MGA Tyres
MGA 1955–1962
1956 MGA
- The standard 1500 & 1600 MGA left the factory with 5.60-15 crossply tyres. There isn’t currently a 5.60-15 crossply tyre we would recommend.
- 155HR15 is the radial alternative tyre size for an early MGA.
- We would suggest 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 as the best sports car tyre for an early MGA.
- Michelins 155 HR 15 Michelin XAS FF is another excellent performance option and the 155 TR 15 Michelin X is an absolute bargain.
- Suggested tyre pressures for single camshaft MGA cars with 155R15 radial tyres would be 28psi front and 32psi in the rear.
MGA Twin Cam Tyres
It is worth pointing out that the twin cam MGA fitted a slightly larger crossply tyre, and as a result, many of the earlier cars like to fit the larger radial fitments as well. But we would suggest that the handling of these single-cam cars benefits from the lighter 155R15 tyres.
MGA Tyres Explained
- The Twin Cam version of the MGA came outfitted with 5.90 X 15 Dunlop RS5 tyres. However, sadly, Dunlop no longer makes any historic road tyres.
- We would suggest the best road tyre for a Twincam MGA road car would be 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67. The perfect period radial tyre with a carcass designed to improve cars like the MGA.
- Another very good performance option would be the Michelin 165-15 Michelin XAS, and the 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX is an absolute bargain.
- The engine of the Twin Cam MG A makes the front a little heavier so we would suggest 30psi front and 32psi rear for suitable tyre pressures.
- MGA cars were released with either standard tube-type wheels or spoked wire wheels. Both types of wheels require innertubes in order to function.
- The 15E Michelin is the ideal innertube for the tyres mentioned above.
1958 MGA Roadster
Low profile MGA Tyres
The MGA came out on crossply tyres. So even when you fit a 155R15 tyre it will give you more grip than it had originally in a standard form or the Twin cam with its 5.90H15 Crossply tyres. So if you fit a 165R15 radial tyre, your steering is already heavier, slower and vaguer than was intended to be. This is diminished by fitting genuine period tyre such as the Cinturato CA67, XAS, X or XZX which is why we recommend them.
If you truly must go larger in size than 175/70R15 or 185/70R15 really is the widest you should consider going. We would suggest the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 or Avon CR6ZZ as they are tyres that are designed to be fitted under these conditions, and they will diminish the derogatory effect of over-tyreing a classic car.
Many people will recommend tyre sizes like 195/65R15 and 205/60R15. It is worth pointing out that you should not fit innertubes with these tyres and you should always fit innertubes in wire wheels. Fitting fat tyres like that does spoil the handling of small light rear-wheel-drive sports cars.
MGA Recommended Tyres
Other Options for MGA Tyres
History of the MGA
The MGA is a sports car manufactured by MG between 1955 and 1962. The MGA succeeded the MG TF 1500 Midget and signified a radical departure from MG's previous sports cars in terms of appearance. The automobile was formally unveiled on September 26, 1955, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. By the conclusion of manufacturing in July 1962, a total of 101,081 units were sold, the great majority of which were exported. The MGA was superseded by the MGB after 5869 units were sold on the domestic market.
The 1500 had a 1489 cc engine with two H4 type SU Carburettors that generated 68 horsepower initially but was later increased to 72 hp. On all four axles, Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes were employed. A coupé variant was also made, bringing the total number of normal MGAs built to 58,750. A British publication evaluated an early MGA. In 1955, the Motor could reach a peak speed of 97.8 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 16.0 seconds. Fuel usage was calculated to be 26.7 miles per imperial gallon. The test vehicle cost £844 including taxes.
MG MGA Classic Tyres
The MGA was originally fitted with a 560x15 crossply tyre. The MGA however will benefit from a radial tyre that is more suited to the roads and traffic conditions of the modern era, offering better grip, stopping power and stability. A 155HR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ is the closest radial alternative to a 560X15; the CINTURATO ™ would be an excellent option for your early MGA. it will keep the steering nice and light. The later MGA 1600 and twin cam models originally fitted a larger 590H15 Dunlop RS5. We would suggest the best radial alternatives would be 165HR15 Michelin XAS or 165HR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 ™. The CINTURATO ™ is a genuine period tire. As well as looking perfect, they will also keep the handling beautifully progressive and predictable. MG also fitted CINTURATO ™ to their later cars. Although the Michelin XAS was introduced later than the MGA it would have been fitted as an upgrade to many cars in the late '60s. The design of the XAS compliments the handling of sports cars like the MGA of the late '50s and '60s. It was a tyre developed to improve the directional stability of cars that were now finding themselves cruising on motorways at speeds of over 60 mph for extended times.
Many people want to fit larger tyres to their MGA. Fitting wider tyres makes the steering heavier and less progressive. However, if you are prepared to put up with the deteriorated handling the best way to diminish the derogatory effects of "over tyring" your MGA is to fit a period tyre with rounded shoulders such as the 185/70WR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 or 185/70VR15 Michelin XWX. fitting anything of a lower profile will mean you cannot fit innertubes and you will have a tyre of a very different shape which is not suited to cars of this period.
Borrani Wire Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your MGA. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
Wire wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Click the link for MGA Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge