1960 Triumph Herald Tires

A 1960 Triumph Herald uses either a 145R13 radial tire or a 520-13 bias-ply tire. Both sizes are associated with the Herald Base and both use a 13-inch rim, so the car's fitment path includes two legitimate size and construction approaches rather than a single universal answer.

The practical decision is choosing which setup matches the car and its intended use. A Herald kept close to period style may suit a 520-13 bias-ply, while a car already running radial-compatible wheels may lead you toward 145R13. Checking the actual wheel width and the car's present setup matters before settling on either option.

The 1960 Triumph Herald uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 520-13 bias-ply size or the 145R13 radial size, so the wheel diameter remains the same even though the tire sizing systems differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Wheel width still needs to be checked, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or when considering a radial equivalent for 520-13. A Herald with replacement wheels should also be checked for clearance and overall compatibility before a new tire set is selected.

520-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 5.20 portion refers to nominal section width in inches, while 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1960 Triumph Herald, this size represents the traditional bias-ply format and is offered in several period-style presentations, including blackwall and whitewall versions.

That older numeric format matters because it guides both appearance and fitment choices. A buyer comparing 520-13 to 145R13 or to radial equivalents should look beyond the wheel diameter and confirm wheel width, tire construction, and the car's intended look. On a small British car like the Herald, those differences can be very noticeable.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1960 Triumph Herald. It uses the older numeric sizing system and appears in bias-ply product lines such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Premium Sport Lowrider, with available blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

That means a 520-13 choice is as much about construction and appearance as it is about raw fitment. Buyers who want a traditional look often start there, but the wheel setup should still be confirmed, especially if the car has been changed over the years. A Herald already running radial-type wheels may call for a closer comparison before staying with bias-ply.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 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. These are alternative radial sizing formats tied to the original 520-13 fitment rather than additional primary factory-style size listings.

Each option should be evaluated against the Herald's wheels and available space around the tire. The recommended rim-width range for those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel width especially important. Overall dimensions and clearance should also be checked before converting from the original-style bias-ply format to any radial equivalent.

A 1960 Triumph Herald can be set up with either a 520-13 bias-ply tire or a 145R13 radial, so the right direction depends on how the car is being used and presented. Bias-ply keeps a more traditional period-style tire format, while radial sizing gives a more modern construction path on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

Appearance, wheel suitability, and the car's current setup usually decide the issue. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the visual character of a bias-ply or whitewall option, while a road-use owner may lean toward radial construction. The safest approach is to verify wheel width, tire clearance, and overall compatibility before making the switch.

Start with the correct size path for the car: 520-13 if you want the traditional bias-ply format, or 145R13 if you want a radial. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any useful fitment details such as rim-width specifications and load figures where they are available.

The Herald is small enough that tire appearance has a strong visual effect, so sidewall treatment matters almost as much as size. It also helps to think about how the car will be used. A show-oriented car may call for a different presentation than a regularly driven example, and wheel width should be confirmed before the final choice.

1960 Triumph Herald tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The 145R13 radial options are blackwall, while 520-13 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and a wide whitewall version, giving the Herald owner several distinct visual directions.

Sidewall style changes the car's presentation immediately, especially on a compact British car with relatively visible tires. A blackwall generally keeps the look simple and understated, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a stronger period-style statement. The right choice depends on the restoration theme, the wheel setup, and how authentic-looking you want the finished car to appear.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires for the 1960 Triumph Herald. Michelin and Firestone appear in 145R13 radial options, while Firestone and Premium Sport offer 520-13 bias-ply choices across different sidewall treatments and tire series.

Brand matters mainly as part of the larger selection picture. A buyer should still compare the actual size, construction, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel requirements instead of choosing by brand name alone. For the Herald, the most important first step is deciding whether the car should stay with a bias-ply look or move to a radial-format setup.

For a period-style 1960 Triumph Herald, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It uses the traditional numeric sizing format and is available in visual treatments that suit vintage presentation, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions that can shape the car's overall look in very different ways.

The best choice depends on how strictly original the restoration needs to be and what kind of visual statement you want the car to make. Tire series and sidewall treatment can look very different even within the same size. When exact historical accuracy matters, marque references and period photos are worth checking before the final selection.

Tire construction can change the look of a restored 1960 Triumph Herald more than many buyers expect. A 520-13 bias-ply typically supports a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later-style tire format that can alter the car's visual character even when the rim diameter remains 13 inches.

That difference is especially important on a compact car where tire proportions are easy to notice. Sidewall treatment adds another layer, with blackwall and whitewall choices creating very different impressions. A restoration-focused owner should decide early whether the goal is a period-style stance, a more practical radial setup, or a balance between the two.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Triumph Herald even when the correct size is being considered. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all change how a 520-13, 145R13, or a radial equivalent sits within the available space.

That is why the actual car should be checked rather than relying only on the original size listing. Wheel diameter may still be 13 inches, but width and clearance can vary significantly on an older vehicle that has changed hands over time. Steering clearance and fender clearance deserve a close look before mounting new tires.

Before driving a 1960 Triumph Herald on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, tire pressure, and basic clearance at the fenders and steering range. It also helps to confirm that the selected size and construction match the wheel setup, especially if the car has moved between bias-ply and radial tires at some point.

A collector car should also be checked for suspension wear, uneven ride height, and any signs that old tires may have masked alignment or handling issues. Once the tires are mounted, a short road test and another visual inspection can catch rubbing, abnormal stance, or pressure loss before the car is taken on a longer drive.

Collector-car tires on a 1960 Triumph Herald should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car wears 520-13 bias-ply tires or 145R13 radials, look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any slow air loss that may not be obvious on a lightly used car.

Storage conditions matter because many Heralds spend long periods parked. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before every outing, since low annual mileage can hide age-related condition issues that matter more than tread depth alone.