Few postwar British marques carried more sporting character than 1947 MG, a year when the company was still closely identified with light, nimble open cars built for enthusiastic driving rather than luxury. In the immediate postwar market, MG’s appeal centered on compact roadsters that preserved prewar engineering traditions while feeding renewed interest in club motoring and amateur competition. For 1947 MG, the tire decision is unusually straightforward: the sole model in the range uses one bias-ply size, 450-19, on 19-inch wheels. The key step before choosing a tire is confirming that your car is the Midget and then deciding whether you want a general road-going bias-ply or a more competition-flavored version of the same size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1947 MG
One tire size is used across 1947 MG vehicles, and it is shared by the full model range covered here. That means the main choice is not between different fitment sizes, but between different bias-ply products within the same 19-inch size and how closely you want the tire’s character to reflect the way the car is driven. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1947|Fit(s): Midget|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 19 in
450-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 4.50 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width and the 19 indicates a 19-inch rim diameter. Available brands include Excelsior and Ensign, with blackwall sidewalls across the range; rim-width coverage appears in several products, including 2.50 to 3.00-inch applications and one competition-oriented option listed for a 3.5-inch rim. This is the correct year-and-make size for the 1947 MG Midget, so the practical choice comes down to the kind of bias-ply feel and visual character you want rather than switching to a different fitment size.
One model is covered for 1947 MG. Because the entire range here uses the same tire size, choosing a tire starts with confirming the model and then selecting the bias-ply product that best suits your restoration goals and driving style. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1947 MG Midget
The 1947 MG Midget represents MG’s traditional small-displacement sporting formula, with a compact chassis and unmistakably prewar roadster character carried into the early postwar years. Its tires mount on 19-inch wheels, giving the car the tall, narrow stance enthusiasts expect from an MG of this period.
Four products are available in one tire size for 1947 MG vehicles. The 450-19 size includes four bias-ply blackwall options from Excelsior and Ensign, giving Midget owners a choice of road-oriented and competition-flavored tires within the original size.
These FAQs cover the single-size tire fitment used on 1947 MG vehicles, how 450-19 sizing works, what blackwall bias-ply options are available, and the setup, storage, and road-use checks that matter on a low-use postwar sports car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1947 MG vehicles?
1947 MG vehicles in this range use one tire size: 450-19. That size applies to the 1947 MG Midget, and the available products are all bias-ply tires built for 19-inch wheels. Listed rim-width coverage for this size includes 2.50 to 3.00 inches on several road-oriented products, with one competition-style option shown for a 3.5-inch rim.
That makes fitment simpler than on many year-make pages, because the issue is not sorting between multiple diameters or multiple vehicle models with different tire packages. The important next step is to verify the actual wheel on the car and choose among the available 450-19 products according to how original, road-focused, or competition-inspired you want the finished setup to feel.
What does 450-19 mean on a 1947 MG tire?
On a 1947 MG, 450-19 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 4.50 figure is the nominal section width, expressed in inches, and the 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. Unlike modern metric radial sizing, there is no separate aspect-ratio figure written into the code, and the construction is bias-ply rather than radial.
That matters because a 450-19 tire should be understood in its original vintage format, not translated directly as though it were a modern passenger-car size. When comparing products for a 1947 MG, focus on the correct 19-inch fitment first, then look at rim-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire is intended more for normal road use or a sportier, competition-style presentation.
Do all 1947 MG models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1947 MG range covered here consists of the Midget, and it uses 450-19 tires throughout. All available replacements for that application are bias-ply tires built for 19-inch wheels, so there is no split within this year and make between different factory tire sizes.
That consistency means model identification is straightforward, but product selection still deserves attention. One 450-19 may be aimed at traditional road use while another has a more competition-oriented character, and rim-width compatibility can differ between individual products. Matching the tire to the actual wheel and to the way the car is used is still worth doing carefully.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1947 MG tires?
1947 MG tires in the 450-19 size are available here in blackwall form. That look suits the period well, especially on a late-1940s British sports car where a restrained, functional appearance is generally more in keeping with the car’s original character than a more decorative sidewall treatment would be.
For a restoration-minded owner, blackwall tires usually support the most authentic visual result on a 1947 MG Midget. For a driver-focused owner, the sidewall choice is already narrowed, so attention can shift to the individual series and their intended character. Once the look is settled, compare the specific tire’s rim-width compatibility and overall style before making a final selection.
What brands make tires for 1947 MG vehicles?
Excelsior and Ensign both offer 450-19 tires for 1947 MG vehicles. Within that size, Excelsior appears in standard bias-ply and Comp H form, while Ensign appears in B5 and Triple Road variations. All of these are blackwall bias-ply tires sized for the MG Midget’s 19-inch wheel fitment.
Having more than one brand available gives 1947 MG owners room to choose a tire that aligns with the car’s intended personality. Some buyers prioritize a traditional road-going reproduction feel, while others prefer a tire with a stronger vintage competition visual or character. Comparing by series, sidewall look, and wheel compatibility is more useful here than thinking in terms of modern touring-versus-performance categories.
What is the difference between Excelsior Bias Ply and Excelsior Comp H for the 1947 MG?
Both Excelsior Bias Ply and Excelsior Comp H are offered in 450-19 for the 1947 MG, and both are bias-ply blackwall tires. The standard Excelsior Bias Ply is listed for 2.50 to 3.00-inch rims and weighs 18 pounds, while the Excelsior Comp H is also 18 pounds but is listed with a 3.5-inch rim application.
That difference makes wheel confirmation especially important if you are considering the Comp H. A buyer aiming for a conventional road setup will usually start with the standard bias-ply fitment range, while a buyer building around a more specialized period sporting look may be drawn to the Comp H. The right choice depends on the wheel actually fitted to the car and the character you want the MG to present.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1947 MG tires require?
For 1947 MG vehicles using 450-19 tires, listed rim-width coverage includes 2.50 to 3.00 inches on several products in that size. One 450-19 option, the Excelsior Comp H, is shown with a 3.5-inch rim application. All of these tires fit 19-inch rims, but width compatibility is not identical from one product to the next.
That is why wheel confirmation should happen before choosing a tire, even when the nominal tire size is settled. If your MG still carries its original-style narrow wheel, a road-oriented 450-19 may be the natural match. If the car uses a wider rim, the competition-oriented option may align better. Measure the actual wheel and match it to the specific tire rather than assuming every 450-19 fits every 19-inch rim equally.
Do 1947 MG tires require inner tubes?
The available 450-19 tires for 1947 MG vehicles are presented as vintage-style bias-ply products, but the individual listings do not separate them into a clearly mixed tube-type versus tubeless group. With a postwar MG running narrow 19-inch wheels and period-style tire construction, tube fitment is something that should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination before installation.
That matters most if the car still uses original or original-style wire or riveted wheels, where tube use is often part of a proper vintage setup. A buyer should check the sidewall marking on the specific tire selected and make sure the wheel condition, valve-hole setup, and installer’s plan all agree. Tubes, flaps, and valve stems deserve the same attention as the tire itself on a car of this age.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1947 MG when the tires are fitted?
A 1947 MG should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls prematurely. Bias-ply tires also tend to develop temporary flat-spotting more readily when a car sits for extended periods, especially if the vehicle is parked in one position for months at a time.
Keeping the tires properly inflated, moving the car occasionally, or supporting the vehicle in a way that reduces long-term static loading can help preserve ride quality and casing shape. Clean, dry floors are preferable to damp ground, and tire dressings meant for modern cosmetic shine are usually less helpful than simply keeping the rubber clean and protected from heat, UV exposure, and prolonged compression.
How long do tires on a 1947 MG typically last?
On a 1947 MG, tire age usually matters more than tire mileage. Collector-car tires often spend long periods parked, so many owners use five to seven years as a point for closer evaluation and around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks good. The DOT date code or manufacturer date marking is the starting place for judging age.
A lightly driven MG Midget can lull an owner into trusting old rubber because the car may cover very few miles each year. Sidewall cracking, hardening, impact damage, and internal aging do not always show up through tread wear alone. If the car is driven at speed, used on older road surfaces, or stored in changing temperatures, replacing aged tires earlier is often the more prudent path.
How often should tires on a 1947 MG be inspected?
Tires on a 1947 MG should be inspected before every drive and given a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and pay close attention to valve stems and any tube-related service parts if your wheel-and-tire setup uses tubes.
A quick glance is not enough on a postwar sports car that may spend long periods between drives. Run a hand over the tread and sidewall, confirm that each tire is holding pressure evenly, and inspect the spare with the same care as the four on the car. That routine helps catch age-related deterioration before it turns into a roadside problem on a vintage MG.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1947 MG Midget?
A 1947 MG Midget would have been fitted in period with tall, narrow bias-ply tires rather than modern radial construction, and the replacement size offered here is 450-19. That aligns with the visual and engineering character of a late-1940s MG, where 19-inch wheels and vintage numeric sizing are part of the car’s authentic sporting profile.
For a highly exact restoration, the right approach is to confirm market-specific and event-specific expectations through MG marque clubs, period handbooks, or factory literature. The most important authenticity markers at this level are the correct size format, the correct bias-ply construction, and an era-appropriate blackwall appearance. Those elements usually matter more to knowledgeable observers than the simple fact that the tire is new.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1947 MG?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1947 MG shown for originality. Judges and experienced enthusiasts will often notice whether the car is wearing the proper vintage size format, the expected bias-ply construction, and a sidewall style that suits the period. A modern-looking substitute can change the stance and visual balance of the car even if the wheel diameter appears correct.
On a car like the MG Midget, tire choice is part of the restoration story, not just a maintenance decision. Owners preparing for concours or marque judging should verify the event’s standards before finalizing tires, because some venues are stricter than others about period-correct construction and appearance. Even outside formal judging, correct fitment has a strong effect on the car’s authenticity and curb appeal.
What is the difference between Ensign B5 and Ensign Triple Road Race for the 1947 MG?
Ensign B5 and Ensign Triple Road Race are both offered in 450-19 for the 1947 MG, and both are blackwall bias-ply tires. The Ensign B5 is listed with a maximum load of 715 pounds at 36 psi and a rim-width range of 2.5 to 3.0 inches, with a listed weight of 20 pounds. The Ensign Triple Road Race is also a 450-19 blackwall bias-ply tire, with a listed weight of 18 pounds.
That comparison suggests two different personalities within the same vintage fitment size. A buyer interested in a more straightforward road-going reproduction may gravitate toward the B5, while a buyer aiming for a more overtly sporting period feel may be drawn to the Triple Road Race. Since both remain within the correct size and construction family, the better choice depends on your wheel setup and the story you want the MG to tell.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1947 MG tires safe for highway driving?
1947 MG tires in the available 450-19 size are vintage-style bias-ply products, and they can be used on the road when they are correctly fitted, properly inflated, and in sound condition. No speed-rating markings are shown here for these tires, so the practical safety discussion is less about chasing modern sustained-speed expectations and more about respecting the operating character of a small postwar sports car.
A 1947 MG Midget has far more to consider on the highway than tire size alone, including braking performance, steering play, wheel condition, suspension health, and overall mechanical readiness. Owners who understand bias-ply response and keep speeds appropriate to the car’s age and condition are usually making the soundest decision. Long-distance or fast-road use should start with a thorough mechanical inspection, not with assumptions about the tires alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1947 MG tires?
Inflation pressure for 1947 MG tires should follow the vehicle’s original guidance first and the selected tire’s own rated limits second. In the 450-19 size, one Ensign B5 listing shows a maximum load of 715 pounds at 36 psi, but that figure is a maximum load-and-pressure reference for that specific tire rather than a blanket running pressure for every 1947 MG tire.
The best practice is to start with the factory recommendation for the car and then confirm that the chosen reproduction tire is being used within its allowed range. Running every 450-19 at the same pressure without checking the tire and the car together can lead to poor ride quality, uneven wear, or compromised handling. Front-to-rear balance also matters on a light vintage sports car, so pressure setting should be done thoughtfully.
What should I check before taking a 1947 MG on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1947 MG, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, exposed fabric, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check valve stems, make sure the wheels are in sound condition, and inspect the spare as carefully as the road tires. On a vintage setup that may use tubes, tube-related service parts and air retention deserve close attention as well.
That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-drive routine that includes wheel fasteners, brakes, steering, fluid levels, and lighting. Because a postwar MG is light and communicative, small changes in tire condition can be felt quickly through the steering wheel and chassis. Catching a deteriorating tire in the garage is far preferable to discovering it after heat, speed, and distance have already stressed the car.
