1957 Ford-Taunus Tire Fitment Guide

1957 Ford-Taunus vehicles use four sizes across the full model range: 155R13, 560-13, 590-13, and 165R13. The 12M uses 155R13, 560-13, and 590-13; the 15M uses 155R13 and 560-13; and the 17M uses 165R13 and 590-13. Every listed size fits a 13-inch rim, but the approved rim-width range changes by size. 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 appears on 3.50 to 4.50-inch rims depending on product, 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, and 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims.

The practical takeaway is that a 1957 Ford-Taunus owner should identify the exact model before choosing a size, then confirm the wheel width against the tire being considered. Two cars from the same year and make can share the same 13-inch wheel diameter but still require different tire widths and constructions. If the car has been restored, re-wheeled, or modified over the years, comparing the actual rim to the tire’s approved range is the safest next step before making a final selection.

560-13 is a classic numeric bias-ply tire size used on some 1957 Ford-Taunus models. The 5.60 figure represents the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1957 Ford-Taunus range, 560-13 appears on the 12M and 15M. Available examples include BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions offered depending on the product.

A buyer reading 560-13 should think in terms of traditional construction and period appearance rather than modern metric sizing. This is the sort of size many restorers choose when they want the visual character and steering feel associated with a mid-1950s car. It also means wheel-width compatibility matters, because 560-13 products in this range are meant for relatively narrow 13-inch rims rather than the wider rims used by the larger radial options.

155R13 and 165R13 are metric radial tire sizes used on 1957 Ford-Taunus vehicles. The first number is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the final 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the missing aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. On the Ford-Taunus range, 155R13 fits the 12M and 15M, while 165R13 is the radial size used on the 17M.

These sizes matter because they place a 1957 Ford-Taunus into a more modern radial-sizing family while still keeping the correct 13-inch wheel diameter. The wider 165R13 also calls for a wider approved rim range than 155R13, so a 17M owner should not assume that any 13-inch wheel is automatically suitable. If you are comparing a radial size to a numeric bias-ply size, start with the model, then verify the wheel width and desired driving character.

For a 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M or 15M, the choice between 560-13 and 155R13 is mainly a choice between bias-ply and radial construction. 560-13 is the traditional numeric bias-ply option and is offered with whitewall styles, while 155R13 is a radial blackwall size from Michelin and Dunlop with H-rated examples available. Both sizes fit 13-inch wheels, but they are approved for different rim-width ranges. That means the decision is partly about vehicle use and partly about making sure the wheel itself matches the tire.

Owners restoring a car to a stock visual theme often lean toward the bias-ply path, especially if the sidewall style matters to the finished look. Owners who expect more regular road use usually prefer the radial path because it keeps the car in a 13-inch fitment while moving to a later construction type. A 1957 Ford-Taunus should not be assigned one or the other by year alone, since the wheel width and the model both influence which of those two sizes makes sense.

1957 Ford-Taunus tires are available in both blackwall and whitewall styles, depending on size and construction. The radial sizes, 155R13 and 165R13, are offered here as blackwalls. The bias-ply 560-13 appears in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, while 590-13 is available as a wide whitewall. That creates a clear visual split between the radial offerings and the more period-styled bias-ply choices.

For a 1957 Ford-Taunus built to look correct for the era, sidewall treatment can matter almost as much as the size itself. A whitewall bias-ply tire gives the car a distinctly mid-1950s presentation, while a blackwall radial produces a cleaner and more understated look that many drivers prefer for road use. If show authenticity is part of the goal, compare the chosen sidewall style to period photos, market-specific references, and club guidance for your exact model.

Three brands appear across the available 1957 Ford-Taunus tire sizes: Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich, with Firestone also offered in one bias-ply size. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 in blackwall form. BFGoodrich appears in the bias-ply 560-13 and 590-13 sizes, and Firestone is offered in 560-13. The brand mix follows the split between European-style radial fitments and traditional bias-ply collector replacements.

That matters because a 1957 Ford-Taunus owner is not just picking a brand name in isolation; the available brand choices change with the tire size and construction selected. If the car calls for a radial, the search centers on Michelin or Dunlop in the correct metric size. If the goal is a bias-ply presentation with whitewall styling, the choices move toward BFGoodrich or Firestone in the numeric sizes used by the appropriate Ford-Taunus models.

Rim width depends on the exact tire size used on the 1957 Ford-Taunus. The 155R13 radial fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, while 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims. In the bias-ply range, 560-13 appears on products approved for 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims and also on a product approved for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, while 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. All of these sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter, but width matters as much as diameter.

A 1957 Ford-Taunus owner should match the actual wheel width to the specific tire being considered instead of assuming that every 13-inch wheel is interchangeable. That is especially important when moving between narrower numeric bias-ply sizes and wider metric radials. If the car has replacement wheels, measure the wheel before finalizing the tire choice. A correct rim-width match helps preserve the intended profile and avoids forcing a tire onto a wheel outside its approved range.

Inner-tube requirements on 1957 Ford-Taunus tires depend on the exact product, not just the size. The radial 155R13 and 165R13 selections include products marked TL for tubeless use, but some products in those same size families are not marked the same way in their sidewall listings, so tube status varies by product. The bias-ply 560-13 and 590-13 products shown here do not carry TL markings. That makes it important to check the individual tire’s sidewall designation before installation.

Wheel condition also affects the decision, especially on an older 1957 Ford-Taunus with original steel wheels that may have surface corrosion, pitting, or bead-seat wear. Even if a tire is tubeless by marking, the wheel still has to be suitable for tubeless service. A careful installer will inspect the rim, valve area, and bead seats and then match the mounting method to both the tire and the wheel rather than relying on size alone.

Every listed tire size for the 1957 Ford-Taunus uses a 13-inch rim diameter, so there is broad diameter compatibility across the 12M, 15M, and 17M range. That said, the approved rim-width ranges are different. The smaller bias-ply sizes are intended for relatively narrow wheels, while the 165R13 radial needs a wider rim range. Diameter alone does not make every original wheel suitable for every size.

The safest approach is to treat the original 1957 Ford-Taunus wheel as a candidate, then verify its width before choosing among 560-13, 590-13, 155R13, or 165R13. Cars that have changed hands over several decades often no longer wear the exact wheels they left the factory with. If the wheel width falls near the edge of the approved range, confirming the stampings or measuring the rim directly is worthwhile before committing to a tire size.

A stored 1957 Ford-Taunus should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Tires should be kept at proper inflation during storage, and the car should either be rolled periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term loading on one contact patch. Because the Ford-Taunus range can use both bias-ply and radial tires, it is worth remembering that bias-ply tires tend to develop temporary flat-spotting more readily during long static periods.

Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and ride quality on a collector Ford-Taunus that may spend more time parked than driven. If the car sits for months at a time, inspect sidewalls for early cracking before putting it back on the road. Clean, dry floors and stable temperature matter more than cosmetic tire dressings, which can sometimes do more harm than good. Storage is part of tire care, not just paint and upholstery preservation.

Tires on a 1957 Ford-Taunus should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A collector car tire often needs close evaluation once it reaches about five to seven years of service, and many owners begin serious replacement consideration as tires approach ten years from the DOT date code, even if the tread still looks usable. That guidance applies whether the car is on bias-ply or radial construction. Low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging.

A lightly used Ford-Taunus can look ready for the road while still riding on tires that have hardened, cracked, or lost flexibility with time. The right habit is to check the manufacturing date, inspect the sidewalls and tread closely, and replace on condition and age instead of waiting for the tread to wear out. Cars stored indoors often age tires more gracefully, but indoor storage is not a substitute for age-based inspection and replacement planning.

Tires on a 1957 Ford-Taunus should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, irregular tread wear, and signs that the tire has been run underinflated. Pressure should be checked regularly, especially after storage. If the car uses a tube-type setup, the condition of the valve stems and the wheel itself also deserve attention because older assemblies can lose air gradually without obvious tread damage.

Frequent inspection matters because a collector Ford-Taunus often sees intermittent use, and long idle periods can hide problems that daily-driven cars reveal sooner. A five-minute walk-around catches many issues before they become roadside events. It is also worth checking the spare, since an old spare with good tread may still be too aged to trust. Tire inspection should be part of the same routine as checking fluid levels, lights, and brakes.

A 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M would have been associated with the size families represented here by 560-13, 590-13, and later radial-equivalent service choices such as 155R13, depending on the exact application and how the car is being interpreted today. For the era, bias-ply construction is the historically appropriate starting point when discussing original fitment character. Whitewall treatment, where used, also fits the visual language of many mid-1950s cars. Original-market details can vary by destination, trim, and period replacement history.

For a faithful restoration, the first decision is usually whether you are recreating factory-era appearance or selecting a later-service radial size for road use. A 1957 Ford-Taunus 12M judged for originality will generally be expected to wear an era-appropriate construction and sidewall style rather than a modernized interpretation. If the car is headed for marque judging, compare the chosen size and sidewall treatment with period literature, unrestored examples, and model-specific club references before making the final call.

Correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1957 Ford-Taunus because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall appearance very quickly. A radial blackwall can look different from a period-style bias-ply whitewall even when both fit the same 13-inch wheel. On a car presented as factory-correct, a visibly modern construction or sidewall style may stand out as an authenticity issue. The closer the event is to concours-style judging, the more important those details become.

That does not mean every 1957 Ford-Taunus must wear the same tire to be enjoyed or respected. It means the tire choice should match the car’s purpose. A touring car can reasonably prioritize drivability, while a car built for originality should be evaluated with era correctness in mind. Event rules differ, so club guidance and marque-specific judging standards are the best way to settle whether a narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, blackwall, radial, or bias-ply presentation is appropriate for your class.

For a 1957 Ford-Taunus in 155R13 or 165R13, Michelin XAS-family and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet products cover the same basic radial fitment category but differ in lineup details. In 155R13, both brands appear as blackwall radials, and the listed examples are H-rated. In 165R13, Michelin products are marked 165HR13 82H TL on 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, while the Dunlop is listed as 165R13 82H and also appears as a blackwall radial. The available specifications place them in the same general use class rather than in separate fitment categories.

A 1957 Ford-Taunus owner comparing those two choices should focus first on size correctness, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than assuming one changes the car’s required fitment. Since both are radial blackwalls in the proper 13-inch size families, the selection is more about product preference inside the correct size than about solving a different tire-sizing problem. Checking the exact sidewall marking, including any tubeless designation, is the smart final step before mounting.

1957 Ford-Taunus tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is used, the tire is in sound condition, and the chosen product’s speed rating matches the way the car will be driven. The radial sizes offered here include H-rated examples, which carry a 130 mph ceiling, while the 560-13 bias-ply products are listed with an S rating, or 112 mph. Those figures exceed the speeds most properly sorted Ford-Taunus cars will see in normal American collector-car use. Tire condition and proper setup matter more than chasing theoretical top-end capability.

A highway-ready 1957 Ford-Taunus depends on the whole car, not the tire alone. Suspension wear, steering play, brake condition, wheel integrity, and alignment are just as important as the sidewall marking. Bias-ply and radial tires also behave differently on the road, so the driver should understand what is fitted before setting out on a fast interstate trip. If the car is newly restored or recently purchased, a careful shakedown at moderate speeds is wise before any extended highway use.

Inflation pressure on a 1957 Ford-Taunus should follow the exact tire size and the manufacturer’s guidance for the product in use. Among the available bias-ply options, 560-13 is listed with a maximum load of 850 pounds at 30 psi, and 590-13 is listed with a maximum load of 970 pounds at 32 psi. Those are tire ratings, not universal running recommendations for every Ford-Taunus model or every size. Pressure should never be transferred casually from one size to another.

The best practice is to start with the vehicle’s original handbook or period specification for the model, then compare that with the tire maker’s service information for the exact reproduction or radial tire being installed. A 1957 Ford-Taunus on 155R13 or 165R13 should be set up according to the guidance appropriate to those radial products rather than by using a bias-ply number from another size. Pressure tuning should always stay within the tire maker’s limits and reflect the car’s actual loading and use.

Before a longer drive in a 1957 Ford-Taunus, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that the valve stems are sound, and if the car uses a tube-type setup, pay extra attention to any slow leaks or stem movement at the wheel. The spare should also be checked for pressure, age, and visible condition. Tires are only one part of the checklist, but on an older car they deserve close attention because age-related issues are common.

A longer trip is also the right time to think beyond the tires and give the rest of the Ford-Taunus a period-appropriate mechanical review. Brakes, steering, wheel bearings, lights, cooling system, and fluid levels all deserve the same scrutiny. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold, not after the drive has started. A little preparation usually reveals whether the car is ready for a tour or whether it would be wiser to address small issues before putting more miles on it.