1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon Tires

The 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch rims, so the main fitment distinction is the tire type and size format rather than a change in wheel diameter.

That means the real decision is whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply setup or fitted with a radial-format tire. Wheel width still matters, especially because the available products for these two sizes use different rim-width ranges, so the actual wheel on the car should be confirmed before settling on a tire.

The 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The 560-13 bias-ply and the 155R13 radial each share the same 13-inch rim diameter, even though they represent different tire constructions and sizing systems.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, because rim width can still affect which tire is appropriate. A car that has been changed to different wheels over the years may still have a 13-inch diameter but not the same width, so measuring the wheel before choosing between bias-ply and radial options is a smart step.

On a 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 designates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. It is an older sizing format that suits vintage applications and traditional tire construction.

Understanding that format helps separate it from the 155R13 radial option, which uses a metric naming system. The two sizes are not just different labels for the same buying choice, so owners should verify whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply presentation or a radial-format setup before choosing products.

For the 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is offered in traditional bias-ply construction with restoration-oriented sidewall choices such as narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That matters because a 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a different presentation and setup path than a 155R13 radial. Owners considering a change in construction should confirm wheel width and compare overall fitment requirements carefully, rather than assuming every 13-inch tire behaves the same on the vehicle.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. These are the recognized radial alternatives tied to the original 560-13 bias-ply size.

Each of those alternatives should be treated as a fitment choice that still needs verification on the actual car. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with the equivalents, and clearance, wheel width, and the vehicle's present wheel setup should all be checked before making the switch.

Start by confirming the car's wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size to the current tire setup. For a 560-13 car, the recognized radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the recommended rim-width range tied to those alternatives is 4 to 5 inches.

The next step is checking real-world fitment on the vehicle itself. Steering clearance, fender space, suspension condition, and any wheel changes made over the years can all affect the result, so a conversion should be treated as a measured fitment decision rather than as an automatic one-size swap.

Choosing a 560-13 tire starts with confirming that the car is staying with the bias-ply fitment path. From there, the key differences are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility, with available options including BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires in classic-style lines.

Appearance plays a major role because 560-13 is available in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form. Rim width also needs attention, since the available 560-13 products are not all built around the same wheel-width range, so the actual wheel on the car should be checked before selecting a specific tire.

The 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon has both blackwall and whitewall-style choices, depending on tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That split makes sidewall style part of the broader construction decision, not just a cosmetic detail. A buyer looking for a cleaner radial look will be comparing blackwall tires, while someone aiming for a more traditional presentation may focus on the whitewall bias-ply offerings and then narrow the choice by wheel compatibility.

Tires for the 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply size with vintage-oriented sidewall options.

Brand choice should come after the size and construction decision, because the product groups are serving different needs. Once the correct fitment path is clear, it becomes easier to compare series, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability without mixing radial and bias-ply options into the same decision.

For a period-style 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and supports traditional whitewall presentations. Available options include BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires in classic-style series.

The final choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what visual effect suits it best. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions create different looks, and owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare those choices with marque-specific references rather than assuming any whitewall style is automatically correct.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon as much as the driving setup. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the car in a traditional vintage size format and opens the door to whitewall styling, while the 155R13 radial presents a more modern blackwall look.

That difference becomes important on a car where stance, sidewall shape, and overall presentation matter. A restoration aimed at period-style appearance will often begin with the bias-ply route, while an owner more focused on radial construction may accept a different visual impression in exchange for that fitment choice.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearance can alter how either a 560-13 bias-ply or a 155R13 radial sits on the vehicle.

That is why an older car should be checked as it currently stands, not only by what size it originally used. A Triumph that has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes may need closer attention to clearance and wheel dimensions before a tire is chosen or a bias-ply-to-radial change is made.

Before driving a 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel size and width, and make sure the tires seat properly and hold pressure. It is also wise to check basic clearances at the fenders and steering range before putting road miles on the car.

A short, careful test drive is the next useful step, followed by another look for rubbing, air loss, or unusual movement. Collector cars that sit for long periods also deserve a broader pre-drive inspection, including suspension condition and any signs that old components could affect how the new tires behave.

Tires on a collector 1959 Triumph Sedan & Estate Wagon should be checked regularly for inflation, cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and signs of slow air loss. That applies whether the car is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, since low annual mileage does not prevent aging.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and periodic inspections remain important before each driving season or any longer trip, even if the tread still looks serviceable.