1961 Fairthorpe Electrina Tires

The 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the main difference is the sizing system and tire construction rather than wheel diameter.

That means the first decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply setup or use a radial tire. A car that still has its original-style narrow wheels may favor one option over the other, so wheel width, tire clearance, and the intended look of the finished car should be checked before choosing.

The 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 560-13 and 155R13. That shared rim diameter simplifies selection because the decision centers on tire construction and wheel width rather than moving between different wheel diameters.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a lightweight British sports car. Bias-ply 560-13 products and radial 155R13 products can call for different wheel-width ranges, so it is smart to confirm the actual wheel on the car before changing from one construction type or size format to another.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 designation means an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, written without the decimal, and the 13 means the tire mounts on a 13-inch rim.

That older sizing format matters because it describes a bias-ply tire family rather than a modern metric radial size. On a 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina, choosing 560-13 usually points toward a more traditional appearance, so wheel width, sidewall style, and whether the car is being restored or driven in a more modern radial setup should guide the final choice.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina. It is the traditional numeric format, and the available products in this size are bias-ply tires rather than radials.

That matters because a 560-13 bias-ply tire delivers a different construction choice than the Electrina's 155R13 radial option. Owners considering a change should compare wheel width, intended road use, and the look they want from the car, since moving between bias-ply and radial construction can alter both visual character and tire selection requirements.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 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 the radial alternatives associated with the original bias-ply size.

Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not just radial versus bias-ply. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to those equivalents, and the car's actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance around the fenders and suspension should all be verified before making the switch.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and, just as importantly, the wheel width on the car. The 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina uses 13-inch fitments, but radial alternatives to 560-13 should still be checked against the wheel's width and the tire's sizing format.

A good conversion check also includes front steering clearance, rear fender clearance, suspension condition, and the vehicle's overall stance. Because lightweight sports cars can react noticeably to tire changes, it is also wise to inspect for previous wheel or suspension modifications before choosing between 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13.

The key decision is whether the car should run 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radial tires. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they differ in construction, sizing convention, available sidewall styles, and the kind of visual presentation they give the car.

After size and construction are settled, compare wheel-width compatibility, brand, tire series, and how the car will actually be used. A restoration-minded Electrina may lean toward the traditional 560-13 look, while a road-driven car may point toward radial options, provided the wheel and clearance setup are checked carefully.

Sidewall choices for the 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina include blackwall radial tires in 155R13 and both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires in 560-13. That creates a clear visual split between a sports-oriented blackwall presentation and more traditional whitewall bias-ply styling.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the tire size and construction rather than treated as a separate cosmetic detail. A blackwall radial may suit an owner focused on a cleaner sporting look, while narrow or wide whitewalls can reinforce a more vintage appearance if the rest of the wheel and restoration theme support it.

Michelin and Dunlop offer radial choices for the 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina in 155R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer bias-ply choices in 560-13. Those brands cover both sides of the Electrina's fitment story, from metric radial blackwalls to classic whitewall bias-ply tires.

Brand selection should be considered alongside construction type, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. Rather than treating the brand as the only decision, it makes more sense to first decide whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply look or move toward a radial tire on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

A period-style 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina usually starts with the 560-13 bias-ply size, since it preserves the vintage numeric format and opens the door to traditional whitewall presentations. That makes it the natural place to begin when the goal is a more historically sympathetic tire appearance.

The final choice still depends on how the car is being restored and shown. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions create different visual effects, and exact originality should be checked against marque-specific references or historic documentation if that level of detail matters to the project.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina because the car can wear either 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radial tires. Bias-ply sizing reads as more traditionally vintage, while metric radial sizing gives the car a more modernized presentation even on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

Sidewall treatment plays into that decision as well. Blackwall radials create a cleaner sports-car look, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires can emphasize a more classic restoration theme, so the wheel style, body presentation, and intended use should all work together rather than treating the tire as an isolated detail.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearance can all influence how either a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial tire sits and moves on the car.

That is especially important on compact vintage sports cars with limited extra space around the tire. If the Electrina has aftermarket wheels or altered suspension, check steering lock, fender clearance, and suspension travel before settling on a size or converting between bias-ply and radial construction.

Before driving a 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated, and confirm that there is no interference at the front or rear. A quick visual check of steering and suspension condition is also worthwhile.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so the first road test should be cautious and deliberate. It is smart to recheck tire pressure after initial use and look again for rubbing marks, unusual sidewall contact, or signs that wheel alignment, worn components, or previous modifications are affecting the new tire setup.

Tires on a collector 1961 Fairthorpe Electrina should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and bulges, whether the car runs 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials. Light-use vintage cars often age tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage.

Good maintenance also means keeping the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or compressors. Regular pressure checks, occasional movement to avoid long-term flat spotting, and prompt attention to any vibration or pull help protect both the tires and the driving experience.