The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine arrived at a moment when compact British sports cars were gaining real traction with American enthusiasts who wanted open-air driving, crisp styling, and a lighter, more nimble feel than larger domestic cars offered. Tire choice on this Alpine centers on 13-inch fitments, with the Base using 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial options, while the Coupe steps up to 600-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial sizes. That creates a meaningful decision between traditional bias-ply appearance and modern radial sizing in blackwall form. The right choice depends on your exact sub-model, wheel setup, and whether the goal is restoration-minded presentation or regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine uses four primary tire sizes across two sub-models, and the first step is identifying whether the car is a Base or a Coupe. All four sizes fit 13-inch rims, but the fitment splits between bias-ply and radial construction, so the real decision involves both correct sub-model sizing and whether you want a traditional or more modern tire setup.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine, this radial fitment applies to the Base and gives that sub-model a modern radial option on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop, including Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet lines. It is a useful size to evaluate if the priority is keeping Base-model fitment correct while choosing among established radial designs.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Base, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment and keeps the tire choice aligned with an earlier small-sports-car look and feel. Product options include BFGoodrich and Firestone choices in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size makes sense when maintaining a period-style presentation matters as much as simply matching the wheel diameter.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 165-millimeter nominal width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine, this size applies to the Coupe and serves as the radial counterpart to that sub-model’s larger bias-ply fitment. Michelin and Dunlop offer blackwall choices here, including Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet series. It is the right size to consider when the car is a Coupe and the goal is to stay with the proper 13-inch fitment while choosing among radial tire designs.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning the tire uses a nominal 6.00-inch width and mounts on a 13-inch wheel. For the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe, it is the bias-ply fitment and gives that version of the car a distinctly traditional tire profile and sidewall presentation. Available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with either narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling. This size deserves a close look when the car is a Coupe and the aim is to preserve a restoration-oriented appearance without moving away from the original construction type.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine because the Base and Coupe do not use the same tire sizes. Both stay on 13-inch rims, but each sub-model has its own bias-ply and radial pairing, so identifying the exact version of the car is the first step before comparing products or considering an equivalent.
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1960 Sunbeam Alpine Base
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Base uses the smaller Base-specific fitment, with a choice between traditional 560-13 bias-ply sizing and 155R13 radial sizing. That makes tire selection less about rim diameter and more about whether the car is being kept in a period-style presentation or set up with a radial alternative for regular driving.
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe uses the larger Coupe-specific fitment, pairing 600-13 in bias-ply form with 165R13 as the radial option. That difference makes it important to avoid assuming the Coupe shares the Base setup, especially when comparing sidewall style, tire series, or radial-equivalent possibilities.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine has radial-equivalent options for two primary bias-ply sizes, with three radial alternatives available for each. For 560-13, the equivalents are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in those same categories. These options span classic Euro-metric and lower-profile P-metric formats, and the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width and clearance should be checked before changing size or construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch choices for the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine include Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone tires across radial and bias-ply construction. Buyers can compare blackwall radial series such as Michelin XAS and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet against bias-ply whitewall options in several widths.
Common questions for the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine usually come down to sub-model tire sizing, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how to balance restoration appearance with practical road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine uses different tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Base uses 560-13 in bias-ply form or 155R13 in radial form, while the Coupe uses 600-13 in bias-ply form or 165R13 in radial form. All of these are 13-inch tire sizes, but they are not interchangeable across the two sub-models without checking the full wheel and vehicle setup.
The most important step is confirming whether the car is a Base or a Coupe before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the next decision is whether to stay with the traditional bias-ply size or consider the radial size associated with that same sub-model. Any car that has been modified with different wheels or suspension should be measured carefully before ordering.
What size rim does a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine use?
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine uses a 13-inch rim diameter across its listed tire fitments. That applies to the Base and Coupe alike, whether the car is running 560-13 or 600-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 or 165R13 radial tires. The key difference between the sizes is not wheel diameter, but the tire width and construction used on each sub-model.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment question, because rim width still matters when selecting a specific tire. Bias-ply products in these sizes often have narrower wheel-width ranges than the radial options, so it helps to confirm the actual wheel width before moving between constructions. That becomes especially important if the car no longer has its original wheel setup.
Do all 1960 Sunbeam Alpine sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Base and Coupe do not use the same tire sizes. The Base uses 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sizing, while the Coupe uses 600-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial sizing. Each sub-model stays on a 13-inch rim, but the Coupe uses the larger of the two fitment groups.
That difference matters because a buyer can easily choose the wrong tire by focusing only on wheel diameter. The safest approach is to confirm the sub-model first, then compare the tire size already on the car with the intended replacement. If the Alpine has been converted to another size in the past, inspect wheel width and available clearance before assuming the current setup is correct.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
A 1960 Sunbeam Alpine can be set up with either bias-ply or radial tires, depending on the sub-model and the kind of driving or presentation you want. The Base uses 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial, and the Coupe uses 600-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial. Bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional vintage format, while the radial sizes reflect a more modern construction choice within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
The better choice depends on whether the Alpine is being restored with a period-style look in mind or prepared for regular road miles. Bias-ply and radial tires can differ in wheel-width requirements, so the actual wheel on the car should be checked before changing construction. It also helps to inspect clearance at full steering lock and verify that the suspension and alignment are in good condition.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13 on a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
For 560-13, radial equivalents include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in those same categories. These are radial alternatives to the two primary bias-ply sizes used on the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the decision is not simply radial versus bias-ply. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel measurement worthwhile before changing sizes. A careful fitment check should also include tire clearance within the fender opening and around steering and suspension components.
What should I check before converting my 1960 Sunbeam Alpine from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the radial conversion to the correct sub-model. A Base using 560-13 bias-ply should be compared with 155R13 or the related P-metric equivalents, while a Coupe using 600-13 bias-ply should be compared with 165R13 or its related P-metric equivalents. The radial choice needs to stay consistent with the Alpine’s 13-inch wheel diameter and intended fitment group.
Wheel width is one of the most important checks, since the recommended radial-equivalent rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches. It also helps to inspect the car for non-original wheels, suspension changes, or body modifications that could affect clearance. Looking at the condition of steering parts, bushings, and alignment settings is sensible as well before putting fresh tires into service.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine tire?
The first consideration is choosing the tire size that matches the exact sub-model. A 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Base uses 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sizing, while the Coupe uses 600-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial sizing. After that, the main decision becomes construction type, since the car has both bias-ply and radial options on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
Once the size and construction are settled, compare the available products by sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load figures where they are stated. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward bias-ply whitewall styling, while a road-driven example may point toward blackwall radial options. The actual wheels on the car should always be checked before narrowing the choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size and construction chosen for the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. The radial choices in 155R13 and 165R13 are offered as blackwall tires, while the bias-ply choices in 560-13 and 600-13 are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That gives the Alpine a clear visual split between more modern radial presentation and more traditional bias-ply styling.
The sidewall decision is often tied to how the car will be used and how closely the owner wants to follow a vintage appearance. Blackwall radials suit a cleaner sporting look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a stronger period-style statement. Since sidewall style is attached to specific sizes and constructions, confirm the correct sub-model fitment before choosing based on appearance alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial side in 155R13 and 165R13 blackwall form, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply fitments, including whitewall options in 560-13 and 600-13. The available product mix gives buyers a clear choice between radial and bias-ply brands rather than a single-brand fitment.
Brand should be compared alongside the more important factors of correct size, correct sub-model, construction type, and wheel compatibility. It also helps to look at tire series and sidewall treatment, because those details shape both appearance and application. A thoughtful comparison usually starts with fitment accuracy first, then narrows the field by brand and presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
A period-style 1960 Sunbeam Alpine usually points toward the bias-ply fitment associated with the correct sub-model. That means 560-13 for the Base or 600-13 for the Coupe, both on 13-inch rims. Those sizes keep the tire choice in the same vintage sizing language the car would have been associated with in its era, and they are available in traditional whitewall presentations.
Appearance goals still need to be balanced with the actual way the car is driven. An Alpine used mostly for shows and occasional local driving may favor the traditional bias-ply route, while a car that sees more road use may lead an owner to compare radial alternatives. If exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references should be checked before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1960 Sunbeam Alpine; it also changes the visual character of the car. The bias-ply options in 560-13 and 600-13 are offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, which create a more overtly vintage presentation. The radial choices in 155R13 and 165R13 are blackwall tires, giving the car a cleaner and more modern look.
That difference matters because many restoration decisions are visual before they are technical. A buyer trying to preserve an earlier showroom-era impression may prefer bias-ply styling, while someone restoring the car for active touring may be more comfortable with radial appearance. Construction should be chosen with both the desired look and the actual wheel setup in mind.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine even when the tire size itself sounds correct. Aftermarket wheels can change wheel width, and suspension or ride-height changes can alter available clearance around the tire. That matters on a car with multiple 13-inch fitment paths, since the Base and Coupe already begin with different tire size groups.
A modified Alpine should be checked at the wheel, not just by reading the sidewall on the old tire. Wheel width, steering clearance, and space inside the fender opening all deserve attention before settling on a replacement. It is also smart to inspect whether the current tires appear centered properly within the body opening, especially on cars that have been altered over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is in good shape, and make sure the chosen size matches the correct Base or Coupe fitment. New tires should also be inflated properly for the application, and the car should be checked for obvious alignment or steering issues that could affect early wear.
A low-use collector car benefits from a broader inspection as well. Look over suspension bushings, shocks, steering joints, and wheel bearings, then check for any signs of rubbing at full steering lock. A short test drive followed by another visual inspection helps confirm that the tires are seating and clearing properly before the Alpine is taken on longer outings.
How should 560-13, 600-13, 155R13, or 165R13 tires on a collector 1960 Sunbeam Alpine be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1960 Sunbeam Alpine should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and periodic evaluation of tread and sidewall condition. That applies whether the car is running 560-13 or 600-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 or 165R13 radials. Because collector vehicles are often driven less, age and storage conditions can become just as important as visible tread wear.
A sensible routine includes checking for cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss before road use, especially after the car has been parked for long periods. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives. It is also worth rotating the car’s position occasionally so the same section of tire does not carry load for extended periods.
