1960 Singer Gazelle Tires

The 1960 Singer Gazelle uses two primary tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both sizes are built for 15-inch rims, so the choice is centered more on tire type and presentation than on switching wheel diameter.

That means the next step is confirming which direction suits the car and its current wheels. A 560-15 keeps the Gazelle in a traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 155R15 moves to a Euro-metric radial format. If the car has had wheel changes over the years, check actual rim width and clearance before settling on either construction.

The 1960 Singer Gazelle uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radial tires, so wheel diameter remains consistent across the two fitment paths.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing older bias-ply sizing with radial alternatives. It is worth measuring the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming it is still original, particularly on a restored vehicle or one that may have seen replacement wheels at some point.

On a 1960 Singer Gazelle, 560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing format commonly seen on period vehicles of this era.

Understanding that code helps explain why 560-15 feels different from a modern metric size. It points to a bias-ply construction and a more traditional visual profile, with available blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices. Buyers comparing it to a radial should treat the two as different construction approaches, not simply different labels for the same tire.

For the 1960 Singer Gazelle, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format associated with vintage construction, and it is offered in traditional bias-ply tire series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

That makes 560-15 the natural place to start if the goal is a period-style driving feel and appearance. A radial alternative exists, but changing construction should not be treated as automatic interchangeability. Wheel width, overall fit on the car, and the condition of the steering and suspension are all worth reviewing before moving away from the original-style bias-ply setup.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 on a 1960 Singer Gazelle include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for owners who want a more traditional visual style with radial construction.

Those two options serve slightly different purposes even though both relate back to the same original bias-ply size. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalent fitment is 4 to 5 inches, so it is smart to confirm the wheel before converting. Clearance, overall proportions, and how the car currently sits should also be checked before final selection.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare that wheel to the radial size being considered. On a 1960 Singer Gazelle, moving from 560-15 bias-ply to a radial equivalent such as 155R15 or 560R15 means changing construction as well as sizing convention.

A careful conversion also includes checking steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and how the car tracks under load. Older collector cars are often running wheels, springs, or ride heights that differ from original practice. If the Gazelle has been modified or rebuilt over the years, those changes can matter as much as the tire size itself.

The first decision is whether the 1960 Singer Gazelle should run 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radial tires. Both use 15-inch rims, but they represent different construction styles, different sizing systems, and different appearance choices for a restored or regularly driven car.

After choosing the fitment path, compare the details that actually shape the ownership experience: wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, brand, load figures where stated, and the role the car will play. A Gazelle built around vintage presentation may point one way, while a car expected to see more road miles may lead you to a different construction choice.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for the 1960 Singer Gazelle. The 155R15 radial options are blackwall designs, while the 560-15 bias-ply range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices.

That gives the Gazelle owner a real appearance decision instead of a simple fitment decision. A blackwall keeps the presentation restrained and functional, while narrow or wide whitewalls push the car toward a more distinctive period-style look. Sidewall choice should also be matched to the overall restoration theme rather than chosen in isolation from the car's trim and stance.

The 1960 Singer Gazelle has tire options from several brands across its two primary sizes. In 155R15 radial sizing, available brands include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. In 560-15 bias-ply sizing, options include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.

Brand selection is most useful when it helps narrow down construction type, tire series, and sidewall presentation rather than when treated as a ranking exercise. Once the correct size and tire style are decided, compare each product's rim-width specification, visual character, and stated load information where applicable to find the most suitable match for the car.

For a period-style 1960 Singer Gazelle, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it uses a vintage numeric format and traditional construction. That size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, allowing the tire's visual presence to match the direction of the restoration.

The best choice depends on how authentic-looking the car needs to be and how much importance is placed on vintage presentation versus modern road manners. Exact originality can vary by market, trim, and prior restoration decisions, so buyers pursuing highly specific historical accuracy should confirm details through marque references or period documentation before finalizing sidewall style.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1960 Singer Gazelle; it also changes the car's visual character. A 560-15 bias-ply setup carries a more traditional vintage look, while a 155R15 radial introduces a later-style metric format and a different overall presentation even when the rim diameter stays the same.

That difference matters on a small British sedan because the tire sidewall contributes strongly to stance and period impression. A bias-look radial such as 560R15 can be worth considering when the goal is to keep a more classic appearance while exploring radial construction. Even then, wheel width and overall fit should be reviewed before making the change.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Singer Gazelle even when the nominal size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, altered ride height, or body repairs can all influence how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits and clears during steering and compression.

That is why a car should be checked as it exists today, not only as it left the factory decades ago. A Gazelle that has been restored, lowered, or fitted with replacement wheels may need closer measurement at the fenders and steering components. Small vintage cars can be especially sensitive to wheel and tire changes that seem minor on paper.

Before driving a 1960 Singer Gazelle on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then verify lug seating, valve stems, and inflation pressure. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.

A longer walk-around should include checking for adequate fender and steering clearance, especially if the car has not been on the road recently. Collector vehicles often sit for extended periods, so brakes, wheel bearings, and alignment condition deserve attention too. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is ready for regular driving.

Tires on a collector 1960 Singer Gazelle should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, and remember that a low-mile collector car can still have tires that age out before they wear out.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber over time. It also helps to move the car occasionally or drive it enough to avoid long-term flat spotting, particularly on older-style bias-ply tires used mainly for show or seasonal driving.