1959 Vauxhall Tire Fitment Guide

1959 Vauxhall vehicles use four sizes across two model groups: the Victor uses 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply, while the Victor & VX 4/90 group uses 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. Every one of those sizes fits a 13-inch rim, but they are not interchangeable across the full 1959 Vauxhall range simply because the wheel diameter matches. Rim-width coverage also differs by size, with radial and bias-ply options each carrying their own approved wheel-width span.

That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident selection on a 1959 Vauxhall. Start by confirming whether the car is a Victor or a Victor & VX 4/90, then match the tire to the wheel. The radial options fit broader rim-width ranges than the narrow bias-ply sizes, so checking the actual wheel before choosing is especially helpful on a restored car that may no longer wear its original rims.

On a 1959 Vauxhall, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 portion refers to the nominal section width, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. In this application it belongs to the Victor & VX 4/90 group, not to the standard Victor. Available versions include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, which is typical of period-oriented replacement tires for late-1950s British cars.

A buyer looking at 560-13 is usually deciding as much about presentation as fitment. The size keeps the car in a traditional bias-ply format, and the sidewall treatment changes the visual character noticeably. Before settling on one, confirm that the wheel width falls within the approved range for the product you want, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been restored more than once.

No. The 1959 Vauxhall Victor uses either 165R13 or 590-13, while the 1959 Vauxhall Victor & VX 4/90 group uses either 155R13 or 560-13. All four sizes fit 13-inch rims, but the actual section widths and constructions differ by model family. That distinction matters because the radial and bias-ply alternatives were paired within each model group rather than shared across the entire make.

For a buyer, the practical takeaway is simple: identify the model first, then choose the construction style that matches your goals. If the car is a show-focused restoration, many owners stay close to the bias-ply look of the period. If the car is driven regularly, the radial alternative within that same model group is often the more natural place to start, without assuming another Vauxhall model's size applies.

If your 1959 Vauxhall is a Victor, both 165R13 and 590-13 belong to that model, but they represent two different tire philosophies. The 165R13 is a radial blackwall size, while the 590-13 is a bias-ply size offered as a wide whitewall. Radials and bias-ply tires differ in construction, sidewall behavior, and overall driving feel, even when both are correct to the same model family. They also use different rim-width ranges, so wheel fit should be confirmed before choosing.

The decision usually comes down to how the car will be used and presented. A 590-13 bias-ply is the natural direction for an owner emphasizing period appearance and traditional road feel. A 165R13 radial is the better starting point for someone who wants a more modern-style carcass within the proper Victor fitment family. The same logic applies to the Victor & VX 4/90, where the choice becomes 155R13 versus 560-13.

Sidewall treatment varies quite a bit across 1959 Vauxhall tire sizes. The radial sizes, 165R13 and 155R13, are available as blackwalls. The bias-ply 590-13 appears as a wide whitewall, while 560-13 is offered in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms. That gives late-1950s Vauxhall owners a real visual choice, particularly within the Victor & VX 4/90 group.

For authenticity, blackwalls often make the most sense when the goal is a restrained European road-car appearance, while whitewalls can suit owners aiming for a stronger period accessory look. Judging standards can vary by event, market, and restoration philosophy, so sidewall style should be treated as part of the car's overall presentation rather than as a purely cosmetic afterthought. If appearance matters as much as fitment, decide on sidewall style before narrowing down brand.

Three brands cover the 1959 Vauxhall range here: Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich, with Firestone also available in 560-13. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the radial 13-inch sizes, while BFGoodrich covers both 590-13 and 560-13 in bias-ply form. Firestone joins BFGoodrich in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Brand choice is therefore tied closely to both model group and construction type.

That spread lets a buyer narrow the field intelligently. If the car is a Victor and the goal is radial construction, the search centers on Michelin and Dunlop in 165R13. If the car is a Victor & VX 4/90 and period-style bias-ply presentation matters, BFGoodrich and Firestone become the relevant comparison in 560-13. It is usually more useful to choose the correct size and sidewall style first, then compare brands within that smaller group.

Rim-width requirements differ by size on 1959 Vauxhall vehicles. The 165R13 radial fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, while the 155R13 radial fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims. The 590-13 bias-ply fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. In 560-13, BFGoodrich versions fit 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, while the Firestone version fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.

Those ranges are important because a 13-inch wheel can still be wrong for the tire if its width falls outside the approved span. This matters most on older cars that may have had wheels swapped over time or may carry aftermarket replacements. Before finalizing a tire for a 1959 Vauxhall, measure the wheel or verify its stamped size so the tire and rim work together as intended.

Inner-tube use varies by size and by product on 1959 Vauxhall applications rather than following one rule across the full range. The Michelin radial versions in 165R13 and 155R13 are marked tubeless, while the overall tube status still varies by product within those sizes. The bias-ply choices in 590-13 and 560-13 also call for checking the individual tire before deciding on tubes. A 1959 Vauxhall owner should not assume that every 13-inch tire in the same size family is set up the same way.

The wheel matters just as much as the tire. Even if a tire is tubeless-capable, an older rim's condition, bead-seat design, and valve-stem arrangement may still influence whether a tube is appropriate. This is one of the best places to slow down before ordering, especially on a restored British car where wheels may have been refinished, replaced, or reused across decades of ownership.

Within each 1959 Vauxhall model group, the paired sizes share the same 13-inch rim diameter, so wheel diameter compatibility is not the issue. The real question is rim width. A Victor's 165R13 radial wants a wider wheel range than its 590-13 bias-ply counterpart, and the same pattern appears between 155R13 and 560-13 on the Victor & VX 4/90 side. Two tires can both fit 13-inch wheels and still expect different wheel widths.

That means the original wheel can often remain in service only after its width is confirmed against the specific tire being considered. A car that still has its factory-style narrow rims may naturally favor the bias-ply size, while a wider wheel can open the door to the radial option within the correct model family. Checking that dimension first keeps the rest of the decision much simpler.

A 1959 Vauxhall should be stored clean, dry, and out of direct sunlight, with the tires kept away from ozone sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, and welding equipment. Bias-ply tires such as 590-13 and 560-13 are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting when the car sits for long periods, while any collector tire can suffer sidewall aging if exposed to heat and UV. Maintaining inflation and moving the car periodically helps reduce stress on the carcass.

For long-term storage, many owners either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces static load without leaving the suspension fully hanging. A breathable indoor environment is better than a damp cover that traps moisture. If the car sits for months at a time, include the spare in the same inspection routine, because the spare often becomes the oldest and least-checked tire on a collector Vauxhall.

On a 1959 Vauxhall, tire life is usually judged more by age than by mileage. Collector cars often travel few miles but still age their tires through time, heat cycling, and storage conditions. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating them closely around five to seven years of age and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if tread depth still looks acceptable. The manufacturing date code is the starting point for that conversation.

That approach matters because an older-looking bias-ply or a little-used radial can both appear serviceable at a glance while still being past their best years. If the car's driving schedule is seasonal, tie tire-age checks to spring recommissioning rather than waiting for obvious wear. A low-mileage Vauxhall often ages out its tires before it wears them out, which is common in the collector world.

Tires on a 1959 Vauxhall should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs that pressure is not holding steadily. Bias-ply and radial constructions can both age visibly, and either one deserves a close walk-around before the car leaves the garage. If the setup uses tubes, valve stems and any signs of slow leakage deserve extra attention.

A quick inspection routine is far more valuable on an older car than waiting for annual mileage to reveal a problem. Long intervals between drives make it easy to miss damage from storage, curbing, or underinflation. Make pressure, sidewall condition, and spare-tire readiness part of the same pre-drive habit as checking fluid levels and lights, especially before a club event or highway trip.

For a 1959 Vauxhall Victor, the period-correct starting point is bias-ply construction, since radials were still an emerging fitment in many markets during the late 1950s rather than the universal default they would later become. Within this year and make, the Victor is associated with 590-13 in bias-ply form and also has a radial alternative in 165R13 for owners choosing a different driving character. No single original-equipment brand should be assumed without checking market-specific factory literature.

That matters because 'original' can mean different things depending on whether the car is being restored to factory delivery condition, dealer-accessory style, or long-term period use. Buyers who want the most authentic presentation usually begin with the correct size and construction type, then refine sidewall style and brand history from there. For a final market- and trim-level answer, Vauxhall specialists and marque clubs remain the best authority.

Yes, correct tire fitment can matter noticeably when showing a 1959 Vauxhall. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size, construction type, and sidewall style suit the car's era and presentation. A radial blackwall can look different in stance and character from a bias-ply whitewall, even when both belong to the same model family. On a carefully restored late-1950s car, that difference can influence how authentic the finished car feels.

The level of importance depends on the event. A driver-class show may care more about overall correctness and condition, while concours-style judging can be stricter about construction and appearance. If the car is built for authenticity, settle the tire decision early in the restoration rather than treating it as a final accessory choice. Event-specific rules vary, so checking with the relevant Vauxhall club or show organizers is always worthwhile.

For a 1959 Vauxhall using radial 13-inch sizes, Michelin XAS-family tires and the Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet overlap in fitment but differ in the details. In 165R13, Michelin appears in two blackwall versions with a 4.50 to 6.00-inch rim-width range, while Dunlop also offers a blackwall H-rated radial and carries a 1,047-pound load figure on one version. In 155R13, Michelin is again blackwall with a 4.00 to 5.50-inch rim-width range, and Dunlop offers a blackwall H-rated radial with a 937-pound load figure on one version.

That means the comparison is less about broad fitment and more about the exact product characteristics that matter to you, such as rim-width range, weight, and whether the tire is marked tubeless. A buyer choosing between them should first confirm the car's correct size, then compare how each product aligns with the wheel and the kind of use the car will see. The best choice is the one that matches both the wheel and the restoration goal.

1959 Vauxhall tires can be suitable for highway driving when the tire's construction, condition, and speed rating are appropriate to the way the car is used. The radial 165R13 and 155R13 options include H-rated versions, which carry a 130 mph speed ceiling, while the 590-13 bias-ply example carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. Those figures are well above ordinary road speeds, but a late-1950s Vauxhall's brakes, suspension, alignment, and general mechanical state often matter more than the tire's upper rating in normal use.

The practical question is not just whether the tire can handle highway speed in theory, but whether the whole car is ready for sustained driving. Fresh pressures, proper balance, good steering components, and a recent inspection matter more on a collector car than chasing the highest speed symbol. If the car will see regular road mileage, many owners begin with the correct radial size for their model and then verify the rest of the chassis is equally roadworthy.

Inflation pressure on a 1959 Vauxhall should follow the original vehicle recommendation first, then be checked against the tire maker's rated pressure for the exact product. Published load-and-pressure figures in this range include 590-13 at 970 pounds at 32 psi and 560-13 at 850 pounds at 30 psi on available bias-ply examples. Those figures describe how the tire is rated, not a universal setting for every Vauxhall or every 13-inch tire.

That distinction matters because pressure should not be transferred casually from one size to another or from one construction type to another. A Victor on 165R13 radial tires does not automatically want the same pressure as a Victor on 590-13 bias-ply tires, and the Victor & VX 4/90 has its own sizing pair as well. Use the factory handbook as the baseline, then confirm the exact tire's sidewall and maker guidance before setting final pressures.

Before a longer drive in a 1959 Vauxhall, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, abnormal wear, and stable pressure. Pay close attention to the sidewalls on bias-ply tires and to valve stems on any setup where tubes may be involved. Wheel-nut tightness, basic balance, and visible wheel condition should be part of the same check. Tires are only one piece of the picture, but on a collector car they deserve a deliberate inspection every time.

A longer trip is also the time to think beyond the tread. Bring the car up to proper pressure when cold, make sure the spare is usable, and confirm that the jack and tools still fit the wheel arrangement on the car. Then treat the tire check as part of a broader pre-drive review that includes brakes, cooling, steering, and lights. A well-prepared Vauxhall is much more enjoyable to drive than one that leaves with small preventable issues.