1957 Metropolitan Tire Fitment Guide

1957 Metropolitan vehicles use two tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both sizes apply to the Metropolitan 1500, and both are bias-ply tires built for 13-inch wheels. Rim-width guidance varies by product, with 520-13 examples listed for 3.5-inch and 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, while 560-13 examples are listed for 3.50 to 4.00-inch and 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the tire.

That means the key question is not which 1957 Metropolitan model you have, but which of the two sizes suits your wheel and the look you want. A 520-13 gives a narrower period presentation, while a 560-13 gives a slightly fuller appearance. Before choosing a tire, compare the actual wheel width on the car against the rim-width range for the specific product you are considering.

A 520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.20 figure is the nominal section width in inches, written without a decimal point after the first digit, and the 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1957 Metropolitan, this size is one of the two period-style fitments used on the Metropolitan 1500 and keeps the car within its original small-wheel bias-ply character.

Modern buyers sometimes mistake numeric sizes for exact measured dimensions, but they are nominal vintage designations rather than direct modern metric equivalents. For a 1957 Metropolitan owner, the practical takeaway is that 520-13 points you toward the narrower of the two available fitments. It is especially useful when appearance matters and you want to preserve the compact, delicate proportions that make a Metropolitan look right.

Yes in the sense that the 1957 Metropolitan range covered here centers on the Metropolitan 1500, and that model can use both 520-13 and 560-13. There is no split between different model lines or wheel diameters within this year and make. Both listed sizes are bias-ply fitments for 13-inch wheels, so the variation is within the model rather than between separate Metropolitan families.

That makes 1957 Metropolitan tire selection more straightforward than on many larger makes with multiple body series and wheel packages. Even so, you should not assume the two sizes are interchangeable on every wheel without checking the individual tire's rim-width recommendation. Matching the tire to the wheel you actually have is the cleanest way to avoid fitment surprises and preserve the car's intended stance.

Both sizes are correct-style bias-ply choices for a 1957 Metropolitan 1500, and both mount on 13-inch wheels. The 520-13 is the narrower option, while the 560-13 is the wider one. Sidewall styling also differs by what is available within each size, with 520-13 offered in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, while 560-13 includes narrow and wide whitewall options.

Your decision usually comes down to the visual effect you want and whether your wheel width matches the product's approved range. Owners aiming for a lighter, smaller-profile look often gravitate toward 520-13, while those wanting a fuller tire presence or broader whitewall choices often prefer 560-13. Comparing your current tire size, wheel width, and restoration goals before ordering is the most useful next step.

1957 Metropolitan tires are available in several period-appropriate sidewall treatments. In 520-13, choices include blackwall and narrow whitewall. In 560-13, choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. That gives Metropolitan owners room to choose a more understated presentation or a brighter mid-century look while staying within the correct bias-ply family for the year.

Sidewall style can change the whole personality of a 1957 Metropolitan because the car is small, rounded, and highly visible at the wheel opening. A blackwall or narrower whitewall tends to look simpler and more restrained, while a wide whitewall leans harder into late-1950s American styling. If the car is being restored for judged events, check the expected sidewall treatment for your market and presentation standard before finalizing the choice.

Three brands appear in the available 1957 Metropolitan tire range: Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich. Firestone and Premium Sport are offered in 520-13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone are offered in 560-13. All of the listed choices are bias-ply tires, but they differ in sidewall styling and, in some cases, rated load and pressure figures.

Brand choice on a 1957 Metropolitan is often tied less to construction differences than to the exact look and specification you want in a given size. Some owners choose by sidewall appearance first, while others compare rim-width guidance or available load markings within the same size. Looking at brand and product family alongside the selected size is the best way to narrow the field without mixing fitment questions with styling decisions.

Rim-width requirements for 1957 Metropolitan tires depend on the exact tire chosen. In 520-13, listed examples include a 3.5-inch rim and a 3.50 to 4.00-inch range. In 560-13, listed examples include 3.50 to 4.00 inches and 4.00 to 4.50 inches. All of the available tires fit 13-inch wheels, but the approved rim width is not identical across every product.

That variation matters because wheel width affects sidewall shape, tread profile, and how naturally the tire sits on the rim. A 1957 Metropolitan owner should check the wheel width on the car rather than assuming any 13-inch wheel is automatically suitable for either size. If you are moving from 520-13 to 560-13, that verification becomes even more important before making the change.

A 1957 Metropolitan can use both 520-13 and 560-13 on 13-inch wheels, so the basic wheel diameter is compatible with either size. The remaining question is wheel width, because specific products within those sizes call for different approved rim-width ranges. Some 520-13 tires are suited to narrower wheels, while some 560-13 tires are intended for slightly wider rims.

That means the original wheels may work with both sizes, but only after you confirm the actual wheel width against the tire you plan to use. Diameter alone is not the whole fitment story on a 1957 Metropolitan. If your car still has original wheels, measure them carefully before switching sizes so the tire sits correctly and keeps the car's steering and stance in character.

A stored 1957 Metropolitan should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors or welders, and off damp surfaces whenever possible. Bias-ply tires are more prone to developing temporary flat spotting during long static periods than modern radials, especially on a light collector car that sits for weeks or months at a time.

Rolling the car periodically, maintaining correct pressure, and using tire cradles or stands for longer storage can help preserve the tire shape. A clean, dry garage does more for tire life than many owners realize. If your 1957 Metropolitan spends the off-season parked, give the tires as much attention as the fuel system or battery so the car is ready to drive when the season returns.

Tires on a 1957 Metropolitan should be judged more by age and condition than by miles driven. Collector-car tires often age out before the tread is worn, so a useful rule is to begin evaluating them closely around five to seven years and to treat about ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration. The DOT date code on the tire is the best reference for age.

That timeline is especially important on a 1957 Metropolitan because many examples are lightly driven and spend long periods parked. A tire can still look presentable and yet have hardening rubber or early sidewall cracking that changes how it behaves on the road. Annual age checks, even on low-mileage cars, are a smart part of long-term ownership.

Tires on a 1957 Metropolitan should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any signs that the tire is losing pressure. On a small vintage car, steering feel can change quickly when a tire is underinflated, so pressure retention matters as much as tread condition.

A longer pre-drive inspection should also include valve stems and the spare, since a spare that has aged unnoticed is not much help on the roadside. Collector vehicles reward habits that would feel excessive on a modern commuter. Spending a few minutes looking over the tires before driving your 1957 Metropolitan is one of the simplest ways to avoid preventable trouble.

A 1957 Metropolitan 1500 would have been fitted with bias-ply tires, which was still the standard construction for small cars of the period. The available sizes for the year are 520-13 and 560-13, both on 13-inch wheels, and both stay within the correct vintage construction type. Sidewall appearance could vary by market taste and restoration objective, but blackwall and whitewall presentations both belong to the era.

Owners pursuing strict factory-style restoration should treat size, construction, and sidewall treatment as a package rather than choosing on looks alone. Because small imported and domestically marketed cars could differ in presentation details, marque clubs and original literature are the right place to confirm what is most appropriate for your specific car. Staying with a bias-ply tire is the key first step for historical accuracy.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1957 Metropolitan because the car's proportions make the tires highly visible, and judged events often consider size, construction, and sidewall style as part of the overall presentation. A bias-ply tire in the proper size family supports the period look, while an obviously incorrect sidewall treatment or a modern-looking substitute can stand out quickly on a compact 1950s car.

That does not mean every show applies the same standard, but originality-minded events often reward careful attention to details that casual spectators may overlook. If your 1957 Metropolitan is being prepared for concours or marque judging, confirm whether the expectation is blackwall, narrow whitewall, or a wider whitewall presentation. The tire should support the car's era character, not compete with it.

Within the 560-13 size for 1957 Metropolitan vehicles, BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings share the same basic bias-ply size but differ in sidewall styling and wheel-range details. BFGoodrich versions are available with 1.00-inch narrow whitewall and 2.25-inch wide whitewall styling, both rated at 850 pounds at 30 psi and listed for 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. The Firestone 2.25-inch whitewall carries the same 850 pounds at 30 psi rating but is listed for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.

That makes the choice partly visual and partly wheel-specific. If your 1957 Metropolitan has a narrower wheel, the BFGoodrich options may align more closely with that rim-width range, while the Firestone version suits a slightly wider wheel range. Comparing your wheel width first and then choosing the whitewall treatment you want is the most logical way to decide between them.

1957 Metropolitan tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their construction and speed limits. The listed 560-13S tires carry an S speed rating, which corresponds to a 112 mph ceiling. Bias-ply construction remains different from a modern radial in steering feel and tracking, so the driving character is period-correct rather than modernized.

Real-world highway safety in a 1957 Metropolitan depends on more than the tire alone. Brakes, suspension condition, alignment, wheel condition, and the car's overall mechanical health matter at least as much as the tire rating on a vintage compact. A conservative cruising style and a thorough pre-drive inspection are more important than chasing the highest theoretical top-speed figure.

Inflation pressure on a 1957 Metropolitan should be set with the tire size and the exact tire's rating in mind, not by copying one number across all options. The listed 520-13 tires include examples rated at 770 pounds at 32 psi and 1100 pounds at 60 psi, while the listed 560-13 tires are rated at 850 pounds at 30 psi. Those figures describe the tire's rated load-and-pressure capacity, not necessarily the vehicle manufacturer's recommended running pressure.

For day-to-day use, compare the factory pressure recommendation for the car with the reproduction tire maker's guidance for that exact product. A 1957 Metropolitan is light enough that overinflation can affect ride and handling, while underinflation can overwork the tire and change steering response. Keep the pressure matched to the size and product actually mounted on the car.

Before a longer drive in a 1957 Metropolitan, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check that the tires are seated correctly on the rims, that valve stems are in good condition, and that the spare is usable and aired up. On a bias-ply-equipped car, it is also wise to note any vibration or flat-spot feel during the first few miles after the car has been sitting.

Tires are only one part of the longer-drive checklist on a vintage car, but they are among the easiest items to assess before leaving home. A quick inspection can reveal age-related issues that may not show up on short local trips. If anything looks questionable on your 1957 Metropolitan, correct it before the drive rather than hoping the tire will settle in once the car is moving.