1964 MG captures a fascinating moment in British motoring, when the marque's lineup stretched from compact family transportation to open sports cars with very different personalities. Buyers looking at 1964 MG often know the badge but still need to sort out whether they are dealing with an MG 1100, Midget, MGB, or the larger traditional MG sports car range. Tire choice varies across four models and seven distinct sizes, with some models offering a period-style bias-ply size alongside a radial alternative rather than one universal fitment across the whole make. The first step is to identify the exact model, then decide whether originality or more modern road manners matters more for how the car will be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1964 MG
Seven tire sizes appear across the 1964 MG range, and they vary by model rather than carrying across every MG built that year. In some cases the real choice is between bias-ply and radial construction on the same rim diameter, while in others the first priority is confirming whether your car uses a 12-, 13-, or 14-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct model and intended use.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1100|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12 in
145R12 is a metric radial size with a 145-millimeter nominal section width and a 12-inch rim diameter; in this older Euro-metric style, the aspect ratio is conventionally an 80-series even when it is not written into the code. This size is specific to the 1964 MG 1100 and is available from Michelin in a blackwall tubeless S-rated tire, with a 4.5-inch rim width fitment shown on the product. It suits an owner who wants the MG 1100's compact fitment in radial construction for road use while staying with the correct overall wheel diameter.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1100|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.50-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.50 indicates the nominal section width and 12 indicates the rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1964 MG 1100. It is the more traditional choice for an owner focused on an earlier driving feel and period-style construction on the MG 1100's 12-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1964 MG, B|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter; when the aspect ratio is not written out in this Euro-metric format, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This size serves both the 1964 MG sports car range identified here as MG and the 1964 MGB, and it is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form. Speed rating varies by product, with Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein all offering H-rated versions with a 130 mph ceiling, so buyers should confirm the exact sidewall marking they want before choosing between brands.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1964 MG|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.90 indicates the nominal section width and 14 indicates the rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1964 MG model family identified here as MG rather than being shared across every 14-inch MG in the range. It is the traditional bias-ply route for owners pursuing a more era-correct look and feel on those particular 14-inch-wheel cars.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): B|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 5.60-inch section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1964 MGB, and it is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, with load capacity shown at 906 pounds at 30 psi and rim width fitment of 3.50 to 4.00 inches. It is the natural choice for an MGB owner who wants a bias-ply presentation and period-style sidewall appearance rather than a radial conversion.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Midget|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
145R13 is a metric radial size with a 145-millimeter nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, following the older Euro-metric convention in which an 80-series profile is implied when no aspect ratio is printed. This size is specific to the 1964 MG Midget and comes from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form; tube status varies by product, and speed rating also varies by product, with Michelin offering an H-rated version with a 130 mph ceiling. It makes sense for Midget owners who want a radial tire in the car's compact 13-inch fitment for more relaxed road use.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Midget|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.20 indicates the nominal section width and 13 indicates the rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1964 MG Midget and is available from Firestone and Premium Sport in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with load figures ranging from 770 pounds at 32 psi to 1,100 pounds at 60 psi where those markings are supplied. It suits a Midget owner seeking a distinctly vintage bias-ply presentation, especially when sidewall appearance matters as much as the basic fitment.
Four MG model lines are covered for 1964, and they do not all use the same tire size. That means year and make alone are not enough here; you need to identify whether you have the 1100, MG sports car range, MGB, or Midget before narrowing down the correct tire. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1964 MG 1100
The MG 1100 brought MG badging into the compact front-wheel-drive sedan market, giving the marque a very different role from its better-known open sports cars. Its tires mount on 12-inch wheels, and the choice centers on a radial 145R12 or a traditional 5.50-12 bias-ply depending on how the car is being restored and driven.
The larger MG sports car line still carried the classic pre-MGB character that many enthusiasts associate with traditional British roadsters. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with a 165R14 radial option and a 5.90-14 bias-ply alternative depending on whether originality or a later radial driving feel is the priority.
The 1964 MGB was still early in the model's run and had already established itself as one of the most important British sports cars of the era, with a more modern feel than the older MG lines. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and owners typically choose between 165R14 radial fitment and 560-14 bias-ply fitment depending on the character they want from the car.
The MG Midget distilled the British small sports car idea into a lightweight, simple, lively package that remains popular with vintage drivers and restorers. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, with 145R13 in radial form or 520-13 in bias-ply form depending on whether the goal is a more original presentation or a different road-driving character.
Thirteen products are available across seven tire sizes for 1964 MG vehicles. 145R12 has 1 Michelin radial blackwall, 165R14 has 3 radial blackwalls from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, 560-14 has 3 BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall and whitewall styles, 145R13 has 2 radial blackwalls from Michelin and Firestone, and 520-13 has 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone and Premium Sport in blackwall and narrow whitewall form. Confirm size and construction first, since tube status and speed markings can vary within a size.
These questions focus on the model-by-model tire differences across 1964 MG, including how radial and bias-ply choices change the character of the car, what sidewall styles are available, and what collectors should inspect before regular driving or long periods of storage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1964 MG vehicles?
1964 MG vehicles use seven sizes across four model lines. The MG 1100 uses 145R12 or 5.50-12 on 12-inch rims, the MG sports car range identified here as MG uses 165R14 or 5.90-14 on 14-inch rims, the MGB uses 165R14 or 560-14 on 14-inch rims, and the Midget uses 145R13 or 520-13 on 13-inch rims. Rim width guidance is available for several of those sizes, including 145R12 at 4.5 inches, 165R14 at 4.0 to 6.0 inches depending on product, 560-14 at 3.50 to 4.00 inches, 145R13 at 4.00 to 5.00 inches, and 520-13 at 3.5 to 4.00 inches depending on product.
The practical takeaway is that 1964 MG fitment starts with identifying the exact model, not just the year and make. Some models then give you a second choice between bias-ply and radial construction on the same wheel diameter, while others require a different rim diameter altogether. Checking the tire already on the car, the wheel diameter, and the model designation together is the safest starting point before narrowing down brands or sidewall styles.
What does 165R14 mean on a 1964 MG tire?
On a 1964 MG, 165R14 is an older Euro-metric radial size. The 165 refers to a nominal section width of 165 millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On period European sizes like this, the aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series when it is not written out separately. This size appears on 14-inch-wheel MG and MGB applications in the 1964 range.
That decoding matters because 165R14 is not just another version of a 5.90-14 or 560-14 bias-ply size with different wording. It reflects a different construction type and usually a different driving character, even when the wheel diameter stays at 14 inches. If your car already wears 14-inch wheels and you are comparing radial and bias-ply options, the sidewall marking is one of the quickest ways to confirm which approach the car is set up to use.
Do all 1964 MG models use the same tire size?
No, 1964 MG models do not share one universal tire size. The 1100 uses 12-inch sizes, the Midget uses 13-inch sizes, and the larger MG sports cars and MGB use 14-inch sizes. Even within the 14-inch group, the radial 165R14 is shared by both MG and MGB applications, while the bias-ply alternatives split between 5.90-14 for MG and 560-14 for MGB.
That difference is important because two cars wearing the same MG badge may need different tires even if they look broadly similar to a casual observer. Owners shopping by year alone can end up comparing products that are correct for a different model line. If the car has been restored, modified, or converted from bias-ply to radial at some point in its life, it is smart to verify the actual wheel diameter and current sidewall size before making a final choice.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the radial size or the bias-ply size for my 1964 MG?
That choice depends on which 1964 MG model you have and how you want the car to feel and present. The 1100 pairs 145R12 radial with 5.50-12 bias-ply, the MG sports car range pairs 165R14 radial with 5.90-14 bias-ply, the MGB pairs 165R14 radial with 560-14 bias-ply, and the Midget pairs 145R13 radial with 520-13 bias-ply. Radials suit owners who prioritize regular road use, while bias-ply tires fit the expectations of a more period-style presentation.
Many collectors settle this by asking whether the car is being judged for originality, driven frequently on modern roads, or used for a mix of both. A radial conversion can change steering response and general road behavior, while a bias-ply tire preserves a more era-appropriate look and feel. The cleanest path is to decide your intended use first, then match the tire construction to that goal within the size range correct for your specific MG model.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 MG tires?
1964 MG tire choices include both blackwall and whitewall sidewall treatments, but the mix depends on size. The radial sizes 145R12, 165R14, and 145R13 are available in blackwall form, while 560-14 for the MGB appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. The 520-13 bias-ply size for the Midget is available in blackwall and narrow whitewall form. Whitewall availability is concentrated in the bias-ply sizes rather than the radial sizes.
For most British sports car restorations of this era, blackwall remains the more familiar visual choice, especially on cars being restored in a factory-style manner. Whitewalls can still appeal to owners pursuing a specific period custom look or a market-specific presentation, but they change the visual character of a small British car quite a bit. If appearance matters as much as fitment, the sidewall style deserves the same level of attention as the size and construction code.
What brands make tires for 1964 MG vehicles?
Five brands cover 1964 MG tire applications across the available sizes: Michelin, Pirelli, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin covers 145R12, 165R14, and 145R13 radial applications, Pirelli and Vredestein both appear in 165R14, BFGoodrich supplies 560-14 bias-ply options for the MGB, Firestone appears in 145R13 and 520-13, and Premium Sport also covers 520-13. Brand choice therefore depends heavily on which MG model and size you need first.
That spread gives owners some flexibility, especially in the 14-inch radial category where more than one period-appropriate European-style option exists. In contrast, some sizes are much narrower in brand selection, so originality, sidewall preference, and construction may be easier to settle than brand loyalty. Once the correct size is confirmed, comparing the available brand families within that size becomes much more useful than trying to compare the entire 1964 MG range at once.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1964 MG tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1964 MG tires varies by size. The 145R12 radial fits a 4.5-inch rim, 165R14 radial products cover a range from 4.0 to 6.0 inches depending on brand, 560-14 bias-ply fits 3.50 to 4.00 inches, 145R13 radial fits 4.00 to 5.00 inches, and 520-13 bias-ply appears on 3.5-inch and 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims depending on product. Those ranges are tied to the specific size and product family rather than to the MG badge alone.
Wheel diameter and rim width should both be confirmed before choosing a tire, especially on cars that may have changed wheels over the years. A 14-inch MG wheel does not automatically mean every 14-inch MG tire is appropriate for that rim width. If the wheels are original, restored, or aftermarket, measuring the actual rim or checking the wheel stamping can prevent a mismatch between the tire you prefer and the wheel the car currently uses.
Do 1964 MG tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1964 MG tires depend on the exact size and product. The 145R12 Michelin MX is marked tubeless, and the 145R13 Michelin XAS FF is also marked tubeless. Other sizes do not carry a uniform tube marking across every available product, so tube use can vary by product and by the wheel itself. That is especially important on older wheels where rim design and condition may influence whether tube-type service is appropriate.
The right way to handle tube questions is to confirm both the tire marking and the wheel you plan to use rather than assuming that every radial is tubeless or every vintage-style tire needs a tube. Wire wheels, older rims, and restored wheels deserve extra scrutiny. If your MG is being returned to original-style equipment, a marque specialist or wheel expert can help you confirm whether the wheel and the chosen tire should be run with or without a tube.
Can the original 1964 MG wheels be used with all tire sizes for the same model?
In many 1964 MG applications, the radial and bias-ply alternatives for the same model share the same wheel diameter. The 1100's two options are both 12-inch, the MG sports car range uses two 14-inch options, the MGB uses two 14-inch options, and the Midget uses two 13-inch options. That means original wheels can often remain in service when moving between the two size families for that same model, provided the rim width suits the chosen tire.
Diameter compatibility is only the first checkpoint, not the whole answer. A wheel that accepts one 14-inch tire may still fall outside the ideal rim width range for another 14-inch option, and older wheels also need to be checked for straightness, corrosion, and bead-seat condition. Before switching construction types, it is worth confirming the wheel dimensions and overall condition so the tire change supports the car rather than creating a new fitment problem.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1964 MG when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1964 MG should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Tire pressures should be kept at the intended storage setting, and the car should either be rolled periodically or supported in a way that reduces long static loading. Bias-ply tires on a 1964 MG are generally more prone to flat-spotting during long storage than radial tires, so leaving the car motionless for months at a time is harder on them.
Collector cars often see long pauses between drives, and tires can age out long before the tread wears down. Even if the garage looks clean, sunlight through windows, concrete moisture, and ozone from shop equipment all matter over time. A breathable car cover, clean floor surface, and regular visual checks help preserve both the tires and the overall restoration, especially on low-mileage MGs that spend more time parked than driven.
How long do tires on a 1964 MG typically last?
Tires on a 1964 MG are usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A sensible collector-car rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat about ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if the tread still looks serviceable. The DOT date code, overall storage history, sidewall condition, and how the car has been used all matter more than the odometer alone.
That age-based approach is especially important on a lightly used British classic because old rubber can look presentable while losing flexibility and strength. A car that only comes out for club drives may still need fresh tires sooner than an owner expects. When the sidewalls begin to crack, the tread hardens, or the date code shows real age, replacement is usually a wiser move than trying to squeeze a few more seasons from an old set.
How often should tires on a 1964 MG be inspected?
Tires on a 1964 MG should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing at road speed. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between uses. On tube-type or possibly tube-equipped combinations, valve stems and the area around the stem deserve special attention because age and heat can affect those parts as much as the tire itself.
Frequent checks matter because collector cars often sit long enough for slow leaks, flat-spotting, or age cracking to develop unnoticed. A five-minute inspection in the garage is much easier than dealing with a problem on the shoulder of the road. If an MG begins to pull, vibrate, or wander more than usual, that should be treated as a reason to inspect the tires and wheels immediately rather than as just part of old-car behavior.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1964 MG MGB?
A 1964 MG MGB would have been associated with 14-inch fitment, and bias-ply construction remained the expected original-style choice for many cars of that period even as radial use became more common in European applications. Within the available MGB sizes here, 560-14 represents the bias-ply route and 165R14 represents the radial route. No single original-equipment brand should be assumed for every market and every car, since dealer practice, export market, and period replacement history could all vary.
For a restoration, the key question is usually not just brand but whether the car should present as a bias-ply or radial car based on how authentic you want the result to be. Marque clubs, factory literature, and period road tests can help settle market-specific details if the car is headed for concours review. If you mainly want the car to look right while remaining enjoyable on the road, starting with the correct 14-inch size family is the most important first decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1964 MG?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1964 MG because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall appearance immediately. A radial tire on a car judged for factory-style originality can be viewed differently from a bias-ply tire, and a whitewall where a blackwall look is expected can also change how authentic the restoration appears. The closer the event is to concours standards, the more those details tend to matter.
That does not mean every show car must use the same approach, but it does mean the tires should match the restoration's purpose. A touring-focused MG can reasonably prioritize drivability, while a highly original restoration may call for more period-correct construction and appearance. Before finalizing a set, check the rules of the specific event or consult an MG club judge so the tire choice supports the standard your car will actually be held to.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1964 MG?
For a 1964 MG using 165R14, both Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic are radial blackwall options, and both carry an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling. The Michelin XAS is shown for a 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim width range, while the Vredestein Sprint Classic covers 4.0 to 5.5 inches and carries a published load figure of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. Both fit the same basic 14-inch MG and MGB application family, but their rim-width windows are not identical.
That distinction becomes useful when the car's wheel width is known and you want to stay within a product's intended fitment range instead of treating every 165R14 the same. Owners also sometimes choose between these tires based on brand preference and the visual style of the tread and sidewall, even when the overall category is similar. Once the wheel width is confirmed, the comparison becomes much more meaningful than simply choosing by size code alone.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1964 MG tires safe for highway driving?
1964 MG tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within the limits marked on the tire. The 165R14 radial options include H-rated versions with a 130 mph ceiling, the 145R12 Michelin MX is marked S for 112 mph, and the 145R13 Michelin XAS FF is also H-rated at 130 mph. Those ratings exceed normal U.S. highway speeds, but real-world safety also depends heavily on the car's brakes, steering, suspension, and age-related mechanical condition.
The more relevant question for most owners is not whether the tire's speed symbol is high enough, but whether the entire MG is prepared for steady highway use after years of collector service. Fresh rubber cannot make up for worn kingpins, loose steering, old brake hoses, or out-of-balance wheels. Before longer road use, confirm the tire age, inflation, and condition first, then treat the rest of the chassis and braking system with equal seriousness.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1964 MG tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1964 MG should not be guessed from size alone. Some tires in this range carry published load-and-pressure references, including 560-14 at 906 pounds at 30 psi, 520-13 at 770 pounds at 32 psi on one application and 1,100 pounds at 60 psi on another, 145R13 at 825 pounds at 44 psi, and 165R14 at 1,102 pounds at 51 psi on the Vredestein Sprint Classic. Those figures are tire ratings, not a universal instruction to inflate every MG tire to the same number.
For the best result, start with the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure for the model and then confirm that it aligns sensibly with the chosen reproduction or modern tire's construction and rating. Bias-ply and radial tires often want different operating pressures to feel their best. If the car has been converted from one construction type to the other, it is wise to verify the recommendation with the tire manufacturer and compare it with original MG guidance for your exact model.
What should I check before taking a 1964 MG on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1964 MG, inspect all tires for cracking, bulges, cuts, exposed cords, uneven wear, and stable air pressure. Check the spare as carefully as the four road tires, and pay close attention to valve stems and any tube-related hardware if the car uses a tube-type setup. On cars with older bias-ply tires, also watch for flat spots or age stiffness that may smooth out only after some driving but still signal that the tires deserve closer evaluation.
A pre-drive check should also include the broader basics of an aging British car: wheel-nut security, brake feel, fluid levels, cooling system behavior, and steering response. Tires are only one part of whether the car is truly ready for distance. If the MG has been parked for weeks or months, taking time for a full walk-around and a short local shakedown drive can reveal problems before they become trip-ending issues.
