feeling for rubbing, pulling, vibration, or irregular steering response. Older roadsters are often driven infrequently, so it also makes sense to look over wheel bearings, alignment condition, and brake function at the same time. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is equally ready.
How should 145R13 tires on a collector 1979 MG Midget be maintained?
145R13 tires on a collector 1979 MG Midget should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, especially on a car that spends long periods parked between weekend drives or seasonal use.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older collector car. Keeping the Midget away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires over time. It also helps to move the car occasionally and inspect the tread and sidewalls before each drive rather than assuming low miles mean low risk.
